NCTJ Newspaper - Price £525.00

You can now do a pre-entry newspaper journalism course with NCTJ qualifications - online.

Our online newspaper journalism course will give you one of the country's leading journalism trainers as your personal tutor and mentor - and the qualifications and experience needed to start a career in journalism.

That could be on a local paper, a magazine, a radio station or a website.

This course has an excellent record of finding people jobs - and provides exactly the same qualifications offered by NCTJ-accredited colleges.

• Is this a proper course?
  
  Yes, we are recognised by the UK Government and are fully accredited.
  
  See Why you can trust us.
  
  
• Who is the course for?
  
  The course is open to anybody who is serious about a career in newspaper journalism. It is particularly suitable for people who:
  
  
  • Do not have the time, money or opportunity to go to college
  • Who are entering journalism late in life
  • Who are considering a career-change
  • Who have found it difficult getting a place at an NCTJ college
  
  
  It is NOT for those who are just thinking about journalism. It is aimed at people who want to be working for a newspaper within the next 1-2 years. It is quite possible to complete the course in nine months - but you can take it more slowly if you have heavy commitments already.
  
  
• What does it cover?
  
  You will cover all the subjects in the NCTJ syllabus:
  
  
  • Journalism
  • Law 1 (court reporting)
  • Law 2 (general reporting)
  • PA 1 (Local Government)
  • PA 2 (Central Government)
  
  
  For further details, see What you'll study You can also email us for a Syllabus.
  
  
• How long will the course take?
  
  It's up to you. You can work at your own speed, and fit your studies around your other commitments. But as a rough guide, this course takes around nine to 12 months to complete.
  
  
• Who is my tutor?
  
  Your tutor will be Cleland Thom, who is recognised as one of the UK's leading trainers for the NCTJ exams. Find out about him.
  
  
• Is there any tutorial support?
  
  Yes, you can email your tutor any time - as often as you need to. This is really helpful in the run-up to the exams. We guarantee to respond within two working days, although it is usually much quicker. We will phone you if there is an issue that cannot be dealt with by email. In this course, you will get tutorial support for:
  
  
  • All aspects of your studies
  • Marking your assignments
  • Coaching for NCTJ exams
  • Marking mock exam papers
  • Finding work attachment
  • Finding work
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Career guidance
  
  
  
• What equipment do I need?
  
  Access to a computer with internet facilities, Microsoft Word software (or equivalent), and an email account. Some of our students study in internet cafes and libraries if they do not have their own equipment.
  
  
• Do I need any skills or qualifications to enrol?
  
  We consider every application on its merits. You will probably have A levels or a degree and plenty of commitment and motivation.
  
  Why not take the NCTJ's own aptitude test at www.nctj.com.
  
  This will give you an idea of your suitability for our course - though we do not insist that you pass it.
  
  
• What qualifications will I get?
  
  The NCTJ Preliminary Certificate, and the CTJT diploma, which is accredited by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council.
  
  
• What is this qualification worth?
  
  The NCTJ Preliminary Certificate is the industry-recognised qualification for a junior reporter. You would be unlikely to get a job interview without it.
  
  The NCTJ is the UK's leading journalism training body. It sets exams and accredits colleges. Its qualifications are recognised worldwide.
  
  The CTJT Diploma is widely recognised right across the media, mainly due to the large number of organisations where we have delivered training courses and have personal contacts. Check them out.
  
  
• What can I expect to do at the end of the course?
  
  Get a job as a trainee reporter, or possibly a senior reporter, on a regional or local newspaper or a news website.
  
  
• What about arrangements for external exams?
  
  You will sit the five NCTJ exams and the journalism Portfolio.
  
  We will remind you when to enter, and will advise you on which subjects to sit. You post your entry off to the NCTJ with the appropriate fee - around £35 per subject, which is not included in the course fee.
  
  
• What are your exam success rates?
  
  Our NCTJ exam success rates over the past five years are as good as, or better than, most colleges.
  
  We are one of the only organisations to put our results on our website - we've nothing to hide! Check them out.
  
  Make sure you find out the pass rates at any other college or institution you are applying to.
  
  
• What if I live abroad?
  
  We have students right across the world - see Studying Abroad.
  
  You can sit the NCTJ exams via the British Council in your region. We will explain how to arrange this when the time comes.
  
  
• What if I am disabled?
  
  Not a problem - see Equal Opportunities.
  
  
• How many hours a week do I spend studying?
  
  It's entirely up to you. With home study, you work at your own pace. You can do extra work when things are quiet, and work more slowly, or take time out from the course if you are busy.
  
  
• Are there any time limits or deadlines?
  
  No.
  
  
• How much is the course?
  
  £525. This covers everything apart from NCTJ exam and registration fees, (around £250) which are paid to them, when you enter.
  
  Our fee covers all teaching material, textbooks and tutor support.
  
  
• How do I pay?
  
  See Payment Options
  
  For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900.
  
  
• Are instalments available?
  
  Yes.
  
  You can pay in four consecutive monthly instalments of £131.25, either by cheque, standing order or by using a Paypal instalment plan.
  
  Email us if you wish to discuss other instalment arrangements.
  
  
• When can I start?
  
  Any time you like - straight away if you want to!
  
  
• Can I change courses once I start?
  
  Yes, no problem. We charge a small administration fee when you transfer.
  
  
• Is there careers guidance and support?
  
  Yes, you can email your tutor any time.
  
  
• Can I contact other students before enrolling?
  
  Yes, definitely - we encourage this. Email us if you would like us to put you in touch with them. We would prefer you to speak to them directly, rather than take our word for things.
  
  
• How do I enrol?
  
  You can enrol online clicking the Enrol Now button. There are several options available to you for payment.
  
  
• Do I have to sign anything?
  
  Yes, we ask you to accept our Student Learning Agreement. This is binding on you - and us, so we both know where we stand. Please read the SLA carefully before you enrol.
  
  
• What happens after I enrol?
  
  Once you have enrolled, we will contact you by email the same working day.
  
  If you pay using PayPal, they will email us once your payment has been processed. We will then enrol you as soon as possible - the same working day.
  
  We will send you your introductory course materials and first Module, using the email address you provided PayPal.
  
  Our offices are open Monday-Friday, 9am - 5.30pm GMT. If you enrol during evenings or weekends, we will be in touch as soon as we open again.
  
  

Further questions? Please email us