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June 2007 News

Journalism students to take exams again after papers are lost in post

College offers to cover extra costs as steps are taken to ensure papers don’t go missing again

Distinctions for first two students on investigative journalism MA

New vocational course believed to be the only dedicated investigative journalism MA in the UK

Multimedia qualification devised after positive press feedback

Video, blogs and online writing to come into new preliminary exams

Journalism students face retakes as shorthand exam papers are lost

Candidates’ work was sent by recorded delivery but failed to arrive at NCTJ offices for marking

Brush with the law for media student vox-popping the locals

Trainee managed to turn the situation around after his credentials were called into question

Newspapers led student to story – but seemed to have missed it themselves

Trainee followed story up after spotting comments on web forum

BBC reporter tells all on trip to Coombeshead College

Journalism hopefuls get the low-down from broadcaster

Subs training centre at The Argus wins NCTJ approval

Formal accreditation for course that will welcome first students next month

Sports journalist wins 1st team spot with Hawks

Ice hockey team place for scholarship news trainee

First candidates pass new NCTJ subbing exam

Three out of four gain qualification launched to meet industry needs

Award win follows exam success for Scots reporter

Inverness Courier reporter Helen Paterson lifts TS Murray Award

Journalists' training body moves to launch online option

Prelim exam to help reporters operate in a multi-media environment is piloted

Subbing skills shortage tackled by new training centre at The Argus

Students will learn production skills in busy newspaper environment

Multimedia journalism course launched with help of the Gazette

New opportunity for trainees will tap into evening paper’s expertise

Court sentencing guidelines explained to journalism students

Legal chief puts students in the picture

NCTJ holds first higher education forum

Trent University hosts 17 journalism trainers at NCTJ event

Tips on choosing a journalism course

Emma Clark, former marketing and communications manager for the National Council for the Training of Journalists, offers her advice on choosing between journalism courses.
Recently I've attended numerous careers fairs around the country, meeting students of all ages keen to break into journalism - whether that be in newspapers, television, radio or magazines. And of course, all students want to know which journalism course they should go on and whether they need NCTJ qualifications.

A quick look at the trainee job ads on HTFP demonstrates the importance of gaining the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Many adverts require candidates to have, or be awaiting results for, their NCTJ Diploma.

Trying to break into the industry without it makes a tough task almost impossible. With the rise in tuition fees, choosing the right journalism course is even more important than ever and students need to be sure they are learning the vocational skills required by employers, enabling them to hit the ground running when they enter the newsroom.

Employers know that an NCTJ-trained applicant will be able to find and construct stories, understand media law and ethics and be able to take down an accurate shorthand note when required. And contrary to popular belief it is not just the regional press looking for these skills, but nationals, online and broadcast too. Recent Sky Sports News schemes, for example, have been looking for practical skills including a minimum of 100wpm shorthand.

Student journalists can complete their NCTJ training in a number of ways - FE colleges and independent centres offer the Diploma in Journalism as fast-track and academic year courses, while universities offer it as part of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. All of these journalism courses lead to the same NCTJ qualifications and meet the same standard, allowing students to pick the one that's best for them.

It's no secret that the NCTJ has an exacting standard, and this applies not just to the qualifications but also to the course provider. All NCTJ-accredited courses have to work incredibly hard to meet the requirements in the same way that students have to work incredibly hard to achieve the gold standard. This ensures the NCTJ logo acts as a meaningful kitemark for quality journalism training.