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August 2021 News

Daily wins right to name child who carried out racial attack with machete

Victim was slashed as defendant’s own mum shouted encouragement

Daily editor turned council PR chief announces retirement at 55

Former news chief decides to “log off from corporate life”

Police probe launched after journalist and dog followed through park

Night editor issues warning to readers after incident

Daily vows to keep fighting for TV viewers after BBC refund row

Thousands affected after signal knocked out by fire

Editor pledges ‘more focused local coverage’ after weekly’s takeover

News chief reveals planned changes under new ownership

Weekly urges readers to ‘keep it tidy’ after backing anti-rubbish bid

Newspaper previously decried litter louts on front page

Ex-daily newsdesk boss unveiled as weekly’s new editor

Journalist “beyond honoured” to return to newspaper

Drunken go-kart champion smashed up regional news site’s imp

Vandal ordered to pay more than £2,000 in compensation

NQJ examiners praise increase in newsroom support for trainees

But warning issued about over-reliance on “official statements”

Editor urges readers to back ‘once in a lifetime’ chance for patch

Newspaper throws weight behind City of culture bid

Life of journalist who died during coronavirus lockdown to be celebrated

Celebration event to be held next month

Journalism students land swimmer scoop ahead of Paralympics

Double medallist opens up ahead of Tokyo Games

NCTJ reveals 10pc drop in rate of trainees qualifying as seniors

See the full list of those who passed the NQJ

Editor opens up on sister’s death in mass shooting after 34 years

News chief wants to offer “some kind of hope” to Plymouth families

Publisher to become more ‘youth friendly’ in bid to help younger staff

Company joins up with organisation that supports under-30s

£100k raised to help autistic ballerina realise dream thanks to daily

Teenager now able to stufy ballet at specialist school

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.