News Writing
The aims of this syllabus are to enable trainees in newspaper journalism or potential entrants to:
• Gain a clear understanding of newspaper journalism
• Develop the ability to write reports for newspapers
On completion of a course of study for this syllabus trainees should be able to:
• Obtain, recognise and select important, relevant and newsworthy facts from
• either written or verbal sources, using appropriate skills or techniques
• Write clear, vigorous, accurate and balanced reports in a form that will attract
• and interest a specified readership
• Demonstrate a sufficient standard of skill to work in a newspaper office
Instruction will be given as necessary in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Without competence in these basic foundations, there can be no progress.
Trainees will sit a news-writing exam and complete a portfolio of training and experience.
Syllabus Content
• Writing news stories
Candidates will be able to recognise, obtain and select the relevant and newsworthy facts from either written or verbal sources and write a clear, vigorous, accurate and balanced news story in a form that will attract and interest the reader.
• News gathering
Candidates will study how to build contacts in a real-world scenario, and how to source and identify real stories through a programme of regular reporting work conducted in the area around their centre and through at least ten days of work experience on newspapers.
• Interviewing
Candidates will study how to conduct a structured interview in a classroom situation to obtain the relevant facts needed to write a clear, vigorous, accurate and balanced news story in a form that will attract and interest the reader. They will also apply this in real-world situations through a programme of regular reporting work conducted in the area around their college/university/training centre and through at least ten days of work experience on newspapers.
• Reporting scenarios and writing different types of story
Candidates will be able to select the content and style required for a variety of news stories including council, courts, inquests, employment tribunals, public and industrial inquiries, elections, press conferences and community events.
Reporter’s Portfolio
The Reporter’s Portfolio is a record of training and provides evidence of a range of reporting and writing exercises, as part of coursework or during work experience. When complete the Portfolio will include ten cuttings, with original copy and explanatory cover sheets, of real-world news stories and one cutting of a minimum 500 word feature.
Portfolio Content
• Ten story cuttings or pieces of coursework, with original copy and explanatory cover sheets, of a range of real-world stories which may have been published on work experience or in your course newspaper, magazine or website. These should demonstrate that the candidate has covered a range of stories and may include court and council stories.
• One cutting or piece of coursework, with original copy and explanatory cover sheet, of a feature which may have been published on work experience or in a course newspaper.
Reporter’s Portfolio will interact with the other relevant units throughout the program.
Work Experience
It is strongly recommended, but not mandatory, that candidates spend at least ten days working as a journalist during or after their course. This should enable them to consolidate the academic and practical aspects of their course and enhance their career development.
Placements provide an opportunity for candidates to:
• have first-hand experience of a journalistic work environment
• make an effective contribution to the newspaper
• develop professional and personal skills
• demonstrate professional skills to potential employers
• assemble cuttings for this Portfolio
• obtain insights and contacts to further their career.
Work experience can take any form: a two-week block, two blocks of one week, or single days spread out over a longer period. Placements can be undertaken in radio, television, online or business magazines – anywhere providing a news environment.
Shorthand
The aim of this syllabus is for trainees to achieve a speed of 100 words per minute, being the industry recognised standard. Achievements at lesser speeds are awarded, but trainees will not be able to progress to the National Certificate Examination (NCE), the NCTJ’s professional qualification, without 100wpm.
Syllabus Content
The syllabus will include the following:
• Journalism terminology and English grammar and punctuation.
• Detailed use and knowledge of Teeline shorthand, an industry recognised system of note-taking by hand.
• Development of shorthand vocabulary, special outlines/short forms and word grouping/phrases.
• Listening and memorising techniques.
• Planning and organising work within deadlines.
Public Affairs
The Public Affairs syllabus aims to give candidates an understanding of current issues in all the subject areas studies and to be able to apply the background knowledge to practical reporting exercises in all areas of the programme of study.
Syllabus Content
The syllabus is divided into two parts and will include:
Part One - Local Government
• The Structure of Local Government
• Local Government Elections and the Operation of Local Government
• Local Government Finance
• Control of Local Government
• Housing
• Education
• Planning
• Social Services
• Emergency Services
• Environmental Protection and Conservation and Licensing
• Highways and Transport
• Leisure, Recreation and Consumer Services
Part Two - Local Government
• Constitution, Monarchy and Devolution
• The Executive
• The Legislature
• Parliamentary Elections and Political Parties
• The National Health Service
• Social Welfare Service
• Business and Industry
• Utilities & Regulation
• The Treasury and Economics
• The Home Office
• The Ministry of Justice
• The European Union
• Defence and International Affairs
Media Law
The Media Law course syllabus is based on information contained in McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists, 19th edition, July 2007.
Syllabus Content
The syllabus is divided into two parts and will include:
Part One – Court Reporting and Associated Matters
• Defamation
• Contempt and related matters
• Basic knowledge of the law, court processes and the hierarchy of the courts
• Open justice (and exceptions)
• Restrictions/good practice, to prevent prejudice, on reporting what is said in court
• Juveniles/children in court cases and inquests, and associated reporting restrictions and ethical considerations
• Restrictions on identifying complainants alleging rape and other sexual offences, and ethical considerations
• Other restrictions on reporting information from court cases
• Challenges to court orders restricting reporting and excluding the press
• Other matter concerning coroners
Part Two – General Reporting (excluding court reporting)
• Defamation and related matters
• Contempt
• The Theft Act
• Copyright
• Restrictions on identifying complainants alleging rape and other sexual offences, and ethical considerations
• Confidentiality
• Disclosure of confidential sources
• Privacy
• Other aspects of the PCC Code
• Election Law
• Employment tribunals