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April 2012 News

Business and finance option added to NCTJ diploma

The National Council for the Training of Journalists is adding a new module to its journalism diploma covering specialist business and finance reporting. Training chiefs say the new specialist option in the diploma, which will be available from September 2012,

Journalism training centre goes into liquidation

College had lost NCTJ accreditation last year

Head of content made redundant after three weeks

Journalist questions why editor was allowed to take him on

Man cautioned over posts on newspaper website

No reason to believe comments were not genuine says editor

War of words played out across newspaper’s ad pages

Feuding residents take out space in weekly

Weekly website overcomes might of the MEN

Asian title scoops newspaper prize

Where were you on Saturday night?

As young reporters we were always taught to scan the ad columns for good stories – but just what story lies behind this one from the Scunthorpe Telegraph is anyone’s guess. It made us laugh, anyway!

Daily reporter helps bring rooftop protest to an end

Journalist promised protester interview in paper

North-East daily newspapers’ offices to be closed

Jobs to go as three titles are centralised in Sunderland

Newsagents hit out at Johnston Press changes

Federation demands urgent meeting with Highfield

Spring clean for Trinity Mirror’s regional websites

Changes rolled out across group’s titles

Decision deferred on Northcliffe bid to buy freesheet

The Office of Fair Trading has delayed a ruling on whether regional publisher Northcliffe Media will be allowed to buy independent newspaper the Nottingham and Long Eaton Topper. Northcliffe bid for the Topper last year after closing down its own

Leeds editors survive the chop as new roles announced

News chief will take charge of digital initiatives

Bettsworth confirmed as Leicester Mercury editor

Long-serving deputy steps up to top job

Journalists get into their stride for children’s charity

Reporters will take on the Great North Run

Editor ‘sacks’ deputy over theatre review

‘He’s now working in district office’ jokes news chief

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.