Journalism training news
June 11 2008
Five more courses win NCTJ approval
Three universities in Scotland have had new journalism courses accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists for the first time. Two more courses in England have also achieved the gold standard required for accreditation.
The first MSc in Journalism to impress the NCTJ is being run at The Robert Gordon University, in Aberdeen. The University of Strathclyde's MLit/PgDip in Newspaper Journalism has also made the grade, along with Glasgow Caledonian University's MA/PgDip in Multimedia Journalism.
Joining their Scottish counterparts are Staffordshire University's MA in Journalism and the 20-week fast-track course offered at the Manchester centre of News Associates/Sportsbeat.
The Robert Gordon University's course leader in Journalism Andrew Jones said: "We are very excited to be working with the NCTJ. Our partnership ensures that our degree will have real external relevance for students, and that they have the best possible chance of securing a long-term career in journalism."
The University of Strathclyde's MLit/PgDip in Newspaper Journalism follows on from a course previously offered by the Scottish Centre for Journalism Studies, at the university's Jordanhill campus. The previous course was accredited by the NCTJ for 15 years.
From September 2009, the MLit/PgDip is expected to be based at a new purpose built multimedia newsroom at the university's Glasgow city centre campus.
Glasgow Caledonian University expects to attract 20 applicants to its new course, which aims to integrate print, online and broadcast journalism core skills.
The panel who visited Staffordshire University said in its report: "The course is committed to all students sitting and passing NCTJ examinations far in excess of the eligibility benchmark. The team aspire to run quality courses and are fully committed to achieving excellence."
The fast-track Newspaper Journalism course at NewsAssociates/Sportsbeat in Manchester will replicate an already-accredited one in London. Panel members agreed they were confident the Manchester course would turn out skilled, knowledgeable and employable newsroom trainees, the majority of whom would graduate with C+ exam grades plus 100wpm shorthand and thus be eligible to enter for the industry's senior journalism qualification, the National Certificate Exam.
Those teaching accredited courses must adhere to the NCTJ's strict guidelines, teach the NCTJ syllabus and undergo regular inspections to ensure high standards are maintained.
There are now 70 NCTJ-accredited journalism training courses at 42 centres of learning - 22 universities, 13 further education colleges and seven private providers - across the UK.