AddThis SmartLayers

November 2007 News

20 years of the Borehamwood & Elstree Times

Newspaper celebrates 20th year since changing from its original title, The Post

Johnston Press backs leaflet drop for bully charity publicity drive

Publisher donates 150,000 leaflets to sub-editor’s charity

Crime reporters needed for university research project – can YOU help?

Academic wants to focus on the relationship between police and the media

Journalist's 'leak' hearing moves to crown court

Milton Keynes Citizen reporter faces three misconduct charges

Web takes the lead in race to cover breaking story

Night-time print deadline meant digital news reporting took over as flood crisis loomed

Regional press revenues steady for Trinity Mirror

Figures in line with the group’s interim results statement as marginal growth is recorded

Former Burnley and Clitheroe editor dies, aged 80

Raymond Mann edited the Burnley Express and the Clitheroe Advertiser

Former editor's book project was 'pure journalism'

Geoff Elliott launches book at an event attended by more than 200 people

Editor's open letter aims to boost £24.5m grant bid

Powerful presentation uses press muscle to help nudge fund judges into action

Hull Daily Mail targets female audience to boost sales

Early success records a 2.2 per cent sales rise after launch

Regional press news in brief

Plus: Archant’s geo-mapping, a Forester appeal – and more regional press news in brief

Croydon Guardian vows to investigate controversial adverts

Sex trade under investigation again as spotlight falls on small ads

Regional press news in brief

Work provided a “unique insight” – plus: journalist runs marathon on honeymoon, and more in brief

Northern Echo scoops top national award

Switch to compact helps Echo to be named Regional Newspaper of the Year

Interactive online death notices for Midlands newspaper company

Midland News Association titles join 550 already using legacy.com

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.