The National Council for the Training of Journalists was set up by the newspaper industry more than 50 years ago to set the standards for journalism training. Most editors and journalists have got NCTJ qualifications and most jobs in journalism call for NCTJ qualifications.
http://www.nctj.com

How do I become a journalist?

You will need to convince an editor that you have got what it takes.

And what does it take?

It takes the ability to find and write good stories both in print and online. The best way to convince an editor you can do that is to have a qualification from the NCTJ, which proves you can, and a portfolio of published work, which shows you can.

What is a sub-editor?

Sub-editors play a crucial role in every newspaper, magazine and publishing house. Their role is to ensure articles are grammatically and factually correct.

They cut stories to fit the page, write headings and generally make the stories as presentable as possible before sending them to print.

Sub-editors need a keen eye for detail, a cool head when the pressure is on, excellent command of English and a thorough understanding of media law.

Editors are constantly on the look-out for qualified subs with all of the above skills. This is why the NCTJ accredits this specific course.

Will I only be qualified to get a job on a newspaper?

You'll be qualified to get a job wherever good writing skills are required:

Newspapers
Magazines
PR
Publishing
Marketing agencies
Newsletters
Websites
Broadcasting

It's a multi-media course which teaches you how to find and write stories, shoot and edit video and write online and in print.

How much can I expect to earn as a journalist?

This depends on where you work.

Typical starting salaries for careers in journalism on a weekly newspaper are £16,000, on a daily regional they are about £18,000. The money goes up when you become senior or an editor.

And if you reach the top in TV and radio you could earn £millions.

Will I definitely get a job and become a journalist at the end of the course?

If you pass your exams and are prepared to be flexible, editors will want you. At the end of the course you have your qualifications plus a portfolio of work.

You'll also have good work experience under your belt and that should get you to interview stage. The rest is up to you!

I already have a journalism/media degree. Do I still need to do have an NCTJ Diploma in Journalism to become a journalist?

Many degrees and qualifications do not equip you with specific skills required for employment. The fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Journalism does.

I am working part-time and I would like to study part-time for the fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, one module at a time, is that possible?

You are able to study with us on a part-time basis, just contact us on info@journalistworks.co.uk or phone on 01273 540350 to talk through the options.

I am already a working journalist but would now like to learn sub-editing; do you offer a course for me?

Sign up for one of our sub-editing course. You can learn part-time or full-time. The courses lead to the NCTJ sub-editing exam and will teach you how to lay out pages with QuarkXpress and write headlines.

For more details, click here to learn about our unique sub-editing Course

I don't live in Brighton, can you help me find accommodation?

Yes! Many of our students come from far afield but have no problems finding somewhere to live. As there are two universities and lots of colleges in Brighton, there are plenty of student houses and spare rooms are advertised on local websites. We have a list of landladies happy to help and we can put you in touch with fellow course members from out of town who might want to share with you

Who should consider our Fast-Track NCTJ Diploma in Journalism?

Anyone who loves words
Graduates who want to get a foot on the first rung on the ladder to a career as a journalist
Sixth formers considering their options
Career changers
People already working in newspaper offices who would like to switch to an editorial role
Editors and contributors to newsletters, other publications or websites
Everyone who would like to hone their writing skills and earn a living from them

The course will build your writing confidence, improve your style and tighten up your grammar as well as equip you with all the necessary practical skills to work as a multi-media journalist in today's fast paced media industry.

Does the Fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Journalism cover online journalism?

Yes. In response to the changing demands of the job market, we now include the latest techniques of web-based journalism. This includes sourcing stories online, blogging, user-generated content, linking and tagging. We also teach how to shoot and edit video.

What qualifications do I need for the fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Journalism course?

It depends. Demonstrate to us that you have a good command of English, that you are genuine about your desire to get a job in this demanding and competitive industry and that you are prepared to work hard on the course. You will usually need a minimum of two A levels, and most students have degrees, but we also attract gap-year students or mature applicants without formal qualifications, sometimes a degree in the university of life can mean you are up to speed to start the course.

Can I talk to someone or come and have a look round before I make my decision?

Yes, of course. Please email your questions toinfo@journalistworks.co.uk or give us a ring on 01273 540350. You can then book a time to come and meet us at Argus House, Brighton.

What happens after I apply?

Once you have filled in our application form and hit the “apply now” button you will be invited to come to meet us and take an aptitude test. You have not committed yourself to anything – the idea is for us to meet so we can both decide whether taking our course is the best next step for you. The test takes an hour and a half and consists of a passage full of errors in spelling and punctuation to correct and some material to re-write in to a news story. We don't expect you to be perfect already; otherwise you wouldn't need to come on the course, just to show an aptitude for journalism. If you can’t get to Brighton then we can arrange a telephone interview and a test by email.

Are there any other costs in addition to course fees to consider?

No! Your fees include VAT and exam fees. You may like to buy a couple of course books, which should come to no more than £60.

Can I afford it?
This is an investment in your future - there are not many courses where you walk in unqualified and leave in just 14 weeks fully prepared to get a job in journalism.

There are some opportunities for financial support with course fees: If you're offered a place on our course you will be eligible to apply for a Professional and Career Development Loan (CDL), details can be found on www.direct.gov.uk.
The Journalism Diversity Fund provides grants for trainee journalists from diverse backgrounds. They want to support single parents, people with disabilities or anyone who cannot afford to do the course any other way. One of our students has applied successfully and had his whole course fees paid. Check it out on www.journalismdiversityfund.co.uk or call the NCTJ on 01799 544014.

The National Union of Journalists wants to encourage more black journalists into the industry through The George Viner Memorial Fund - and they are taking applications for grants now. Go to www.georgeviner.org.uk to find out more.

If you are claiming benefit or are a lone parent you can find out about the possibility of support with fees from your local Job Centre.

What do I do if my question is not here?

Feel free to telephone or email us.

Our phone number is 01273 540350. You can email us at info@journalistworks.co.uk

Find out more, click one of the links below...

NCTJ Diploma in Journalism | Graduate Jobs | Work Experience