Latest NCTJ research indicates that four in five journalists in the UK hold a university degree. On top of that, many jobs in journalism ask for an NCTJ qualification, often seen as a gold standard to recruiters.
But why do we depend so much on university graduates and what are the implications for journalism? Are degrees and diplomas really necessary in the digital age? What other alternative training routes can news organisations consider? Has this now become a class problem considering the eye-watering cost of going to university?
We discussed all this and more on a lively panel discussion last week at the return of our physical conference Newsrewired (at long last).
Tune into this week’s episode where we chew over the main thoughts and takeaways with a panel comprising of NCTJ chairman Kim Fletcher acting as moderator, Chandni Sembhi (founder of So You Want To Be A Journalist?), Emily Sexton Brown (assistant managing editor of Insider), Jonathan Paterson (head of news at The News Movement), and Dr Zahera Harb (director of the masters international journalism and masters media and globalisation programme, City University of London). Plus an honourable mention to Hilary Scott, senior lecturer at the University of Northampton for her impassioned question/dig from the audience.