Journalism At University Or NCTJ Course?

At the current time, I have applied for five Universities (Sheffield, Leeds Trinity/Leeds, Huddersfield and Staffordshire) I am still awaiting a reply from either of them. One of my tutors who was a former journalist told me of the NCTJ course in Sheffield which interested me a lot, by getting this qualification, it can mean a direct entry into local newspapers which interests me aswell. Its only for a year and you have to pay around £700 for the year’s work and exams.

But I am undecided whether a career in Journalism should be this NCTJ course or three years at Uni. My teacher said that Uni features a more broader aspect of Journalism and you look at different areas while NCTJ, its just about the basics. So what would be the best option for this? Uni/NCTJ?

Also, is there a possibility that someone could get rejected from all five options? I mean, if there’s a course for 20 spaces and loads of people apply, is there a chance of being turned down for all five? And how long is it before you get replies?

Thanks for any advice

Cheers

Reply 1

LouReedsPyjamas

I've just applied for the NCTJ course that runs with London Metropolitan. Yes, I'm aware of some of the horror stories surrounding the Met, but that doesn't really phase me!

I'm currently studying in the London Region, and I don't want to stray too far from London as I enjoy it here.

I'm currently 22, and studying a course that has lost my interest, so I've decided to take the NCTJ Journalism route. I have some experience in Journalism, although not an overly large amount.

It should hopefully cover a much broader area, as you say. There really shouldn't be a great deal to learn!

I haven't had an offer yet, although I just applied at the last minute (January 15th!). I may be at a disadvantage though as I have not provided a reference. I do hope they offer me a place though, as I may be well and truely buggered!

Anywho, good luck to you!

Reply 2

Zurich

I've done both a journalism degree and the NCTJ certificate. My 2c on both can be found in the big journalism thread at the top of the page this thread is on.... http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/t169710.html

Reply 3

Amlea

About funding for NCTJ courses? Is there any?

Reply 4

Ghost Grey

Don't do a journalism degree please, just don't. I'd say university is good because there's so much more to do than just the degree. But, remember, the degree is the main thing employers will look at and a journalism degree is not highly regarded, at all.

Do NCTJ and work your way up. Or, do a degree, get lots of experience and try to get work once graduated or do the NCTJ post grad.

I know people who've just done degrees - usually humanities, degrees like english, history etc - did 1/2 weeks work experience in the summer, did month long internships in the summer and wrote for their student paper and/or magazine. Most of them get work on national mags or papers straight after graduation. If they don't they usually just do the NCTJ post grad. Like Zurich said there is a big thread on it - 'av a butchers ol' boy.

Reply 5

ambiguous

Yeah, I did 2 weeks at the Sunday Times and they said NCTJ course is not the right thing.

They had a man in there who did a 5 year medicine degree, but became a journalist. Experience and knowledge is more important...not a degree in journalism, you don't write about journalism, you write about real life topics.

Reply 6

Ghost Grey

Originally posted by ambiguous
Yeah, I did 2 weeks at the Sunday Times and they said NCTJ course is not the right thing.

They had a man in there who did a 5 year medicine degree, but became a journalist. Experience and knowledge is more important...not a degree in journalism, you don't write about journalism, you write about real life topics.

I agree though, I'm writing for two magazines and I have no (real) journalistic experience beyond doing four days work experience at my local paper..

How did you get two weeks w.e at the Sunday Times? Did you apply whilst an undergraduate? Or?

Thanks

Reply 7

ambiguous

Ghost Grey

Well the best (and easiest) way to get in is through a friend (or a friend of a friend), but I didn't; I emailed them and asked. And that was it.

Reply 8

Ghost Grey

Well done. I bet you found it most invaluable. Did you apply whilst an undergraduate?

Reply 9

ambiguous

I did it earlier this year...easter time...while doing my AS-levels. Now applying for university.

Reply 10

Rachel100

Nowadays there are very few trainee journalist entries. Most people going into Journalism go through NCTJ courses from what I've been told by my careers advisor and various research.

look up www.unistats.ac.uk
Gives rates of employment 6 mnths after graduation 4 postgrad & undergrad courses

Best places for MAs- according 2 that =

Sheffield (95% employment 100% employment/further study)
City (97% - but not NTCJ accredited & £2000 more expensive than Sheffield!)
Cardiff (89% and NCTJ accredited)
University of Central Lancashire (95% and NCTJ accredited)
Nottingham Trent (95% and NCTJ accredited)