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January 2012 News

Friend takes on epic bike ride in reporter’s memory

Journalist turned teacher died at 28

Decision due on calls for cover price review

Review prompted by cover price survey

Daily waltzes its way towards cancer appeal target

Annual event raised more than ever

A plane-speaking headline from Peterborough

With today’s crowded skies, you might think at first glance that this headline from the Peterborough Evening Telegraph website was a bit of a case of dog bites man… The plane truth later emerged however when it was revealed that

New free magazine will be ‘perfect London handbook’

Tourists will be given tips on where to go

Journalist ‘gagged’ as court hands out ten-year ASBO

Pensioner banned from talking to local vicar

Scottish daily newspaper introduces online paywall

Website moves to subscription only

Design editor scoops regional publisher’s top prize

Chief executive rewards the ‘crème de la crème’

Weekly’s drug-driving law could be in Queen’s Speech

PM has backed calls for harsher laws

Newly qualified reporter to chronicle expedition

Journalist will begin freelance career in Asia

Journalist’s charity feat in memory of dad

Reporter has 100 days to visit 100 sports grounds

Scotsman ‘steps forward’ with iPad app

Readers can subscribe to online content

Public take part in community journalism workshop

Members of the public in Leicester took part in a ‘community reporters’ workshop’ as part of an initiative run by a university. The sessions were part of De Montford University’s Square Mile project which encourages people to get involved in

Brown joins newspaper in tribute to footballing legend

Fundraising event will raise money for club

TV newsman reflects on time as weekly reporter

Famous face started out on Surrey title

Outgoing commisioner calls for more FoI powers

Parliament told too many requests mishandled

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.