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June 2007 News

'Best student' picks up award

Coveted prize is handed out in memory of former Post journalist

Bursaries handed out in move to increase diversity in the newsroom

Trainees will begin studies later this year after first candidates are chosen

So you want to work in the creative industries? Try these work-ex tips

A journalism hopeful shares her secrets of a getting work placements and a foot in the door

Euro parliament writing contest for trainee journalists

Chance to win a cash prize and visit to Brussels is on offer to best talent

Press agency awarded training accreditation

Courses which are taught in a working newsroom are given industry thumbs up

Uni offers free journalism training to under-19s

New NCTJ-accredited course aims to give students a firm grounding in essential skills

TV man Austin praises work of NCTJ

ITV News journalist opens training body’s new HQ

Former editor Dooley takes on training ombudsman role

Newspaper man will oversee the quality and fairness of NCTJ qualifications

Popular degree course leads journalism department to expand

De Montfort boosts its reputation and targets double the student numbers

Successful NCE candidates – Spring 2006

Who qualified from your newspaper? See the full pass list here

Spring 2006 NCE: Logbooks

Who qualified from your newspaper? See the full pass list here

Spring 2006 NCE: News Interview

Examiners have their say on how candidates fared in the Spring ’06 National Certificate Examination, plus:

Spring2006 NCE: Newspaper Practice

Who qualified from your newspaper? See the full pass list here

Spring 2006 NCE: News Report

Who qualified from your newspaper? See the full pass list here

Role of NCTJ to come under spotlight at journalism seminar

Assessment methods and accreditation will also come under discussion by media trainers

Masters diploma in web journalism wins full accreditation

Three MA courses get the thumbs-up from assessors at Sheffield University

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.