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November 2014 News

BBC chief in pledge to help local journalism

James Harding says corporation wants to aid revival

'Seasoned old school hack' dies aged 74

Reporter served as president of the Chartered Institute of Journalists

Police lie to us on regular basis, regional editors claim

Conference hears of deteriorating relations with media

Johnston Press nearing digital 'tipping point'

Company ‘unlikely to introduce paywalls’

Editors lack training on commercial issues – NCTJ boss

Plus: Round-up of stories from the SoE conference

Trinity Mirror print revenue "volatility" continues

Statement reveals 5pc decline overall

New digital director appointed at Local World

Digital role for former football columnist

Nationals and regionals to speak with 'united voice'

‘Voice of local media’ merges with national counterpart

Regional daily to cease printing on its patch

Move will allow more colour pages

'I was victim of child sex abuse' reveals former weekly editor

“Harrowing” past discussed in new poetry book

'We're no dinosaurs,' daily editor tells minister

Daily chief speaks at talks with government

Former business editor launches new web venture

Former JP writer will also appeal conviction

Regionals could be exempted from compensation regime

IPSO chairman opens Society of Editors conference

More staff photographer jobs axed by JP

Staffers to be released at titles in North East and Scotland

Watch the 2014 Society of Editors Conference live

Live video stream of top media gathering

Daily continues "ground-breaking" scheme

Students to experience newsroom life as part of studies

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.