Full Time Journalism - Magazine Fast Track NCTJ Diploma

Journalism - Magazine Fast Track NCTJ Diploma (Feb '10)

This course information relates to courses starting in February 2010.

Course code: B0812

Course category: Full-time

End Qualification: NCTJ Diploma

Starting and ending month: February to June

Starting year: 2010

Course duration: 18 weeks

Formal assessment: Formal assessment required

Course location: Wilson Avenue

Course aims:
We are running some of the best performing fast track journalism courses in the country: Best Fast Track Mags Course 2008 and 2007 and the last News Fast Track course (2008) had an unprecedented 100% pass rate in the news-writing exam.
The courses are practically-based with the bottom line of getting students jobs in journalism - print or online. Our lecturers are still involved in print/online journalism: Jan Goodey our feature writer lecturer writes articles for the Guardian, Big Issue, Ecologist etc; Karen Dugdale our Public Affairs lecturer writes for Marie Claire and The Morning Advertiser; and Peter Lindsey has been Group Editor of local newspapers for the past 20 years, including the Eastbourne Herald and Gazette series, Hastings Observer series and Sussex Express.
He became course leader here at City in September 2009, and is able to share his vast experience of the changing media world to the students.
The aim of this course is to produce prospective magazine journalists and give you the opportunity to develop publishable material. It will enable you to apply confidently for work in the industry and to pitch ideas for freelance articles to editors. It will provide you with a thorough understanding of good journalistic practice and the industry. The newspaper and magazine industries recognise NCTJ-accredited courses as offering an extensive grounding in journalism skills.
Fast Track courses run twice a year. One starts in September and one in February.
In order to give you the latest training for industry we have recently introduced a series of lectures and practicals covering online and video journalism.

Course content:
The course is taught through a combination of lectures and hands-on practical challenges in a working environment. A magazine office atmosphere prevails with students pitching stories and ideas out into the real world and real publications, while building their skills and a portfolio of work.
Students on our NCTJ Journalism courses will reap the benefits of a new relationship with the renowned publishing house, Johnston Press, who specialise in a wide range of
news publications. You will gain vital real-life experience providing copy for our very own newspaper that will be printed through Johnston Press and distributed throughout Brighton.
where the best articles will be showcased to a wider industry audience. We also have a highly respected roster of guest speakers including guardian media commentator Prof Roy Greenslade and Plan b magazine editor Damian Barr.
1.Law - NCTJ Law exam General Reporting
2.Public Affairs - NCTJ PA exam Central Government
3.Shorthand (Teeline) To 80 wpm - NCTJ shorthand exam
4.Writing - NCTJ news writing / online exam
5.Feature writing (including research and working as part of an editorial team)
6.Production and Design (using InDesign and Photoshop)
7.Subbing (for accuracy, fit and display on hard copy and online) - NCTJ subbing exam
8.Background to Magazine
9.Work experience (min. 2 week period) - Portfolio evidence, employer report

Assessment: Assessment is through a combination of exams, course work and a portfolio

Awarding Body: NCTJ

Entry Requirements:
You should have a degree, but applicants with 2 GCE A levels (or equivalent, eg BTEC National Diploma) and 5 GCSEs, including English, or those who show exceptional potential may be considered if they have relevant experience.
Selection is by two hour written test set by the NCTJ, which covers proof-reading, news story-writing and a current affairs quiz. This is normally followed by an interview with the course leader.
We are looking for people who are keen and committed to making journalism their career. Most successful applicants will have experience of writing and journalism.

Interview for entry: Interview required

Pre-entry preparation:
You are advised to keep up-to-date with current affairs via newspapers, television and radio. You will need a reasonable standard of grammar.

Progression and links:
The newspaper and magazine industries recognize NCTJ accredited courses as offering a thorough grounding in journalism skills. Students sucessfully completing the course often find employment with leading consumer/trade/charity titles or online websites.

Work experience opportunities:
You will complete 2 one week work experience placement as part of the assessed course.

Academic Centre:
CMED - Media

Costs of your Course:
There are five parts to the cost of your course:

• Tuition Fees
• College registration
• Awarding Body registration
• Resource Fee
• Exam / Assessment Fees

Tuition fees

How much will the Tuition Fees cost?

Below are the fees for 09/10.

Home/EU students tuition fees (per year) : 1333.00

International tuition fees (per year) : 5500.00

If you are under 19 on 31st August 2009 you do not have to pay Tuition Fees, the College Registration, Awarding Body Registration or Exam/Assessment Fees. However, you will have to pay any Resource Fees. Under 19s entering Higher Education will have to pay full costs.
Once you know your tuition fee, please look at the 'Additional Costs'. This will tell you all the extra costs you will have to pay in order to begin or complete your course.
Additional costsPayment dueTotal
College Registration at enrolment 44
Exam Fees at enrolment 350
Supplementary Resource Fee 100

Total for 19 and over : 1827.00
Total for international students : 5500.00