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OUR NEWSROOM IS YOUR CLASSROOM

News Associates run two courses that are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), both lead to a Pre-Entry Certificate in Newspaper Journalism.  Contact our London or Manchester numbers for information.

The NCTJ administers the industry standard qualification for aspiring journalists in the UK. To achieve an NCTJ accreditation, each training centre agrees to adhere to a strict set of guidelines, teach the agreed syllabus and to undergo regular inspections to ensure high standards.

The 20-week 'Fast Track' course has two intakes a year - in March and September. Students attend full-time Monday to Thursday and are expected to work Fridays at a work placement on a newspaper or news outlet.  For price information see Fees and Funding.

The 40-week 'Earn While you Learn' course has two intakes a year in January and September. It is designed to allow students to study part-time. The course runs on Monday evenings and all day on Saturdays and a two-week work placement must be also be arranged. For price information see Fees and Funding.

To be accepted on the course you must sit an entrance examination and interview, conducted by our Course Director/one of our Heads of Journalism Training and a senior editor.

Throughout the year there a regular FREE practical workshops where you can learn more about our training, meet tutors and former and current trainees.

Whatever course you choose, the syllabus is the same. There are four elements to the qualification - shorthand, law, public affairs and journalism. Students also have the option to take a fifth module in either sub-editing or sports journalism - both of which are NCTJ examinable - at no extra cost.

Students on the full-time course spend one day per week putting their classroom work into practice on a work placement. Part-time students must complete a two-week placement sometime during their studies.

Compulsory Modules

Shorthand

Shorthand remains an invaluable tool for the trainee journalist, particularly in situations that demand quotes be turned around quickly or where recording equipment cannot be used, such as a court room or the Houses of Parliament. Students are expected to reach the industry standard of 100 words per minute in Teeline shorthand.

Law

Students study law for two national examinations, the first taken half-way through the course, the other in the last week. Particular emphasis is placed on defamation and how to report from the courts. Visits are made to local Magistrates and Crown Courts where students can see the law being administered.

Public Affairs

This module concentrates on the study of local and national government. Students will study the work of local councils and authorities and see democracy in action in field trips to the House of Commons and London Assembly. Students will all sit two national examinations.

Journalism

Journalism is not just how to write a news story but where to find one and how to develop it. We have a close relationship with local papers, acting as their eyes and ears in the community and collecting items for our Newswire - which all newspaper editors are free to use.
We welcome guest speakers from the industry, from local papers to national press.
There are two modules on the journalism syllabus. You will study towards the national news writing examination and compile a reporter portfolio, which should include the best of your work with us and on your placement.

Optional Modules

Sub-Editing

Sub-editing is a key journalism skill and this module is aimed at those who are keen to add another skill to their journalism repertoire or those with an interest in newspaper production. This module is formally examined by the NCTJ and successful candidates will receive an NCTJ certificate in Sub-Editing, alongside their Pre-Entry Certificate in Newspaper Journalism.

Sports Journalism

The optional module has proved incredibly popular with students interested in pursuing a career in this media specialism. With our reputation in the field we don't feel anyone could teach the subject better. After work by our sports reporting staff, this module is now formally examined by the NCTJ and we are the first centre in the UK to offer it our trainees. Successful candidates will receive an NCTJ certificate in Sports Journalism.