Photojournalism (NCTJ)
Do you have a passion for taking photos as a hobby? Well how about doing the thing you love - and getting paid for it? This e-course leads to NCTJ photojournalism qualifications - the same offered by Sheffield College. They equip you for a career as a photojournalist on a newspaper, magazine or website.
You can now do a Pre-Entry Photojournalism 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 or a website.
This course has an excellent record of finding people jobs - and provides exactly the same qualifications offered by NCTJ-accredited Sheffield College, Norton.
Is this a proper course?
Yes, we are recognised by the UK Government and are fully accredited.
Who is the course for?
The course is open to anybody who is serious about a career in photojournalism. It is particularly suitable for people who:
Do not have the time, money or opportunity to go to college
Who are entering photojournalism late in life Who are considering a career-change Who have found it difficult getting a place at the NCTJ college
It is NOT for those who are just thinking about photojournalism. It is aimed at people who want to be working for a newspaper, magazine or website 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:
Subjects will not necessarily be done in the order below.
NEWSPAPER PRACTICE
• A photojournalist’s job and qualities
• Notebook discipline
• Contacts book
• What is news?
• Sources of news
• Industry organisations
• The journey of a photo
• The newspaper production process
• How the industry is structured
• How a newspaper is structured
• Contacts and how to make them
• Interviewing – face to face and by phone
• Newspaper terminology
• Ethics and the PCC Code of Practice
• Reference sources
• Graphics
• Covering emergency services
• The qualities of a good caption
• Headlines and captions
• Specialist assignments – group photography, sport, stake-outs, glamour and
fashion, studio work, exterior night photography
• The European Union
• Political parties in the UK
LAW
• Introduction
• Copyright
• Defamation
• Children involved in crime and the courts
• Sexual offences
• Criminal prosecution process
• Contempt of court
• Photography in and around court
• Official Secrets Acts
• Covering elections
• Journalist’s sources
• Magistrates' Court reporting restrictions
• Admissions to courts
• Obscenity
• Trespass and privacy
• Injury risks
NEWS AND CAPTION WRITING
• Copy presentation
• How to write in newspaper style
• House style
• The intro
• Story construction
• Use of quotes
• Captions
• Caption stories
• Graphics
• Writing fillers
• Writing press releases and handouts
• Human interest assignments
GENERAL PHOTOGRAPHIC KNOWLEDGE
• Light
• Camera, lenses and accessories
• Exposure and processing
• Colour
• Current and new technology
• Health and safety
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.
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
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.
You will also need a good digital camera.
Do I need any skills or qualifications to enrol?
We consider every application on its merits. However, basic photographic skills and experience will be an advantage. You will also need a good grasp of English.
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 photojournalist. 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.
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, a magazine, or a news website.
What about arrangements for external exams?
You will sit the four NCTJ exams.
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 if I live abroad?
We have students right across the world - see Studying Abroad.
However, you can only sit the exams at Sheffield College, Norton, which is in the UK.
You should not enrol if you cannot get to Sheffield to do the exams - unless you want to do the course without the exams.
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 £200) which are paid to them, when you enter.
Our fee covers all teaching material, textbooks and tutor support.
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.
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.
