FAQs

Click on the question, or scroll down, to find the answer on this page. FAQs are listed in alphabetical order. They can be searched by clicking on the 'Searchable FAQs' link on the left.

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1: Are there any accredited correspondence/distance learning courses in journalism?
The only newspaper journalism distance learning course we know about is the one run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

The London School of Journalism runs distance learning courses in freelance journalism.

NCTJ
London School of Journalism

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2: Are there any courses for news photographers?
Yes. The National Council for the Training of Journalists runs press photography and photo-journalism courses at Sheffield which cover photographic technique, basic news values and, for photo-journalism, reporting. Four GCSEs and at least one A-level (including English) are required.

Detailed application forms are available from the National Council for the Training of Journalists, Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow, Essex CM18 7BL. Enclose a 9X4 stamped addressed envelope. Suitable applicants will have to take a written test, and if successful, will be invited to attend a selection interview at Sheffield college.

The NCTJ's National Certificate in Press Photography/ Photo-journalism may be available to established employees.


Sheffield College
NCTJ

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3: Are there any training schemes run by media companies?
Yes. There are a number of in-house training schemes. Among the biggest are those run by Trinity Mirror (tel:0191 201 6043) and Johnston Press (tel:01604 231528).

The BBC runs a news trainee scheme (careers@bbchrdirect.co.uk) as does the Press Association (tel:020 7963 7000).

Herts and Essex Newspapers has recently launched an in-house trainee scheme.

A list of in-house training scheme links will shortly be available in the Web Resources section of this site.

Trinity plc
Mirror Editorial Training Centre
BBC Training

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4: Can I get any help with funding to do a course in journalism?
A few local educational authorities may award grants to meet part of the cost of college or university courses. Early enquiries should be made to local authorities, because grants are extremely limited.

For undergraduate courses, apply through the UCAS clearing system. For post-graduate courses, apply direct to university.

Companies may offer funding for in-house schemes. Contact the companies direct.

The NUJ's George Viner Memorial Fund provides a limited amount of money to encourage more black people to take up training opportunities. ITN runs a similar scheme.

Unemployed people are able to access free training through CSV Media. There are also special arrangements for students with disabilities. You will find informatyionon bursaries on this site, in the ADVICE section.

Before applying for funding, it is important to establish your requirements and find out about course fees, living costs and so on.

George Viner fund
CSV Training
HIgher Education student support
UCAS support
Postgraduate funding guide
Funding for students with disabilities

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5: Can you recommend any books to help me improve my web writing style?
There's not much of real use around for writers wanting to improve their web style.

There is a book called 'writing for your website' by Susannah Ross (Prentice Hall, 2001), which is probably a good basic text, and one called 'Creative Web Writing' by Jane Dorner (A&C Black, 2002) aimed at, well, creative writers.

Most of the stuff in these books and elsewhere comprises really quite fundamental tips for writing in general (short sentences, active voice, all that sort of stuff.)

Many people find a book called 'Web Style Guide' by Patrick J. Lynch and Sarah Horton (Yale University Press, 2001) quite good, but it covers every aspect of web design including site 'architecture', browsers, graphic design, typography and so on. Chapter 6, 'Editorial Style', probably gives most of the information writers need in 10 pages. The whole book is available on-line for free, or there is a print version costing £11.95. The URL for the chapter on editorial style is:

http://www.webstyleguide.com/style/index.html

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6: Do you have to be a graduate to become a journalist?
No, but an increasing number of people (about 80%) entering the profession have a degree. It is not important what degree you have. While journalism and media studies degrees are increasingly common, most employers will be equally happy with a degree in English, History, Geography or any of the humanities, social sciences, languages or arts.

Even some science degress may equipe you for a career in journalism. Much more important than your degree subject, however, is experience and evidence of a commitment to journalism. It's always good advice to get involved in college or community publications or broadcast organisations if you can.

