Sports - advanced - Price £650.00

Are you a keen, passionate sports fan? Well - how does the idea of getting paid to write about your favourite sports sound?

We can help you make those dreams comes true. You can now do a sports journalism e-course with NCTJ qualifications.

This e-course is the only one in the UK that teaches multi-platform sports journalism. It includes the NCTJ Sports Journalism exam.

The modern journalist has to be versatile. So this course will train you to:

• Cover any sports story for print, the web and for radio
• Write for other platforms like SMS alerts, news tickers, e-mail bulletins
• Transfer stories from one platform to another
• Upload stories to the web and establish reader dialogue

The course covers everything you would do at a college – and more.

It provides you with exactly the same qualifications offered by NCTJ-accredited centres – at a fraction of the price.

The course will give you one of the country's leading media and journalism trainers as your personal tutor and mentor.

Cleland Thom has extensive experience of sports journalism. He has covered two FA Cup finals and many Premiership and Champions League matches.

He was even on the Arsenal bus with the players after one of their many FA Cup Final appearances. And just to be fair, he accompanied Spurs to their Civic Reception when they won the FA Cup in 1991!

He has interviewed many leading sports personalities, from England football managers and captains to Premiership stars and world and Olympic champions.

He used to ghost-write newspaper columns for ex-Spurs skipper and England international Gary Mabbutt, and for England and Arsenal goalkeeping legend David Seaman.

And he has worked for a number of specialist sports magazines, including Cycling Weekly and International Cycle Sport.

 

Cleland Thom  also has wide-ranging contacts in all areas of sports journalism and is well placed to help you find work.

Many of his students work for organisations like Sky Sports, Manchester United and Oldham Athletic press offices, then BBC online sports pages and regional papers and radio stations across the UK.

 

Why so popular?

This course is popular because it is:

• Friendly – you can join our online community of students in 40 countries
• Quick – queries and assignments are usually dealt with the same day. No waiting around to see a tutor or get marked work back
• Flexible – you can fit the course round your other commitments
• Accessible - you can do the course in virtually any country. We have an excellent reputation among the disabled.
• Cheap - our fee, and flexible payment options, mean that almost anyone can afford journalism training.

Is this a proper course?

 

Yes, we are recognised by the UK Government and are fully accredited. See Why you can trust us.

Who is the course for?

 

The course is open to anybody who is serious about a career in sports journalism.

 

It is particularly suitable for people who:

• Do not have the time, money or opportunity to go to college. Some courses cost ten times what we charge
• Are entering journalism late in life
• Are making a career-change
• Have found it difficult getting into an NCTJ college

The course is for people want to work for a newspaper within the next 1-2 years.

It is quite possible to complete the course in nine months - but you can take it more slowly if you have heavy commitments already.

What does it cover?

 

You will cover all the subjects in the NCTJ syllabus:

• Multi-platform sports journalism
• Law 1 (court reporting)
• Law 2 (general reporting)
• PA 1 (Local Government)
• PA 2 (Central Government)
• Shorthand

Plus …

• Sports photography
• Radio broadcasting

For further details, see What you'll study.

How long will the course take?

 

It's up to you. You can work at your own speed, and fit your studies around your other commitments.

 

But as a rough guide, this course takes around nine to 12 months to complete.

Who is my tutor?

 

Your tutor will be Cleland Thom, who is recognised as one of the UK's leading trainers for the NCTJ exams. Find out about him.

Is there any tutorial support?

 

Yes, you can email your tutor any time - as often as you need to. There are no time limits on the tutor support. This is really helpful in the run-up to the exams.

We guarantee to respond within two working days, although you will usually hear from us the same day.

 

We will phone you if there is an issue that cannot be dealt with by email.

You will get tutorial support for:

• All aspects of your studies
• Marking your assignments
• Coaching and vodcasts for the NCTJ exams
• Marking mock exam papers
• Finding work attachment
• Finding work
• Preparing for job interviews
• Career guidance

What equipment do I need?

Access to a computer with internet facilities, Microsoft Word software (or equivalent), and an email account.

Some of our students study in internet cafes and libraries if they do not have their own equipment.

You will be provided with FREE audio software.

You will also need a camera, or a mobile phone with good quality camera and video facilities (4 megapixel minimum).

Do I need any skills or qualifications to enrol?

 

We consider every application on its merits. You will probably have A levels or a degree and plenty of commitment and motivation. And, or course, you will be a sports fanatic!

What qualifications will I get?

The NCTJ Preliminary Certificate, and the CTJT diploma, which is accredited by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council.

What is this qualification worth?

The NCTJ Preliminary Certificate is the industry-recognised qualification for a trainee reporter. You would be unlikely to get a job interview without it.

The NCTJ is the UK's leading journalism training body. It sets exams and accredits colleges. Its qualifications are recognised worldwide.

The CTJT Diploma is widely recognised right across the media, mainly due to the large number of organisations where we have delivered training courses and have personal contacts. Check them out.

What can I expect to do at the end of the course?

 

Get a job as a trainee reporter, or possibly a senior reporter, on a regional or local newspaper or a news website. See where our ex-students work.

What about arrangements for external exams?

 

We remind you when to enter the exams, and will advise you on which subjects to sit.

You post your entry to the NCTJ with the appropriate fee - around £37 per subject, which is not included in the course fee.

What are your exam success rates?

 

Our NCTJ exam success rates over the past five years are as good as, or better than, most colleges.

We are one of the only organisations to put our results on our website - we've nothing to hide! Check them out.

Make sure you find out the pass rates at other colleges or centres you are applying to.

What if I live abroad?

We have students right across the world - see Studying Abroad.

You can sit the NCTJ exams via the British Council in your region. We will explain how to arrange this when the time comes.

What if I am disabled?

 

Not a problem - see Equal Opportunities.

How many hours a week do I spend studying?

 

It's entirely up to you. With home study, you work at your own pace. You can do extra work when things are quiet, and work more slowly, or take time out from the course if something unexpected turns up.

Are there any time limits or deadlines?

 

The only time constraint is that you complete the course in two years. This is because the syllabus is constantly changing and you don't want your qualifications to be out of date.

How much is the course?

£575. This covers everything apart from NCTJ exam and registration fees, (around £300) which are paid to them, when you enter.

Our fee covers all teaching material, textbooks and tutor support.

How do I pay?

See Payment Options

For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900.

Are instalments available?

Yes. You can pay in four consecutive monthly instalments of 143.75, either by cheque, standing order, credit/debit card or by using a Paypal instalment plan.

Email us if you want to discuss other instalment arrangements. We're here to help you get started in journalism - no matter what your income. So don't worry if you are on benefits or are unemployed.

 

We will always try to arrange a payment plan that is within your means.

When can I start?

 

Any time you like - now, if you want to!

Can I change courses once I start?

 

No problem. We charge a small administration fee if you transfer.

Is there careers guidance and support?

 

Yes, you can email your tutor any time.

Can I contact other students before enrolling?

 

Yes, definitely - we encourage this. Email us if you would like us to put you in touch with them. We would prefer you to speak to them directly, rather than take our word for things.

How do I enrol?

 

You can enrol online clicking the Enrol Now button. There are several options available to you for payment.

Do I have to sign anything?

 

Yes, we ask you to accept our Student Learning Agreement. This is binding on you - and us, so we both know where we stand. Please read the SLA carefully before you enrol.

What happens after I enrol?

We will contact you by email the same working day and send you your course materials and first Module.

Our offices are open Monday-Friday, 9am - 8pm GMT. If you enrol during evenings or weekends, we will be in touch as soon as we open again.

Further questions? Please email us