The University of Central Lancashire has teamed up with the BBC to set up a new course for people who have ambitions to become a journalist but think a lack of qualifications or experience is holding them back.

The two organisations have created a one-year foundation course which will teach the basics of journalism, such as where to find a good story, how to tell it and how to put together programme material for broadcast and online.

As well as studying from a base at UCLan’s Preston campus, students will have their own base at the BBC in Blackburn and be allocated a mentor from a member of BBC staff.

No specific qualifications are needed, and the aim is that once students have passed the foundation course they will go on to study for a journalism degree at UCLan.

Mike Ward, head of UCLan’s journalism department, said: “We are delighted to be working so closely with the BBC on the development of this exciting new course.

“Our students today are tomorrow’s journalists, working in an increasingly multi-cultural and complex society. We need to encourage entry onto our journalism degree from a diverse range of applicants and this will eventually feed through to UK newsrooms, where thousands of our graduates are currently employed.”

“This course is aimed at those who never thought a career as a journalist was within their grasp. The message it sends out is ‘it can be’.”

The course is open for people aged 18-plus, with mature applicants encouraged.

Two open days are being held at BBC Radio Lancashire’s drop-in centre at Darwen Street in Blackburn on August 16 and 23 between 10am and 2pm.

To apply contact Margaret Wilson in UCLan’s Admissions office on 01772 892414 or email [email protected].