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September 2009 News

Up to 50 jobs to go at Press Association

Decsion to axe Teletext leads to restructure

Regional political correspondent dies aged 71

Broadcaster helped organise gallery celebrations

Old-style court reporter axed after 54 years

Freelance used typewriter to bash out stories

Veteran editor 'was unfairly dismissed' says tribunal

But ageism claim against publisher is rejected

Yorkshire journalist wins 'woman of substance' prize

Brave Lisa rewarded for courage in face of adversity

Mission accomplished for Gazette campaign

Paper organises 7,000-signature petition against closure plan

Plane crash newspaper boss 'was flying too low'

Aircraft struck tractor while trying to land

Axed weekly editor launches gay wedding magazine

Tickled Pink to go on sale next month

Weekly newspaper in Bonfire Night record bid

Night of a Thousand Guys will help Dreams Come True

New bid to widen inquiry into council newspapers

Office of Fair Trading asked to intervene

Are the British obsessed with potholes?

Leicester Mercury editor Keith Perch penned an interesting counterblast a week or so back on the subject of potholes and why we in the UK are so "obsessed" with them. Keith had been holidaying in Italy (lucky beggar) and noticed

All Archant regionals to be printed in Norwich

£8m upgrade gives group biggest regional press plant

Journalists to be taught how to tweet

Journalism school launches e-course for Twitterers

Photographers face UK-wide police clampdown

BJP probe shows use of controversial Terrorism Act provision

Deputy editor notches up 30 years' service

Plus: New shorthand book to be published and more news in brief

Photography award deadline extended

Plus: New post for former Scotsman editor and more news in brief

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.