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March 2009 News

Government to stage summit on future of local media

Culture secretary gives backing to union proposal

Every day is good news day at the Mail

Daily paper in bid to put a smile on readers’ faces

Journalism lecturer's £10,000 walk for autism project

Former regional press man hits the highway for charity

Former Mirror assistant editor joins press agency

Shaun Milne helps Deadline set up new venture

Reporter joins the ranks of the men in black

Echo man achieves 100pc in FA exam

Journalists stage day of action over job cut plans

Archant staff continue fight against editorial shake-up

Reporter's third marathon after lifesaving surgery

London beckons for South Wales runner – and we want to hear your stories too

Advertiser welcome at the Palace again

Reporters free to interview staff after ban lifted

Future of local news to be debated in Commons

MPs discuss way forward after recent redundancies

Subs put forward plan to keep jobs in city

Counter proposals on table over Mercury merger plans

Strike ballot over Lancashire job cut plans

More posts under threat in maanagement shake-up

Tindle buys up four more free newspapers

View From titles latest acquisition for publisher

Angry protesters call for editor to be deported

Demonstrations cause mile-long traffic tailback

Former editor and honorary doctor dies aged 73

Russell Reid spent nearly 50 years in local newspapers

New executive editor for North Wales titles

Plus: IN&M chief steps down, journalist sworn in as rector – and more news in brief

Record number of complaints lodged with PCC

Annual review highlights privacy as a major issue

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.