DO you or someone you know want the chance to break into the media industry?

If so, the Southern Daily Echo and Portsmouth’s Highbury College are now accepting applications for the 2018 One Year NCTJ Diploma in Journalism course.

Starting in September, it provides students with everything they need to make it as a journalist on a newspaper, website, TV or radio station. Achieving the diploma can also pave the way for a job in PR, social media, publishing and communications.

The pioneering course – which is free for students aged 18 – mixes high-quality training alongside work experience at the Echo and its website, dailyecho.co.uk.

The course, which is fully accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and a proven way of getting a job, has been successfully running for the past two years.

Among the success stories are 2017 student Gareth Newnham and 2018 trainee Laura Sore, who were both taken on by the Southern Daily Echo after impressing during work experience.

The diploma covers the essentials of journalism and includes reporting, public affairs, media law, court reporting, video broadcasting, and shorthand.

While the qualification is a sure-fire way of getting into journalism, it can also lead to other careers in the media or communications industry. Others have used it as a gap year experience or even a way of getting into their chosen university.

Editor Gordon Sutter said: "I’m excited that the Southern Daily Echo is helping to prepare today’s students for the exciting multi-media world we operate in.

"This is an amazing opportunity for wannabe journalists to experience real-life, hands-on training."

Paul Foster, programme leader in journalism at Highbury College, added: "It’s been great to see students gain the journalism experience and then go on to get jobs in the industry. There’s no doubt that employers see the course as a fantastic grounding in the art of writing, publishing and broadcasting."

If you would like to apply go to highbury.ac.uk/journalism (see panel), ring 023 9238 3131 or e-mail journalism@highbury.ac.uk to arrange an interview.

What is required to join the course?

You will need at least 5 A*-C grades at GCSE including English and ideally you should have also achieved either two A Levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC Diploma.

What qualifications will be achieved?

You will achieve a Diploma in Journalism, accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

What attendance is required?

The programme is due to run over 36 weeks, starting in September 2018.

Cost and payment?

You will usually not be expected to pay a fee if you are:

  • Under 19 at the start of the academic year (as of August 31).

  • Aged 19-23 at the start of the academic year (as of August 31) and are unemployed and in receipt of certain government benefits.

  • Aged 19-23 at the start of the academic year (as of August 31) and do not already hold a full Level 3 qualification.

All other students will pay a fee. Students applying for these courses are usually eligible to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan but should consider their own personal circumstances and seek impartial advice before entering into a financial agreement.

How do I apply?

You can apply to join the One Year Diploma in Journalism by visiting highbury.ac.uk/journalism.

For more information email journalism@highbury.ac.uk or ring 023 9238 3131 and speak to a member of the Information, Advice and Guidance team (option 4).