Two educational institutions in Glasgow are reported to have had their journalism course re-accredited by the journalism training body, the NCTJ.
Says the website, HoldTheFrontPage, the NCTJ's 'cross-media accreditation board' has re-accredited existing courses run by Cardonald College and Glasgow Caledonian University.
However, at the first meeting of the board, in London, members sounded a warning note about the possible threat to accredited courses from cuts to the higher education budget.
Richard Tait, director of the Centre of Journalism Studies, Cardiff University, is quoted as saying: “While the NCTJ is quite right to insist on sufficient resources and expertise so that skills are properly taught and honed, education is a competitive market, and NCTJ courses are expensive to run.
“In the likely cuts ahead, it is vital for accredited courses to retain their funding so that they are not forced to charge students exorbitant fees; otherwise, diversity will be further compromised.”
Board members also emphasised the importance of shorthand, and agreed that all students should strive to reach at least 100wpm to stand the best chance of getting a job.
