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September 2008 News

Jobs under threat at fast-growing weekly

“Moderate” chapel set to ballot on industrial action

Popular non-league football writer dies

Peter Hallett covered lower leagues come rain or shine

Deadline approaching for Plain English award

Still time to enter annual celebration of all that is clear

University bolsters journalism teaching line-up

Suzanne Franks the latest addition to Medway team

PCC raps paper twice after ruling row

Brighton daily pulled up for not printing adjudication closer to front

New film highlights police clashes with journalists

NUJ releases film as TUC backs media freedom motion

Metro News man opts for island life

Isle of Man titles to get new editor

They exist for your safety

Claims about the effectiveness of speed cameras have been greatly exaggerated, experts have warned. The Government estimates that the cameras lead to a 22pc drop in crashes and 100 extra lives are saved per year. But a doctor from Liverpool

Pie, pint and a pedicure

A Devon pub which dates back to the 12th century is luring in customers by offering them a pampering to go with their pint. Head massages, aromatherapy and pedicures are some of the treatments on offer at the Oxenham Arms,

Press photographer's round-the-world travelogue

Globetrotting Chris realises lifetime ambition

Northcliffe websites thriving in electronic audit

Press publisher under ABCe audit for first time

Globetrotting editor to take charge of his old paper

The rover returns as Geere is made South East regional editor

Mail investigation exposes "secret police"

Editor hits out at force’s “no communications policy”

Reporter reveals unseen world of the Beijing Games

Stifled internet access and ropey food all part of the fun for Telegraph journalist

Newspaper's backlash over football club farce

Evening Chronicle calls for owner’s exit after week of turmoil

Trip of a lifetime for the price of some shopping

A moneywise holiday maker is about to embark on a cross-Europe trip for the princely sum of £24. Her budget-beating excursion – taking in Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Morocco and Italy – involves ten flights at £1 each except for

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.