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November 2007 News

Former editor joins university as honorary visiting professor

Ex-government minister will share his experiences of journalism and politics

UCLan launches journalism course with BBC

Joint venture is aimed at those “who never thought a career as a journalist was within their grasp”

Hostile Environment course helping young journalists stay safe

Graduates of short course find themselves thinking in a new way to stay out of trouble

Online journalism exam added to training body's tests

“Interview” exam will ask students to write a same-day story for their website

Charity fund bursaries give wannabe journalists a helping hand in training

Twelve candidates to take courses at UK universities thanks to NCTJ initiative

Europe articles required for journalism contest

Trainee journalists urged to pen well-reserached, accurate and original work

Journalism students brave the floods to sit exams

Truck rides and epic journeys ensure would-be reporters make it into college

Investigative journalism tour planned after summer school success

Training demand prompts expansion by Centre for Investigative Journalism

Seven up as trainees make the grade

Seven junior reporters from Archant Norfolk and Suffolk have been awarded the NVQ (Higher Level) in Newspaper Journalism (Writing) by the National Awarding Body the NCFE. The qualification marks their promotion from junior reporter to senior reporter in the newspaper

False arrest claim photographer plans to sue police

‘Not Guilty’ verdict from magistrates paves way for freelance’s legal move

Photo blog by press snappers lets pictures tell the full story

Multimedia blog brings photos to life and gives new angle on the news

Chronicle's picture tribute to veteran lensman Sam Farr

Bath paper celebrates the work of respected photographer as he takes early retirement

Press photographer uses skills behind the lens for charity calendar

Chance to get away from the office proves inspiration for Apex news man

Veteran photographer bows out

Paul Bentley has retired after 45 years with the Telegraph & Argus in Bradford

Midlands press photographer who won MBE has died, aged 74

Former Grantham Journal photographer Peter Dean suffered a heart attack

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.