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December 2022 News

Radio 1 and ITV presenters to mentor university’s journalism students

Course associates to help would-be journalists

Former GB News chief to work with regional publisher in new senior role

Journalist unveiled as transatlantic title’s UK head of news

Jobs created as new launches take on established rivals

Hyperlocal network continues expansion

Regional political editor leaves role to take up senior reporting job

Journalist also steps down from local lobby-inspired group

Regional daily journalist who went on to US career dies aged 67

Former assistant news editor dies after blood clot

City news title revives print edition after three-year break

Spring launch touted for publication

Sturgeon welcomes opening of hyperlocal title’s first office

Editor hopes move will “make local independent journalism sustainable”

Journalist to spend six weeks helping Sri Lankan street dogs

Reporter launches fundraising appeal for animals

Police breach editor’s human rights in unlawful hunt for sources

Ruling believed to be “landmark” for journalists

Independent title reveals investment plans as former daily editor joins board

News site to seek financial support from readers

Industry chiefs to launch ‘ambitious’ bid to attract more working class journalists

New scheme to tackle “woeful” underrepresentation issues

Thousands light virtual candles as daily mourns frozen lake boys

Editor praises work of “exemplary” journalists

Law Column: How long should notebooks be kept?

The High Court exonerates meticulous journalism and the lengthy retention of documents

Journalist shares ‘shock’ at lack of change after chasing up daily’s 2018 probe

Newspaper reveals homeless families’ “squalid conditions”

Choose your favourite regional press front pages of 2022

Voting now open in our annual poll

Last of five editors recruited in localisation drive quits publisher

News chief says farewell to hometown paper

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.