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December 2007 News

Insert headline here: More press funnies

Who forgot to put the headline in? Take a look at our new collection gleaned from local newspapers

Scottish Press Ball date is set

Plus: Increased business coverage for MEN, award for top student, and more news in brief

Trainee reporter wins national splash with data sale story

Assignment completed alongside coursework to make front page of The Times

High pass rate in press photography exams

Results “outstanding” with a 90 per cent pass rate

Jailed mother named after public interest protest from reporter

Journalist argues publicity would give minimal risk of adverse impact on the child involved

Journalism training chief offers stark standards warning

“Neccesity for change should not be an excuse for bad journalism”, says NCTJ man

Municipal editor 'Ding-Dong' David Bell retires – but won't be falling silent

Councillors will still be on their guard as veteran of 35 years continues as a columnist

Journalists' Charity fees on the rise after decade-long freeze

Change in subscription in a bid to encourage more people to join fund

Police commendation for local newspaper's crime reporter

“Reporting inspired the confidence of staff at all levels” across police unit

'Regional press vital in new political era' – PM

Gordon Brown highlights imprtance of “trusted” newspaper

Web-savvy journalists face testing time with ground-breaking qualification

Fast-track students become the first in the country to sit new exams

'Responsible journalism' bid fails in court

Crunch meeting on Thursday to decide the way forward

Editor bids farewell after 20 years with newspaper group

Gazette man leaves to take up a post in public sector communications

Reader help as Midlands title eyes online revamp

Making the most of the web is the name of the game at the Post

Possible strikes looming over pension contributions blow

Chapels north and south prepare to seek views on the next step in protest

Tamworth Herald and Kent on Sunday win top gongs at press awards

Click through for the winners and runners-up from last night’s 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.