Train to become a news journalist
This course will set the foundations for your career in journalism, studying a set of core modules before undertaking training and work experience to help build specialist skills. Modules range from public affairs and ethics to learning about essential media law and developing your shorthand skills.
For candidates interested in developing specialist skills as news reporters, you’ll have the opportunity to build a significant portfolio of work and get hands-on reporting experience through a weekly work placement.
All our courses are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
If you have a passion for news and good communication skills this course could be for you.
Who the course is for
Anyone interested in starting a career in journalism including recent college or university leavers. We also work with companies who wish to invest in their teams to improve their journalism skills. You don’t need a degree to join our course, just a passion and drive for journalism.
Dates
- 19-week programme of study at our London HQ
- The next course runs 19th February – 27th June 2024
- The following course intake begins 2nd September 2024
Where
61 Queen Street, London, EC4R 1EB
We are based in the heart of the city, a short walk from parliament and the central criminal court.
Fees
£5,563 for the full course.
Fees can be paid by instalments
Modules
- Essential Journalism – the basics of how to get the story and develop strong writing skills. No matter the role you’re aiming for, you’ll need to show these skills to get the job
- Ethics – understand the code that guides journalists and discuss real-life issues
- Essential Media Law and Court Reporting – this is essential for any journalist. The toolbox no journalist can be without, and every editor wants to know you have
- Journalism for a Digital Audience – understand how modern digital publishing organisations work and how to write brilliant stories across all digital platforms
- Public Affairs – understand how power works and how you can challenge it
- Shorthand – develop the skills to write 100 words a minute
After five weeks study, you will then choose a specialism so you can build your skills and knowledge in an area that interests you.
Your portfolio
For candidates interested in developing specialist skills as news reporters, you will have the opportunity to build a significant portfolio of work and get hands-on reporting experience through a weekly work placement.
Into the newsroom
You will spend every Friday for 10 weeks in an active newsroom. You’ll already have basic skills by this point, so this is your opportunity to practise and develop, while gaining a great network and a good understanding of how newsrooms work. PA Training tutors will be available to support you through this process.
Video training
All trainees also receive video training throughout the course, and you will build a strong portfolio so you have a range of work to show editors when it comes to finding a job.
Next steps
We have excellent links with newsrooms and can also offer support and advice to those choosing freelance careers. After the course you’ll be able to join our alumni network and build connections with other PA Training graduates.
Learning Outcomes
Develop the skills for good storytelling
Understand the code that guides journalists
Learn the basics of media law and court reporting
Learn the skills for creating excellent digital content
Learn how to write up to 100 words a minute
Why choose PA Training?
Europe's leading newsroom
We provide the best start to your career with our industry-leading journalism training. Training with the UK and Ireland’s national press agency means that you’ll be treated like a journalist from day one of your course, and we’ll focus on giving you the skills you need that potential employers are looking for.
Learn from the experts
You’ll be taught by senior journalists from some of the UK’s most prestigious newsrooms and produce stories that help you achieve top marks in your NCTJ exams — not to mention gaining the best start to your journalism career.
