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October 2009 News

Hull Daily Mail songbird hits the high notes

Plus: Free lecture by war correspondent and more news in brief

Press photographer quits to run hotel

New start for Scottish snapper after 36 years in business

Scottish daily to regain dedicated editor

Newsquest title begins hunt for new boss

Regional press group to carry ITN video clips

Player to be embedded on newspaper websites

Deputy editor confesses all as he bids farewell

Bucks journalist signs off after 21 years

Three more publishers to carry motors platform

Online motors offering expands beyond Northcliffe footprint

New court reporting guidance more 'media-friendly'

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the industry

Photographer stopped from taking beach photos

Incident could have far-reaching repercussions for press

Sir Harry drops in on his former newsroom

Sunday Times legend praises campaigning spirit of Northern Echo

More than 100 jobs under threat in JP print move

Edinburgh titles set to switch to Glasgow

Journalist editor candidates have their say

Eight-cornered contest gets under way today

New guidelines on reporting restrictions issued

Industry bodies collaborate to produce single guide

Editor scoops award for 'going extra mile'

Plus: Cancer appeal reaches £30,000 mark and more news in brief

Journalists and trainees celebrate diversity training fund

Guardian editor joins senior journalists at annual lunch

Newspapers team up to send sick kids to Santa

Titles’ race against time to help hard-up charity make Lapland trip

Sunday newspaper editor quits after nine years

Scottish news chief opts for early retirement

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.