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July 2012 News

Reporter takes on challenge of metre-long sausage

Contest is third eating contest attempted by journalist

Editor to take on 50-mile charity cycle ride

Paper organises event for local hospice

Ministers quizzed over traffic notices timetable

Questions have been tabled in the Commons asking when a decision will be made about plans to remove the obligation on councils to advertise roadworks in local newspapers. Shadow Transport Secretary Maria Eagle has asked ministers for timings on the

Northcliffe’s longest-serving daily editor to retire

Post news chief becomes latest to leave publisher

Watchdog backs weekly in disclosure of sources row

Information Commissioner rules paper acted correctly

Publisher completes deal on moving jobs to India

Johnston Press signs deal on outsourcing ad creation work

Hull daily wins region’s top prize

O2 Media Awards for Yorkshire and Humber held

Council writes to JP over daily to weekly fears

Motion calls for publisher to invest in quality journalism

Reporter goes back to school to test out new meals

Weekly journalist part of ‘Turkey Twizzler’ generation

Editor leaves job after suspension over Twitter use

Regional publisher confirms news chief has left company

Daily title publishes top 100 tweeters in Scotland

Scotland daily The Herald has published an online list of what it claims are the top 100 tweeters in Scotland. The paper has analysed the Twitter accounts of individuals across 10 sectors, including literature, sport and comedy, and found the

NUJ writes to Highfield objecting to office closures

Branch calls for plan to be reconsidered

Bullivant ex-journalists given 2p for every pound owed

Liquidation complete after collapse of weekly newspaper

Dyson at Large: Moving scoop from twins’ grieving mum

Our blogger reviews daily-turned-weekly title

Uni sets up centre of excellence for hyperlocal sites

Community journalists to be given support and training

South Coast newspaper on lookout for new base

Weekly to close its front office

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.