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June 2009 News

New minister urged to stimulate regional press

Union publishes rescue plan for local journalism

Brown's brother wins Scotland on Sunday apology

Publisher agrees to make charity donation

Trainee comes under fire from the Taliban

Ambushed in Afghanistan on Amry assignment

Students rewarded for 'priceless' shorthand skill

Journalist’s tool remains as vital as ever says editor

Teachers who are toughing it out

Teachers working in the UK’s “toughest” schools will receive a loyalty bonus of £10,000, under new government plans. The cash windfall would be given after three years of service along with specialist training to cope with problem students. The package

Supplement pulled after killing of mum-to-be

Victim worked for newspaper’s classified team

News pulls out all the stops for D-Day

Naval city is focus for 65th anniversary celebrations

Council-run papers 'fill communications void'

PR boss hit out at lack of investment by publishers

Has email led to glut of press releases?

Journalists invited to take part in PR survey

Post and Echo dominate regional award shortlist

Could it be a bumper night for Trinity Mirror duo?

Election night reporters use best of the web

Newspapers provide live results services

Guardian goes it alone with new solo edition

Surrey town gets new dedicated Series newspaper

Reporter sleeps rough with mayor and vicar

Late night outdoors gives insight into vulnerable people

Fallen star gives first interview in 20 years

Weekly editor’s chance meeting led to scoop

Under threat newspaper office saved from closure

Reporters to remain in the heart of the patch

Shake-up as long-serving editor steps down

Three titles to come under one chief in reshuffle

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.