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September 2011 News

Newspaper receptionist stole £8,052 from Johnston Press

Magistrates order compensation payment

Greenslade backs call for regional voice on ethics probe

Pundit issues warning over panel composition

Weekly title seeks citizen reporters with new app

People will be able send stories via iReporter app

Olympics access row: Newsquest editors in direct appeal to Coe

Group-wide plea to London 2012 chief

Regionals ‘should have seat on press ethics inquiry’

Make-up of Leveson panel challenged

Regional daily launches bid to save BAe jobs

Company set to axe 900 posts following defence cuts

Journalist’s cash thank you to cancer unit

Former sports editor received excellent treatment at ward

Journalists to get hands dirty for good cause

One chosen charity will get helping hand from news team

Editor offers ‘foot in the door’ for aspiring journalists

Graduates will have the chance to gain some experience

Anatomy of a production order against the press

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the profession

Newspaper publisher drives ahead with site relaunch

Site will be powered by motors.co.uk

BoJo backs publisher’s bid for Olympics access

London Mayor intervenes in accreditation row

Murder uncovered by weekly newspaper’s FoI request

Editor’s shock at homicide report

Former reporter’s book tells city’s life stories

Publication examines nearly 200 people who made their mark

Health body complained about ‘misleading’ article

Newspaper ‘missed evidence’ at tribunal

Newspaper scores a hit with football fans

Relaunched app means fans never miss a story

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.