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October 2009 News

New era for Echo as office move takes place

Paper moves to new home after 25 years

Top students and trainees named in awards shortlist

Over 100 entries to the second annual NCTJ prize giving

Evening Standard to become a free newspaper

Decision ‘should transform’ daily’s commercial fortunes

OK! move for new weekly newspaper editor

Former celeb mag deputy says Hello! to new colleagues

Possibly preventing something premature

Premature births are on the up in Scotland by 16pc since 1980, according to new research. Much of the increase has been linked to obesity-related diabetes, say scientists from Edinburgh University. Is this a geographical problem affecting certain regions? What’s

Teaching primary about the bottom line

Would-be pitchers to the Dragons’ Den should be getting much younger. One of the stars of the hit BBC show Peter Jones told the launch of a national enterprise scheme that primary school children should be taught how to run

Hollywood execs court regional press columnist

Time-travelling novel could be made into mini-series

Newspaper launches £2.5m breast cancer appeal

Bid to build specialist unit swings in life

Scottish daily launches series of online debates

Readers to get the chance to quiz top politicians

Former Mail sports editor dies aged 79

Legendary rugby writer spent career with South Wales title

Conman 'posed as newspaper publisher'

DeVito lookalike charged for fake adverts

MEN named top newspaper in new O2 awards

Gazette, News and LEP also take home prizes from regional awards

Regional political correspondents make date with Mandy

Business secretary to address annual lunch

Assistant editor quits to become driving instructor

Newsman set to change gear after 32 years in industry

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.