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7: I always see adverts for distance learning courses in journalism in the Sunday papers. Are these courses any good and what should I be looking for?
A good journalism course would cover a number of areas including:

- Basic writing skills
- Journalistic techniques of researching information, interviewing sources, getting ideas
- Knowledge of the law covering journalism - libel, reporting restrictions, etc
- Skills involved in obtaining commissions, presenting your material to publishers
- Business skills such as invoicing clients, keeping accounts, dealing with tax, etc
- Maximising income by using material several times in different markets
- Journalistic ethics such as protecting confidential sources, avoiding discriminatory writing.

Good correspondence colleges set specific assignments that are marked and returned with detailed comments by tutors with experience in the industry.

There is only one supplier of journalism correspondence courses currently approved by the NUJ and this is the National Council for the Training of Journalists
(01279 430 009).

There is an organisation called the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council that accredits correspondence colleges. You can telephone the ODLQC on 020 7935 5391 for further information, or to seek their views on other courses.

Journalism is a job that involves a wide range of skills and hard work.

Most professional journalists will have spent one to three years in degree-level full-time education specifically aimed at a career in journalism, followed by at least 18 months working for a local newspaper, radio station or small magazine before they would be regarded as qualified.

A correspondence course cannot be seen as a substitute for that level of preparation for a career. It should be undertaken for its own sake, to enable you to write effectively for a community or voluntary publication, or as a hobby.

NCTJ
Open & Distance Learning Quality Council
Fathom (commercial distance learning resource)

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8: I am a graduate and am thinking about journalism as a career. Where can I find out about the best courses?
You may be best advised to look for a job with a company that runs an in-house training scheme, such as the BBC, Trinity Mirror or Eastern County Newspapers (recently rebranded as Archant).

Among the best university level providers are City University, the University of Central Lancashire, and Cardiff University. More can be found in the Web resources pages on this site.


BBC
Trinity Mirror
Archant
City University
University of Central Lancashire
Cardiff University

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9: I am about to be made redundant from my staff job on a magazine and am thinking about freelancing. Do you have any advice?
Good basic skills in writing or speaking may help, but freelances with a particular expertise are forgiven a lot when they are needed, so play to your strengths.

The key to successful freelancing is to know your market and never undersell yourself. The NUJ's freelance fees guide provides a useful resource for freelances in the market, as does the 'Rate for the Job' database maintained on London Freelance Branch's web site.

The on-line NUJ Freelance Directory is a good place to advertise yourself.

The NUJ runs courses to help people learn how to negotiate better freelance rates and provides members with a Freelance Fact Pack. The union's London Freelance Branch runs courses Getting Started as a Freelance aimed at novices.

The NUJ main web site
London Freelance Branch
NUJ Freelance Directory

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10: I am currently working in broadcasting but need to develop more multi-media skills. Where can I find out some information about available short courses?
A full list of such courses is available through Skillset, the National Training Organsation for the audi-visual industry.

The Skillset web site is the first place to look.

Skillset web site

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11: I am planning to train as a journalist and would like to do this by distance learning as I am moving abroad next year. Do you know if these courses are well thought of? How do they compare to vocational training? I have no prior training in journalism.
Although tutorial courses at the London School of Journalism are approved by the NUJ, the School has never sought accreditation from the Union for its distance learning courses.

The only distance courses which are approved by the NUJ are those provided by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, who can be contacted at info@nctj.com.

NCTJ

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12: I can't afford to spend three years studying journalism. Are there any fast track courses?
Many practical journalism courses last for one academic year however there are some fast track courses. Highbury College, Portsmouth, offers 20 week fast track courses in both newspaper and magazine journalism.

Lambeth College offers a 20 week course in newspaper journalism. Sheffield College offers an 18 week course in reporting.

The Journalism Training Centre in Mitcham, South London, offers a 14 week foundation course in journalism. The London College of Printing offers a 13 week course in periodical journalism. And the PMA Group offers a nine week postgraduate course in magazine journalism.

NUJ Training, of course, runs a number of one and two day courses which may be combined to provide a good introduction to journalism.


Highbury College
Lambeth College
Sheffield College
Journalism Training Centre
London College of Printing
PMA Group

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13: I often see work advertised in newspapers for proof readers to work from home. Where can I find proof reading courses?
Many companies and academic organisations offer proof reading as part of more extensive courses.

