Journalists research, write, and present news stories and features for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio. The role involves investigating current events, interviewing people, attending press conferences, and sometimes working under tight deadlines to deliver accurate and engaging content. Journalists must have excellent communication skills, curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to ethical reporting. Many journalists specialise in certain areas, such as sports, politics, or culture, and may work for local, regional, or national media outlets.
Journalists in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £40,000 per year, with experienced or senior journalists earning upwards of £50,000.
As of 2023, there are approximately 73,000 people employed in journalism, publishing, and broadcasting roles in the UK.
The demand for journalists is expected to remain steady, but competition for roles, especially in national media, is strong.
Covers news, events, and stories related to sports for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.
Researches and reports in-depth on complex issues, often uncovering information that is not easily accessible to the public.
Presents news stories and reports on television or radio, often working both in the studio and on location.
Practice writing articles and giving verbal presentations to build clear and engaging communication skills.
Start by writing about topics that interest you, such as school events or local news. Join a school newspaper, blog, or debate club to gain experience in both written and spoken communication. Good journalists are able to present information in a way that is accurate and interesting to their audience.
Regularly read, watch, or listen to news to understand how stories are structured and what makes them effective.
Keep up with news from reputable sources like the BBC, The Guardian, or local outlets. Notice how journalists gather facts, use quotes, and present different viewpoints. This habit will help you learn what makes a story newsworthy and how to tailor your writing to your audience.
Focus on English, Media Studies, or related subjects at GCSE and A-Level to build a strong academic foundation.
English Language and Literature develop your writing and analytical skills, while Media Studies helps you understand how media works. These subjects are valuable for both university applications and future journalism work.
Study for a degree in journalism, media, English, or a related field, or consider a journalism apprenticeship.
Many journalists have degrees in journalism, media, or related subjects. However, some enter the field through apprenticeships or by building a strong portfolio. University courses often include work placements and opportunities to meet industry professionals. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience while earning.
Undertake work experience at newspapers, radio stations, online publications, or local media outlets.
Contact local newspapers, radio stations, or online news sites to ask about work experience opportunities. Volunteering or freelancing gives you practical experience, helps build your CV, and may lead to job offers or freelance commissions in the future.
Collect samples of your articles, news stories, or multimedia pieces to showcase your skills to employers.
Your portfolio can be digital or printed, but should include your best work. Create a blog or personal website to display your writing and multimedia projects. Editors often ask to see samples before offering work, so a strong portfolio is essential.
Attend journalism events, workshops, and join professional bodies like the National Union of Journalists.
Networking helps you meet editors, reporters, and other media professionals who may offer advice, job leads, or freelance opportunities. Consider joining journalism societies at university or online groups. Staying connected with the industry helps you stay informed about job openings and trends.
Look for junior reporter, editorial assistant, or digital content creator roles in newspapers, magazines, and online media.
Entry-level roles help you gain newsroom experience and build your reputation. Be willing to start with local news, freelance work, or internships. With experience and a strong portfolio, you can progress to more senior positions or specialise in areas like investigative or broadcast journalism.
Editors oversee the content, style, and accuracy of written material, ensuring that stories meet publication standards before they are released.
Broadcast journalists research and present news stories on television, radio, or online platforms, often appearing on air or producing audio-visual reports.
Public relations officers manage the public image of organisations by writing press releases, organising events, and communicating with the media.
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 shares core skills with a general journalist, including researching, writing, and reporting news stories. Both roles involve creating content for publication-based media, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications and responsibilities.
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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