Newspaper Reporting
This is the most common pathway, accounting for almost 80 per cent of courses accredited by the NCTJ.
Students on newspaper journalism courses learn how to become skilled and knowledgeable multi-platform reporters and are expected to take seven core study units - news writing (includes writing for websites); media law (court reporting and general reporting); public affairs (local and central government); a portfolio of published work or coursework; and shorthand. Assessments in each unit are graded from A to F, except for shorthand where students can enter exams at speeds from 60 to 120wpm. To gain the preliminary Certificate in Journalism (Newspaper reporters), students must pass all the core exams at grades A to C including shorthand at 100wpm. Students attaining this qualification are eligible to sit the National Certificate Examination (NCE) after a minimum of 18 months in employment. This is the industry's 'Gold Standard'. Some centres offer the additional optional subjects of sports journalism and/or sub-editing.
In newspaper reporting, there are courses of the following types:
- University degree courses (full and foundation)
- University postgraduate course (MAs and PgDips)
- FE College fast-track courses
- Commercial fast-track courses
- Academic year courses
- Part-time courses
For an A to Z list of courses 2008-09 click here
