Journalism involves researching, writing, and presenting news stories for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms. Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public about current events, issues, and developments, often working under tight deadlines. The job can involve interviewing people, attending events, investigating stories, and fact-checking information. Many journalists specialise in areas such as politics, sports, entertainment, or business. The role requires strong writing and communication skills, curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. With the rise of digital media, skills in multimedia and social media are increasingly important.
The average salary for a journalist in the UK is between £22,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are approximately 73,000 people employed in journalism and related occupations in the United Kingdom.
The number of journalism jobs is expected to remain steady through 2027, with digital and multimedia roles seeing the most growth.
Covers sporting events, conducts interviews with athletes and coaches, and writes articles or creates video segments for news outlets.
Specialises in reporting on political news, including elections, government policies, and parliamentary affairs.
Researches and uncovers important stories, often focusing on exposing wrongdoing or bringing attention to underreported issues.
Work on your writing and verbal communication by practising essays, articles, and presentations.
Journalists need to communicate clearly and accurately. Start by writing for your school newsletter or blog, and consider joining debating or public speaking clubs. Read widely to improve your vocabulary and understanding of various topics.
Keep up to date with current events and practise analysing news stories.
Subscribe to reputable news sites, read newspapers, and watch news programmes. Try summarising news stories in your own words to practise understanding and explaining complex issues.
Achieve good GCSEs and A-Levels, especially in English, Media Studies, and related subjects.
Strong grades in English Language and Literature, and subjects like History or Politics, can be especially useful. Media Studies can provide an early introduction to news production and analysis.
Consider a university degree in journalism, media, English, or a related field.
Many journalists study journalism or media at university, but degrees in English, History, or Politics are also helpful. Some universities offer NCTJ-accredited journalism courses, which are highly valued in the industry.
Create a collection of your written work, such as articles, blog posts, or school newspaper contributions.
A portfolio shows your writing style and range to potential employers. You can also volunteer to write for local papers, online platforms, or community magazines. Include any work experience or freelance pieces you complete.
Apply for work experience placements, internships, or shadowing opportunities in media organisations.
Experience in a newsroom or with a publication will help you understand how journalism works in practice. Many media companies offer short placements, especially to students and recent graduates. Be proactive and reach out to local news outlets for opportunities.
Look for trainee journalist, junior reporter, or editorial assistant positions.
Entry level roles can be found at newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media. Be prepared to start with tasks like research, proof-reading, or assisting senior journalists, working your way up as you gain experience.
Build your network, specialise in a particular beat, and consider professional training like NCTJ qualifications.
Networking with other journalists and editors can help you learn about job opportunities and develop your skills. The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) offers respected qualifications that can improve your career prospects. Some journalists also specialise in areas like sports, politics, or investigative reporting.
Editors oversee the content, style, and accuracy of written material for publication, ensuring that articles meet editorial standards and are free of errors.
PR officers manage the public image of organisations or individuals, creating press releases and working with the media to shape public perception.
Broadcast journalists research and present news stories on television, radio, or online video platforms, often working on live broadcasts.
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 is most closely related to a journalist in terms of qualifications because both roles involve researching, investigating, and writing news stories for publication. They share similar skills in reporting, language, and understanding of journalistic ethics and standards.
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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