The NCTJ's supplier - Pulford Editorial - offers a specific short-course in proof reading. Another short course, biased towards the book sector, is offerd by the Publishing Training Centre at Book House (tel:020 8874 2718).

West Herts college says it is developing a proof reading course - watch this space.

Training Pages comes up with eight proof reading courses, although some of these have no scheduled dates.

Pulford Media
West Herts College
Training Pages
Book House

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14: I want to become a journalist. How do I go about it?
Reporters and photographers are recruited as trainees directly by regional or local newspapers. Some employers run their own training schemes. You will be expected to have obtained a minimum of 4 GCSE passes or their equivalents, including English. GNVQs and BTECs are common qualifications but, increasingly, trainees are coming into the industry with A-levels or even university degrees. Training contracts generally last around two years and include a six month probationary period. You may be enrolled on a day-release course and required to pass NCTJ examinations. If you wish to take this route, apply to the editor of a regional or local newspaper for employment as a trainee. Their details will be listed in current editions of Benn's UK Media Directory and Willing's Press Guide.

Apply to the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists, Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow, Essex CM18 7BL, enclosing 9X4 stamped addressed envelope) for details of recognised college or university courses (undergraduate and postgraduate) they accredit. These courses offer qualifications that are often accepted by employers, although it may help meet the requirements for these courses if you have at least a few week's work experience within the media.

NCTJ
NUJ main site

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15: I wrote for my student newspaper, undertook a week's work experience at a local paper and have worked in PR for three years. As well as working in a PR capacity I also edit our internal newspaper. We are a large charity and this has a circulation of 10,000 people. I would like to look into journalism training, with a view to some freelance work in conjunction with my career. Is this a feasible option? Would you recommend further training in the first instance? How do I go about convincing people of my credibility when I have not done any freelance writing before.
We'd suggest that you offer some stories to publications in the area of your interest. Give them some solid ideas - possibly even finished features. If you're any good, your credibility is assured.

London Freelance Branch of the NUJ runs occasional 'Getting Started as a Freelance' courses and NUJ Training runs a number of useful short courses: 'Negotiating Rates and Pay', 'Introduction to Feature Writing' and 'Advanced Feature Writing' among them. Look out on this site for dates, and - if you're not already - become a union member.

With freelancing, who you know is often as important as what you know.

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16: Is thirty two too old to embark on a career in journalism?
You're never too old to become a journalist. It's a career that offers many opportunities for experienced people, particularly if they want to cover the field in which they gained experience in the first place. For example, quite a few teachers become educational journalists when they want to leave teaching - and the same goes for many other professions. If you're not already a professional, it may be an idea to take a course in the basics - and even if you are a professional, journalism training will help you when you're looking for work. Thirty-two is probably a good age to move into journalism: you'll have a few years' experience, but still be young enough to adapt easily. To take the next step, I'd look on the site for information about suitable courses. Also, I'd try doing some writing or photography in your spare time. This is a personal view, because no union should encourage amateurism, but there are plenty of non-commercial publications run by cash strapped organisations which might welcome a volunteer.

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17: I'm 25, have just graduated with a politics degree from the LSE, and want to become a reporter. I have a little editorial experience from a volunteer placement with an NGO, but no experience of student journalism. Any advice on first steps?
Try writing round to newspapers or broadcasters - particularly if your degree is a good one (a 1st). However, my experience is that 'cold calls' and letters are better received by magazines and journals with smaller budgets. Many of these rely on freelance contributions and the best way to get work as a freelance is to come up with some good ideas for articles. In politics, this shouldn't be too hard. If you have contacts (from LSE or elsewhere) use them. You may have better access to certain individuals than the magazines. You may simply know about things nobody on the staff does - there's likely to be work for people who can write knowledgeably about pensions or the crisis in Southern Africa, say. If you can tie your ideas in to a particular event (like the recent AIDS conference in Barcelona) you're likely to get even better results. Write to the Economist, the Spectator, the New Statesman or one of the smaller circulation political journals. You can get a list of titles and addresses from publications like Willings Press Guide (available in some libraries), and it's a good idea to ring up first and find out the name of a specific person to address your letter to - for example, deputy editor, features editor or politics editor. Probably best to avoid the editor unless there's no-one else - s/he is likely to be too busy to read your letter. Address your letters to individuals, craft them so they read well, and follow them up with a phone call. If you have material that shows your writing style, enclose that with your letter.

