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September 2011 News

North-West daily uncovered ‘outrageous’ cage fight story

Newspaper sparked national ethical debate

Political knowhow wins student cash prize

Budding reporter praised for ‘exceptional performance’

Newspaper sends vital funds down under

Daily title raised £14,500 for disaster stricken area

Journalism training provider’s appeal dismissed

Course leader complained to qualifications watchdog

Journalists denied access to Moat tapes by coroner

Gunman’s messages to police will not be made public

Website apologises for damaging article about newspaper

Response from publisher had landed in spam tray

Shortlist announced for EDF Energy London and South of England Awards

Prizes to be handed out at Lords next month

Paul Foot Award open for entries

The annual Paul Foot Award aimed at honouring the best campaigning and investigative journalism in the UK is now open for entries. Now in its seventh year, the award was established in memory of revered investigative journalist Paul Foot who

Senior PR role for former regional daily editor

Ex-news chief joins city comms agency

Tindle becomes third biggest shareholder in Johnston Press

Entrepreneur raises stake in rival to 6.36pc

Regional daily boosts tragic miners’ fund

Title is urging others to follow suit

Dyson at Large: Screaming blue murder – calmly

HoldtheFrontPage blogger reviews channel island daily newspaper

Former newspaper boss dies in France aged 73

Manager oversaw change from edition to standalone title

Journalist couple’s lives captured on canvas

Scenes include former office where couple first met

Express and Star to cease printing in Wolverhampton

Newspaper will be printed alongside sister title

North West journalists call off strike

Company has made four compulsory redundancies

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.