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October 2012 News

Shortlist announced for NCTJ excellence awards

Prizes to be given to top trainee and student journalists

Royal seal of approval for weekly’s 240th birthday

Supplement published to celebrate anniversary

Revealed: How a 7.5pc ‘circulation rise’ turned into a 6.2pc drop

Publisher’s figures were delayed following irrregularities

Former weekly women’s editor dies aged 89

A former women’s features editor of a Sussex weekly has died at her home in Hove, aged 89. Jean Pitts started out in journalism during the Second World War and served as an Army press officer as well as working

Reporter describes interview with ‘odd, evasive’ Savile

Scottish journalist attended presenter’s 80th birthday party

Sainsbury’s to host reporter clinics after office move

Surgeries at store allow readers to meet journalists

Ex-YP man Hamilton in running for hat-trick of awards

Prize nomination for regional daily deputy editor turned author

News editor bows out after 49-year career

Journalist won awards as press photographer

Regional daily journalist swaps Glasgow for Dubai

Highlight at paper was THAT John Barrowman interview

New editor named for West Midlands regional daily

Post boss to take over sister title

Regional daily featured in Peter Pan musical

A Midlands daily newspaper has been featured in a new musical about Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie. Finding Neverland is currently enjoying a four-week run at Leicester’s Curve Theatre prior to transferring to the West End next year. The Leicester

NS boss Newell hits out over statutory press controls

Industry chief warns of ’17th century system of media licensing’

Sports reporter retires after nearly 50 years in industry

Journalist sent dedication by Sir Alex Ferguson

Former editor ‘could have been saved,’ inquest told

Hospital chiefs apologise over death of newsman

Lensman’s book reveals ‘Fifty shades of Black Country’

Former press snapper’s striking images published

Weekly launches Christmas shoebox appeal for troops

Editor urges readers to get behind appeal

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.