AddThis SmartLayers

July 2009 News

Protecting the twins and triplets

Mums-to-be expecting more than one arrival are not receiving the right information to protect their new babies’ health. Health experts at the Twins and Multiple Births Association have written to the government over fears that, without tailored treatment, the risk

Age ain't nothing but a number

Premiership football referees in England have to retire at the sprightly age of 48. But one referee in Aberdeen has just blown his final whistle at the ripe old age of 82. Eddie Norrie told the Evening Express he was

The young get streetwise

No-one likes to think that their personal belongings could be stolen but for children it can be particularly distressing if something is nicked. In a bid to counteract this, police in West Sussex are targeting the very young to wise

Staff bid farewell to long-serving editor

Daily Press boss to remain in ‘ambassador’ role

Nearly 30 jobs to go at West and Wales titles

New production hubs to go ahead in September

Magazine editor takes new role in shake-up

Plus: New university journalism head and more news in brief

Weekly editor leaves after 26 years in charge

Company restructure heralds end of an era

The joys of Twitter

As well as being one of the best observers of the national political scene either inside or outside the Lobby – check out his blog Outside the Bubble – David Higgerson is an enthusiastic Twitterer in his role as Trinity

Post and Mail 'vital part of democratic society'

‘Quality’ is key to future of Midlands titles

Standard goes 'regional' for ABCs

London title repositions itself for biannual audit

New board member at Johnston Press

Non-executive director joins after career with News Int

Press overturns baby killer naming ban

‘Strong case’ for identification of 15-year-old murderer

No confidence motion as media debate looms

Trinity management under fire from journalists’ union

West country photographic veteran dies aged 73

Daily Press man spent 41 years in one office

Reforms could further openness in children's cases

Our fortnightly round-up of legal isues facing the media

Ballot over proposed North-East job losses

NUJ members to fight compulsory redundancies

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.