NCTJ outlines new international journalism qualification at networking event hosted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation
Journalism course leaders and senior lecturers from across the UK joined the NCTJ today to learn about and discuss a new qualification in international journalism, which the NCTJ is developing.
Journalism course leaders and senior lecturers from across the UK joined the NCTJ today to learn about and discuss a new qualification in international journalism, which the NCTJ is developing.
The qualification, which covers the core elements of being a practical journalist operating in an international arena, is aimed at universities delivering this type of programme for international students studying journalism in the UK.
The event, hosted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, was opened by Dr Colm Murphy, head of the School of Media, Film and Journalism at the University of Ulster, and George Gault, head of business development at the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Attendees were introduced to the new qualification, the Diploma in Practical International Journalism, by Dr Colm Murphy and NCTJ editorial consultant John Dilley.
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Dr Colm Murphy, an NCTJ director and trustee who is also chair of the NCTJ international strategy group, said: “We have developed an innovative practical journalism qualification. It is stringent on outcomes but flexible in delivery.
“The UK has a global reputation for journalism and education excellence. This new qualification will enhance this by providing international students with the assured world-class standards that NCTJ accreditation brings. It will complement their academic qualification.
“Lecturers delivering international journalism programmes will now have the option of developmental, networking and marketing support of the NCTJ. This will develop the UK as a centre of global excellence for journalism education. This should significantly increase the numbers being attracted to study journalism here.”
Delegates also heard from Walter Nowlan, senior lecturer in EFL/TESOL at Nottingham Trent University, who spoke about linguistic diversity and the talent and knowledge that teaching foreign students brings, while David Granger, head of editorial content (Global) at Red Bull Media House, discussed skills training for international journalists.
In his session, David outlined the skills that he expects from journalists working for Red Bull Media House: story-telling, interview techniques, news sense, audience awareness and sensible data use.
He spoke of the importance of “having cultural sensitivity and being aware of what content translates around the world.”
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The event concluded with a panel discussion chaired by Dr Colm Murphy on the challenges of International Journalism curricula.
David Granger joined the panel alongside Will Church, programme manager at the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Susan Fearn, training manager at the BBC Academy and Matt Swaine, MA International Journalism course leader at Cardiff University.
Delegates also had the opportunity to raise their questions in an open forum, before being given a tour of the Reuters newsroom by Nick Tattersall, managing editor, news, for EMEA at Reuters.
The pilot scheme for the new qualification will begin in the 2018-19 academic year. For further information, please contact Lyn Jones, head of qualifications, at lyn.jones@nctj.com.
