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October 2009 News

Green graves could be the future

Recycling has been the buzz word for years but the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium is taking things to the next level. A typical grave can hold up to six bodies so the cemetery is contacting certain families to

Helping to tackle the demons

A week doesn’t go by without a new study coming out telling us what is and isn’t good for us to eat and drink or which activities will or won’t harm us. But what are the realities for people battle

M5 murder probe prompts special free edition

Chronicle undeterred after story misses deadline

Friday Funnies: When three goes into six

Plus: A footballer gives birth, check your meal for swine flu – and more press funnies

Story count up as weekly paper unveils new look

Editor takes a break from skydiving to oversee redesign

Former local press sports editor dies aged 71

Greg Nicholas spent 30 years with Cornish newspapers

Print media 'best for retail advertisers'

New study offers welcome boost to press and magazines

Newspapers reach target in £56,000 Santa appeal

Just weeks after launch under threat Lapland trip is secured

Just Champion as daredevil stunt raises £1,000

Newspaper staff aim high for bone marrow charity

Ex-hacks launch spoof community website

Trio promise light-hearted look at news in Hampshire town

Widow's complaint about journalist visit

Plus: Incorrect bar brawl location and more resolved complaints from the PCC

New competition for unpublished travel writers

Plus: New photography archive goes live and more news in brief

Former sports editor's book charts Gazza's 39 days

Brief spell at Northants club provides material for new book

Cage-fighting drag queens bring web hits boost

Evening Post secures CCTV footage as video goes global

Teenage murderer named after gagging order lifted

PA reporter successfully overturns Section 39 ban

Online magazine bids to reach wider audience

New widget will enable content to be viewed on other sites

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.