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December 2011 News

Shock as talented sports journalist dies aged 33

Death not being treated as suspicious

Journalists to be taught how to write about health

Reporters will be trained how to write about health as part of a day-long course run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists. The Essentials of Health Journalism course, which will give an overview of modern biomedical research, was launched after research suggested that

Journalist returns to his first paper as editor

Successor to long-serving news chief announced

North-East daily proves it has the X-tra factor

Gazette backs Little Mix to competition victory

Reporter is first in local press to take award

East End journalist went ‘beyond call of duty’

Daily-turned weekly posts 46pc sales increase

Latest figures published for revamped Northcliffe title

Ofcom names 20 pilot locations for Local TV

Stations could be owned by local newspapers

Today’s news coverage ‘awful’ says retiring journalist

‘Too few reporters now’ says newspaperman

Reporter’s book unearths city’s scandals

Journalist shares stories of corruption

Industry’s finest wanted for 2012 Newspaper Awards

Entries are open until February

Northcliffe sells Somerset monthly title to Tindle

Veteran entrepreneur adds to growing portfolio

Mobile versions of Johnston Press websites go live

Business directory is embedded in new platform

Choose your top media funny of 2011

Your chance to vote in our annual contest

Journalist of the old school loses cancer battle

District reporter penned book about career

Daily’s campaign to boost Christmas trade

Readers urged to shop local

Journalist’s marathon trek pays off

Head of sport prepares for second leg of mission

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.