NCTJ Full-time Pre-entry Newspaper Journalism Course – September till June

Who are we?

One of the top FE colleges in the country – and that’s official. We hold Beacon Status as learning providers who have achieved top-class inspection results and have demonstrated outstanding qualities of teaching and learning, leadership and management.

Who are we looking for?

Only candidates who are determined to succeed in journalism at the highest levels. We want people who are committed to achieving a media career and will be single-minded towards this aim. Time wasters, easy riders, stay away!

How do we operate?

Our course is timetabled over four days per week for 32 weeks. Staff/students contact time is 22 hours per week. The fourth day is left clear for work experience with local newspapers, radio stations, magazines and PR companies. It’s no coincidence that papers throughout Warwickshire and the Midlands, as well as farther afield, are peopled with the bylines of our former students. And many are news editors and assistant editors while we also have a substantial record of media award winners from our past ranks.

What do we teach?

Our skilled and widely experienced lecturers teach news writing, media law, public affairs and shorthand, and we now include on-line journalism and web design as part of the overall package. College days are relentlessly pro-active, with group visits to courts, councils, public events and even the Houses of Parliament. Students work in an atmosphere of team effort and set up a newsroom to produce their own publication.

How challenging is it?

Very. The pace is hot, the work is demanding. But for anyone wanting to make the grade, it’s also stimulating and a lot of fun.

How much does it cost?

Overall fee is £3,700. This includes tuition, materials and all exam entry fees. Contact our Student Services Department for details of grants, loans, subsidies, according to circumstances. There is a huge reduction for anyone under 19 at the start of the course.

Who can apply?

Anyone, any age, from 18 upwards, with reasonable academic background. We select by means of individual interview and written aptitude test. We are looking for the right attitude and loads of potential, whether you are 18 or 38.

CONTACT: Head of Journalism Peter McGarry. E-mail [email protected]. Direct line: 01926 832655