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April 2012 News

Newspaper to face no charges over gypsy billboard

Complaint was over a promotional billboard

Hyperlocal site celebrates reaching double milestone

Big growth for platform launched in 2010

Union hits out over ‘brutal’ Johnston Press changes

NUJ calls for editorial guarantees after ‘shocking’ Yorkshire announcement

McLellan out as Scotsman editor-in-chief role axed

Raft of senior editorial changes continues at publisher

NCE pass rate drops to lowest in two years

See the full list of newly-qualified seniors

March 2012 NCE: Reporter’s entry hailed as ‘best ever’

Stories will be used in training

March 2012 NCE: ‘Silly’ errors cost candidates dear

Examiners give their verdict on senior reporter exam

Editor of award-winning Welsh newspaper retires

Newspaperman worked his way up the ranks

Echo probes child sex trade in honour of former editor

Campaiging journalist died on the Titanic

Tory MP complains over report on alleged assault

Complaint resolved after clarification published

Employee-owned newspaper celebrates 40 years

A weekly Scottish newspaper which claims to be the only title in the UK owned by its employees has celebrated 40 years in print. The West Highland Free Press was launched in 1972, and three years ago was sold to

Yorkshire daily editors’ roles merged as more changes announced

Wide-ranging restructure across JP’s Northern divisions

Long-serving daily editor leaves in restructure

Role could be merged with that of neighbouring title

Photographer takes on charity ride for hospital that treated son

Toddler had operation at Great Ormond Street

Stroke claims former North West newspaper editor

Funeral will be held on Friday

Dyson at Large: Shortage of news in Tindle weekly

South London flagship comes under the microscope

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.