AddThis SmartLayers

October 2011 News

Editorial team in race to save war memorial

Paper could save church’s Remembrance Day service

Take Five: John Marquis

Controversial former editor answers our questions

EDF Energy East of England Media Awards open for entries

Download your entry form here

English regionals excluded from press inquiry seminar

More industry doom and gloom from Claire Enders

Concert for former reporter who lost cancer battle aged 28

Ex newspaperman married three months before his death

Daily’s crime fighting campaign hailed a success

Joint effort saw offenders served justice

Independent title marks landmark edition

Founder reveals the secret of title’s success

Love for hometown led to ex reporter’s book

Former journalist had enough material for second volume

Bloggers costs taxpayers thousands, claims council

Authority quoted high cost of giving information to bloggers

Scottish journalist in magazine move

A former Shetland Islands newspaper journalist has gone on to become a magazine editor. Tom Morton, former reporter and news editor for weekly title the Shetland Times, will take over as editor of Shetland Life. Tom, who went on to become a

New role for editor at centre of strike row

Swift comeback for news chief made redundant by Johnston Press

World’s oldest newspaper set to lose its editor

Seven jobs at risk in West Midlands restructure

‘Sexsomnia’ rape case story led to complaints

Report appeared in newspapers across the country

Olympics access row raised at Tory Party Conference

MP responds to Weekly editor’s plea

Weekly title in bid to save birthing unit

Battle to save centre has gained huge support

Cameron ‘pre-judging’ future of PCC says pundit

Lack of regional press representation questioned again

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.