The other option for a recent graduate is a postgrad diploma or short course. The Web Resources section of this site will give you a list of such courses. You can use these courses not just to learn journalism, but also to make contacts. Many of the tutors are likely to be journalists or ex-journalists and may be able to help you find outlets for your work.

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18: I'm already working as a reporter but I want to learn how to sub. Where can I find a suitable course?
The NUJ runs mid-career training courses for journalists, including weekend courses in subbing and design. For a full programme of NUJ courses click the link.

PMA Training are an accredited mid-career training organisation providing courses at various levels in subbing.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists accredit mid-career training courses run by Pulford Media Ltd., which include frequent one or two day courses in subbing as well as a number of other areas aimed primarily at those working in newspapers

NUJ courses
PMA Training
Pulford Media
NCTJ courses

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19: I'm doing a combined science degree but I would love to become a journalist. Will I be disadvantaged from someone who does a journalism course and what is the best route for me to take?
Have alook at the other FAQs on this site for general help. If you want to write about science, having a science degree is your best possible start. After that, you might want to try doing a year's pg diploma in journalism or a short course 9-14 weeks (look at Web Resources on this site for info). You may get a job straight off if you can demonstrate writing or other relevant skills - so write for the college newsletter or try getting some vacation work with your local paper or radio station. If you want to know more about science writing contact the Association of British Science Writers.

Association of British Science Writers

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20: I'm thinking of doing a media studies degree or masters as I want to be a journalist. Have you any advice?
Yes, don't bother if your aim is to become a journalist.

Many editors will consider a masters too academic. Media studies degrees are not generally aimed at those wanting to become journalists but are more geared to other jobs in the media. If you want to be a journalist do a journalism course.

A (partial) list of accredited courses appears in the Web Resources section of this site.

Web Resources

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21: My employer is talking about everyone working across our printed titles and online publications. I have no idea about html, web journalism or technology at all.
The NUJ runs a whole range of courses for beginners and at more advanced levels in internet publishing, internet research and in specific web-based software packages. A full list of current courses is available by clicking on the courses icon above.

Other approved organisations providing similar courses are PMA Training (link) and the NCTJ.

Check out the list of Web Resources on this site for more colleges and training organisations.

PMA Group
Cornwall College
NCTJ
Bournemouth University Media School
BBC Web Wise course finder
National Courses Database

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22: Should I try and get work experience and how do i go about it?
Yes. Most editors will look for a commitment to journalism in any job applicants. Most media organisations will offer some work experience opportunities, particularly during the summer months when full-time staff are often on holiday.

You should make direct contact with those organisations that interest you want - and be persistent.

Contact details are published in books such as Benns Media, Willings Press Guide and the Guardian Media Guide, all of which can be found in local libraries.

List of useful directories

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23: What skills are needed to become a journalist?
The skills you require depend on the kind of journalism you want to do. If pressed, most journalists will tell you that the most important skills are persistence, imagination, self-discipline and huge self-confidence.

More specifically, journalism covers a range of tasks. In print, these will include reporting, feature writing, sub-editing, photography, layout, illustration and graphics and a host of specialist jobs from drawing cartoons and compiling crosswords to researching background and commissioning artwork. The NUJ also includes authors, translators, book-production staff and workers in press and public relations among its members. You may benefit from conventional skills such as shorthand, an understanding of the principles of linguistic or visual presentation, experience of research, and familiarity with office software.

In broadcasting, you could find yourself writing scripts, reporting, presenting, producing or even editing audio and video. With the growth of digital media, broadcast journalism is changing radically and radio and TV journalists may have to acquire a whole new range of technical skills to go along with the coventional skills listed above.

The rapidly expanding field of on-line journalism presents even more challenges. An increasing number of journalists have to adopt a 'portfolio' approach to their careers. Even those who are not freelances find that they may be required to work on magazines, web-sites and multimedia presentations within the same company.