MULTI-MEDIA JOURNALISM @NORTON COLLEGE

Dyche Lane
Sheffield
Tel: 0114-2603603
[email protected]

Fast-track 17-week Diploma in Journalism

Sheffield College (Norton site) can offer you cutting edge multi-media training from award-winning journalists, putting you in the best possible position for employment on a newspaper, magazine, website, or as a freelancer.

All our courses are taught through a combination of lectures and hands-on practical experience in a working news rooms environment. We have excellent contact with editors who regularly showcase students’ work in their publications.

You will also have your own website and Facebook page where the best articles can be seen by a wider audience.

From September 2010, we will be running the new NCTJ Diploma in Journalism which will include:

Multi-platform news writing

This will include news gathering skills, interviewing, writing techniques for print, online, SMS messaging and Twitter alerts and how to maximise readership through interactivity, including video opportunities.

Video/audio production and editing

Norton College is an Apple accredited centre and our media specialists will show you the latest techniques in video production and editing using CS3, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Motion and In Design.

You can showcase your multi-media creations in a portfolio of real world stories and impress editors or website managers at interview.

Media law

News is fascinating – we all absorb vast amounts of it every day in newspapers, on TV or online. As a multi-media journalist you will be the person writing these stories and it is your responsibility to make sure your copy is legally sound.

You will learn about court reporting and the legal pitfalls of general reporting. We also examine the ethics of good reporting through industry codes of practice.

Teaching is through a combination of lectures and work-related exercises where you can put your knowledge to the test based on breaking news stories.

Public Affairs

Having an overview of how the world ticks around you is a basic tenet of a successful journalist.

Public affairs examines how local and central government works from the perspective of a journalist.

We teach you facts but you will be in the driving seat during lessons with news quizzes, debates and story-sourcing to enhance your multi-media portfolio.

Shorthand

Never underestimate the power of shorthand, it’s a tough skill to learn but worth it in the end.

It’s an essential skill for a journalist to have a good shorthand note. For starters you can’t report from court without shorthand because recording equipment is banned.

Working to tight deadlines also means that you need to be fast at everything you do – including writing. Shorthand is also reliable – imagine getting an exclusive interview and your Dictaphone breaks down before the killer quote!

Optional units

You can enhance your NCTJ Diploma by adding optional units through the NCTJ. These include Writing for Magazines, Sport Journalism and Sub-editing.

Student success

Student success is at the driving force behind our NCTJ course.

Follow these links to read about our student achievements.

sheffcol.ac.uk/index.cfm?parentid=c85c1e08-080a-487a-ad91-bb6fd9b8192e

sheffcol.ac.uk/index.cfm?id=66aae239-772d-40b2-ab07-191118e86086

Student testimonials

Vicky Allison said: “I have really enjoyed this course. It has been a great stepping stone into the world of journalism.
“The teaching is top class, I have learnt more here in three months, than I ever did in three years at university.”

Paul Nizinskyj said: “The tutors on this course all have professional experience from newsrooms and are always there to provide help and advice. The sheer fact we’ve learnt so much in just 17 weeks is a testament to their skill and dedication.”

Jonathan Rudd said: “The journalism course at Norton College has given me an excellent foundation of skills and knowledge which will enable me to enter a newsroom with a huge amount of confidence.”

Industry testimonials

Norton College has an enviable reputation for achieving first class exam results and is recognised as a centre of excellence among local editors. Three leading editors gave these comments:

Mark Bradley, Wakefield Express group editor, said: “The Wakefield Express has benefited enormously from its strong ties with Norton College’s department of Journalism. We know that when a vacancy occurs, there is a choice of capable and well-trained replacements waiting in the wings.”

Robert Cockroft, editor of the Barnsley Chronicle, said: “Norton College has provided a rich seam of young journalistic talent over the years from which the Barnsley Chronicle has drawn.”

Neil White, deputy editor of the Derby Evening Telegraph, said: “Several of our trainee journalists have been on the fast track course and achieved considerable success. It arms them with the vital tools which are required to help them pass the NCE.”

How to apply

Download an application form from the NCTJ following this link:

Newspaper_course_application_form

Send your completed form to the NCTJ. When it has been registered it will be forwarded to our admissions department at Norton College. You will then be contacted by a member of our Learner Recruitment Team.