how long is journalism course

What Does a Journalist Do?

At the most basic level, journalists investigate, collect, and present information. Journalists do this in newspapers and magazines, but it can also be done in radio and television broadcasts, and online, through websites, blogs, podcasts, and other digital platforms.

Journalism Salaries

Salaries for journalists vary widely from region-to-region, state-to-state, and individual job-to-job. Freelance writers, for example, can make as much as two dollars a word doing stories for national magazines, or as little $50 per story for an online site.

Steps to Becoming a Journalist

People who have successful careers in journalism tend to have a few things in common:

Journalism Degrees & Concentrations

These degree programs offer something for everyone, including both seasoned and prospective journalists.

Journalism Degree Levels

Though journalists often begin with a dream and remarkable talent, most need a degree to enter the field. Whether students earn associate degrees to learn the basics or pursue PhDs teach or conduct research, journalism degrees can provide the tools and education necessary to move up in the profession.

Components of a Successful Journalism Career: Skills, Tools, and Technology

Communications skills, both written and verbal, are a key component of a successful career in journalism. Journalists interview people on the phone, in person, and through email and other digital platforms. They report back to editors, and ultimately have to tell a story to an audience, either in print, broadcast, or online.

Career Trends in Journalism

Journalism is migrating to the web, and the hot jobs tend to be either in digital content or the integration of print and broadcast with digital content. The chart below illustrates where journalists worked, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data:

What is journalism?

Journalism is part of our everyday lives. From television and radio, to newspapers and magazines, to websites and social media. News and journalism are the tools in which people learn about current affairs all over the world, and journalists can influence the general public in a way that few other professions can.

Journalism course entry requirements

Some colleges and sixth forms offer journalism, so you’ll be at an advantage if you have this. But most don’t, so the important subjects are the humanities: English language, English literature, history, and media studies. Grade boundaries should be attainable, but journalism degrees can be competitive.

Why study journalism at university?

Journalists are at the forefront of information sharing. Most content we read or consume started out in the hands of a journalist, so they have an incredible ability to share their stories with the world. They are also in high demand, as media organisations grow and there is a demand for more content in developing countries.

Do I need to choose what type of journalism I want to study when I apply?

Some universities will divide the types of journalism into specific degrees, but most are general. For these degrees, everybody starts off by studying the basics and then moves onto the advanced modules that they want to specialise in.

Apprenticeships

If you want to combine work and study while earning a salary, you could consider an apprenticeship. Which apprenticeships are available, and how you apply, depends on where you live.

1. Certificate in journalism in Kenya

This is an entry mass communication course and you only require to have scored at least a mean grade of D plain to qualify (plus a D in Kiswahili/English).

Diploma Journalism courses in Kenya

A great deal of journalism jobs in Kenya need at least a Diploma qualification and it’s advisable to consider taking a Diploma programme after graduating with a certificate (for those who started at the certificate).

Degree in mass communication

If you’re qualified to take journalism at the degree level- a minimum of C+ is required- we suggest that you check out any of the leading universities offering journalism in Kenya.

Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication

This is the course for those who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in other areas but need a journalism qualification maybe because they’re working in a media house or just to make their CVs more attractive.

Digital journalism courses in Kenya

Digital journalism courses are recommended for those seeking to build a firm foundation in online journalism.

Job Options for graduates of journalism courses in Kenya

CPA John Gitahi is a former college lecturer and has been involved in education all his life. He's passionate about helping young people make great career choices. He studied Commerce and ICT at the University and runs several successful online entreprises. He is also an avid traveller.

Your journey starts here

The National Council for the Training of Journalists is the industry's charity that delivers the premier training scheme for journalists in the UK. We provide a world-class education and training system that develops current and future journalists for the demands of a fast-changing multimedia industry. Find out more about our qualifications.

Choosing an accredited course

The Level 3 Diploma in Journalism is the qualification that editors look for when recruiting a trainee journalist. The NCTJ accredits Diploma in Journalism courses at colleges, universities and independent providers across the UK.

Community News Project

Do you care about what goes on around you, wish your community had a louder voice, and want to make a difference? The Community News Project needs you.

Distance learning

Distance learning is a flexible study option and is available for a number of our qualifications. Distance learning allows students to learn at their own time and at their own pace. Find out more about our distance learning programmes.

Journalism Diversity Fund

We are looking for people who can bring diversity to a newsroom and need help funding their journalism training. Bursaries are on offer for those with the potential to succeed in one of the most exciting and rewarding careers around.

Latest shorthand results

Shorthand is a fundamental skill for all journalists and an accurate shorthand note is vital. Candidates aim to achieve 100 wpm to improve their employment prospects and to be eligible to sit the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ). A pass list with the names of successful candidates is published within four weeks of each shorthand exam.

Promoting women in sports journalism

The NCTJ is determined to improve access to careers in journalism for the brightest and best, whatever their background. We must do all we can to ensure that the press box and broadcast studios across sports are open to more women journalists.