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February 2009 News

Oscar-winner Kate Winslet namechecks local paper

Reading title’s good luck fax earns it a global mention

Boss's claim reveals 'easy' argument on defamation

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the media

More journalists' jobs set to go in York

Sub-editing roles among seven jobs under threat

Paper rapped over 'filthy' chip shop story

PCC upholds complaint against Echo for misleading report

Reporter attempts to live on minimum wage for Lent

Newshound’s bid to survive in London on £5.73 an hour

Video record of long-serving editor's career

Retired newspaper boss turned up late for interview

Trinity Mirror mobile sites enter new phase

Plus: wildlife photography competition open for entries, BBC director to speak at media awards – and more news in brief

More newspapers fight back against the downturn

A round-up of credit crunch campaigns in the local press

Red card for newspaper in football kit row

Weekly banned from interviewing Palace staff and players

Meyer redoubles attack on "misleading" report

PPC chairman’s fresh broadside against standards trust

McLellan made Scotsman editor after Gilson quits

Renewed speculation about editor-in-chief appointment

Ex regional editor to oversee Northern magazines

Appointment comes days after MD is made redundant

Paper steps up campaign to find postman's killers

Evening Leader continues fight to end six-year mystery

Work-ex journalist's story gets worldwide headlines

Tale of thief-catching pensioner hits Asia and America

Union hits out at PA in dispute over job cuts

Agency will continue to supply services despite strike

Two centuries of journalism comes to an end

Quintet wave goodbye after lengthy press service

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.