Certificate of Higher Education in Journalism

Overview

If you want to break into a career in journalism, the essentials are work experience and the industry’s NCTJ qualifications. The Certificate of Higher Education in Journalism offers both, in an action packed integrated package of practical experience and academic study. Run in partnership with NWN Media, our course will give you the opportunity to spend two days each week on a leading newspaper title in north Wales or Chester guided by NWN Media’s senior journalists. Expect visits to local courts, councils and public bodies as part of your training on placement. On top of all that, you will study for the NCTJ Certificate in Journalism – the gold standard qualification for all would-be reporters.

Key Facts

• The course includes two days of work placement and two days at University per week
• Industry accreditation from the National Council for the Training of Journalists
• External visits will build on the theory
• Access to print, broadcast and online facilities to equip you with multi-media skills
• Students have access to our new Centre for the Creative Industries
• Industry and relevant speakers provide a different perspective and give you an insight into the issues affecting the media industry
• Our lecturers are all journalists with backgrounds in the BBC, national and regional newspapers, magazines and online
• The NCTJ’s head of accreditation Michelle Patient said: “This course provides a fantastic balance of work experience and taught instruction that gives students the chance to apply their knowledge as they learn."

Course Content

Certificate of Higher Education in Journalism

As well as spending time with regional newspaper group NWN Media you will study media law, ethics and the regulatory framework for journalists as well as looking at  how democracy works. You will have the opportunity to build up a news portfolio as you start to practice your journalistic skills through the practical elements of the course.  Your training will enable you to sit industry standard exams for the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), which accredits the course giving you a head-start in the competitive journalism jobs market.

Typical course content

• Public affairs
• Media law
• News writing
• Video journalism for online media

Modules

Level 1

• Media Law and the Legal Framework for Journalists (30 credits)
• Public Affairs and Democracy in Action (30 credits)
• Journalistic Practices and News Portfolio (30 credits)
• Advanced Professional and Technical Skills (30 credits)

Entry Requirements & Applying

You must be able to demonstrate that you have the ability and potential for success in a career in journalism by gaining at least 50% in the National Council for the Training of Journalists' aptitude test.

Course durationPart-time

September - July. The course includes two days on work placement and two days at university a week.

Fees

The cost of the NCTJ qualifications is included in the course fee (£1,500 for 2013/14 entry). This will include media law, public affairs, reporting, multi media portfolio and online video journalism plus four exam entries for shorthand. Exam resits or extra shorthand exams will have to be self-funded.