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March 2010 News

ITV news chief returns to old paper as editor

New boss began his career at Suffolk weekly

BBC to give local newspaper sites 'room to grow'

Corporation issues ‘never more local’ pledge in major review

Dyson at Large: From Russia with live news

Capital assignment for our roving blogger

Digital editor quits to set up new video venture

Journalist launches PR service after ten years in local newspapers

Former journalist completes eight-day charity trek

Central American adventure raises nearly £4K for Macmillan

Archive of thousands of UK websites goes live

Plus: Photography mag goes monthly and more news in brief

Regional publisher launches new weekly editions

Recorder Series expanded across two new patches

Radio stations and universities join TV news bid

New partners for Welsh news consortium

Regional dailies launch paid-for electronic versions

North West titles will be available soon for 10p per copy

'Bring back spot the ball' readers tell editor

Phone-in generates huge response for Telegraph news chief

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.