A journalist investigates, writes, and reports news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, radio, or television. Journalists gather information by interviewing people, attending events, and researching topics, and then present this information in a clear and engaging way to inform the public. The role often requires meeting tight deadlines, adapting quickly to new developments, and understanding the ethical responsibilities of accurate reporting. Journalists may specialise in areas such as sports, politics, or investigative reporting, and work can involve travel or unsociable hours depending on the news cycle.
Journalists in the UK typically earn between £20,000 and £40,000 per year, with experienced professionals and those working in national media outlets earning upwards of £50,000.
There are approximately 73,000 people employed in journalism and related occupations in the UK as of 2023.
Around 65 percent of journalism graduates find employment in media, public relations, or communication roles within six months of graduation.
Researches and writes news stories, articles, and reports about sporting events, teams, and athletes for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast media.
Specialises in in-depth research and reporting to uncover information on complex issues or wrongdoing, often working for newspapers, magazines, or television programmes.
Presents news and current affairs on radio or television, gathering information, conducting interviews, and reporting live from various locations.
Focus on achieving strong grades in English, Media Studies, and other relevant subjects at GCSE level.
English Language and Literature are especially important for developing writing, reading, and analytical skills. Media Studies can also help you understand how information is presented in different formats. If your school offers courses related to journalism or communication, consider taking them.
Join school clubs or activities such as the school newspaper, debate club, or creative writing group.
Getting involved in these activities helps you practise writing, public speaking, and teamwork. It also allows you to build a portfolio of work, which is valuable for university or job applications in journalism.
Take A Levels or equivalent qualifications, ideally in subjects like English, Media Studies, History, or Politics.
These subjects develop research, writing, and analytical skills. If your school offers a journalism course or BTEC in media, this can give you practical experience. Aim for good grades to support your university applications.
Consider a university degree in journalism, media, English, or a related field, or look for journalism apprenticeships.
A degree in journalism or a related subject provides you with essential knowledge and practical experience. Some universities offer accredited journalism courses. Alternatively, journalism apprenticeships offer a practical, hands-on route, combining work and study.
Write articles, blogs, or news reports and create a portfolio showcasing your work.
A strong portfolio demonstrates your writing ability and versatility. Contribute to student newspapers, local magazines, or online platforms. Creating your own blog or podcast also shows initiative and commitment to journalism.
Apply for internships or work experience placements with newspapers, magazines, radio stations, or online media.
Work experience gives you insight into the industry and helps you build contacts. Even short placements or voluntary roles are valuable. Reach out to local media outlets, or use schemes from organisations such as the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
Look for trainee or junior journalist positions at newspapers, online publications, radio, or TV.
Entry-level roles may be called trainee reporter, news assistant, or junior journalist. Highlight your portfolio and work experience in applications. Be prepared to start with tasks like fact-checking, research, or assisting senior reporters.
Consider further training or qualifications, such as NCTJ accreditation or specialist courses.
The NCTJ Diploma in Journalism is highly regarded in the UK and can improve your job prospects. You can also specialise in areas like broadcast journalism, sports reporting, or investigative journalism by taking additional courses or attending workshops.
Editors oversee the content produced by journalists, ensuring it meets the publication's standards and style, and may manage teams of writers and make decisions about which stories are published.
PR officers manage the public image of organisations, write press releases, and work closely with the media to promote positive coverage.
Broadcast presenters host radio or television programmes, introducing news stories, interviewing guests, and providing commentary to engage audiences.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
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This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
Find and tell stories and inform the public.
A newspaper or magazine journalist most closely matches the role of a journalist in terms of qualifications, as both involve researching, writing, and reporting news and stories for publication. They share core skills such as investigative abilities, communication, and adherence to journalistic ethics.
You can get into this job through:
You can take a degree course as a first step towards this career. Relevant subjects include:
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.
You'll usually need:
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:
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 for these courses vary.
You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship with a media organisation, such as:
These usually take between 1 and 2 years to complete.
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:
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:
You may be able to get help with funding for certain NCTJ courses through the Journalism Diversity Fund.
It'll be useful for producing online content if you can:
As a journalism student you can apply for student membership of the National Union of Journalists.
You can find out more about working in journalism from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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