Newspaper or magazine journalist

You can take a degree course as a first step towards this career. Relevant subjects include:

• English
• journalism
• media and communications

Some courses are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists .

Graduates of other subjects can do a postgraduate course in journalism, lasting 1 to 2 years.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to get a trainee journalist position or to study at a higher level. Courses include:

• journalism
• multimedia journalism
• creative digital media
• creative writing
• English

Some colleges offer the Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Journalism and courses in shorthand , accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship with a media organisation, such as:

• Junior Journalist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Journalist Level 6 (non-degree) Apprenticeship

These usually take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You could start as an office assistant or trainee reporter on a local or regional newspaper, or junior feature writer for a magazine.

You'll need a minimum of five GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, or equivalent qualifications. Many recruits have A levels or a degree.

There is strong competition for jobs, and you'll need to show you've got writing experience. You'll find it useful to keep examples of your published work, especially if these include your name as the author.

To build up your writing experience you can:

• volunteer for student and community newspapers, magazines and newsletters
• write your own blog and create an online presence on social media
• submit articles and reviews to local papers and websites
• contact magazines and publishers about opportunities for work shadowing, internships and work experience

You can study for a number of professional qualifications in journalism at different levels, accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) . These can be done online, part-time or through fast-track training.

The NCTJ also offer online and short courses like:

• digital skills
• media law
• feature writing
• freelancing

You may be able to get help with funding for certain NCTJ courses through the Journalism Diversity Fund.

Career Tips

It'll be useful for producing online content if you can:

• use search engine optimisation (SEO) methods
• develop skills in basic HTML
• get experience of using different social media platforms

Professional and Industry Bodies

As a journalism student you can apply for student membership of the National Union of Journalists .

Further Information

You can find out more about working in journalism from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

As a newspaper or magazine journalist, you could:

• attend content planning meetings and develop ideas for features
• investigate stories as they break and follow up leads
• research stories, check facts and interview people in person, over the phone and online
• attend press conferences, product launches and events
• write up content for publication in print and online
• sub-edit other journalists' articles set for publication
• work closely with professionals like photographers and editors

You could work in an office, visit sites or from home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.