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April 2011 News

Redundancy letter criticised for spelling mistakes

Union hits out on plans to axe up to 20 editorial staff

Paper rapped after victims of sexual assault identified

PCC to issue new guidance after Scottish daily breached Code

Northern Echo photographer barred from PM’s speech

Regional daily editor hits out after snapper refused accreditation

Tucker presented with lifetime achievement accolade

Former Press & Journal editor recognised at Scottish Press Awards

Weekly’s video of near-riot at court gains record views

Photographer placed himself at centre of action

Reporter’s challenge sees him spend £1 a day on food

Regional daily journalist highlights poverty line campaign

Devon daily in line for green award

Exeter’s Express and Echo is in the running for another major award in recognition of its green campaigning. The newspaper has been short-listed in the Newspaper Awards Environmental Initiative of the Year category, which it won last year. In the

Seminar to be held for budding press snappers

Budding press photographers and photojournalists are being offered chance to attend a free seminar where they can learn more about career options and training opportunities. The National Council for the Training of Journalists is holding the event at the Guardian’s

Sea rescue scoop hits the nationals two weeks on

Weekly’s exclusive makes headlines round world

Strike vote journalists decide against walkout

Chapel hopes for pay talks with management

Weekly competes with nationals for best app award

Shortlist for Newspaper Awards announced

Pic removed from online court report after complaint

Woman contacted PCC over photo taken without consent

Police force in pledge to NUJ over press passes

Move follows incident at demonstration earlier this month

Regional journalists complete marathon challenge

Charity funds raised at London Marathon

New monthly magazine launched by publisher

Title will feature homes and gardens, food, drink and fashion.

Former BBC and ITV chairman takes on PCC role

Watchdog announces three new public members

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.