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August 2013 News

NQJ examiners highlight ‘lack of understanding’ in law

Examiners give their views on the latest results

Journalist wins prize for ‘outstanding’ logbook

Four trainees gain awards for top marks in NQJ

Journalist’s five year legacy sees three lives saved

Transplants were direct result of education programme

Dyson at Large: Working hard on tight front pages

Blogger liked paper so much he bought it twice

Editor steps up at Scottish news group

Journalist promoted to editor-in-chief role

Newsagents hit out at daily’s cover price rise

NRFN said terms for retailers had been cut

Journalists’ body warns on private investigator laws

CIoJ fears proposed new regulations could affect investigative journalism

Regional publisher acquires planning website

Website joins growing portfolio of digital products owned by company

Fifty achieve senior status as NQJ pass rate falls

All the successful candidates from July exam

Newspaper group MD stands down after 16 years

Managers to report to parent company bosses in Scotland

Weekly newsroom to appear in new TV drama

Journalists to appear as extras in thriller

Saturday sports title makes digital switch

Online relaunch comes after closure of printed edition

Publisher increases investment in social network

Funds will allow site to expand

Reporter imprisoned in 60s re-releases debut novel

Former regional journalist was jailed for reporting on Chinese revolution

Regional daily creates film poster wrap for world premiere

Title devotes first eight pages to new movie

Student editor among Twitter bomb threat victims

Female student journalist targeted by troll threatening to bomb her house

Senior Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Lead – Chief Media Officer  Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Senior Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communication Planning Manager Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Manager NCTJ Saffron Walden, closes 26 Sep
Press Photographer North News and Pictures Newcastle, closes 13 Sep
PR Consultant Aberfield Communications Leeds, closes 6 Sep

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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.