Newspaper or magazine journalist

Also called Reporter, press officer, features writer.

Newspaper or magazine journalists write articles and stories for local, regional, national and online publications.

Potential salary: £24,000 starter to £45,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 37 to 42 variable. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly.
Career area: Creative and design
Where they might work: You could work in an office, visit sites or from home. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.
A typical task: attend content planning meetings and develop ideas for features
Subjects that may help: 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Typical route: You can take a degree course as a first step towards this career. Relevant subjects include:
Interest area used here: Art, design and performance, Asking questions and research

Career actions

What you might do

attend content planning meetings and develop ideas for features
investigate stories as they break and follow up leads
research stories, check facts and interview people in person, over the phone and online
attend press conferences, product launches and events
write up content for publication in print and online
sub-edit other journalists' articles set for publication

More tasks (1)

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

You can take a degree course as a first step towards this career. Relevant subjects include:
English
journalism
media and communications
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:
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Creative Writing
Alternative route. Creative writing is not news training. Some skills transfer.
English Language
Common route. Journalism usually expects a portfolio or training as well as a degree.
English literature
Alternative route. A possible background. Reporting training is separate.
Film Production
Related, but not enough on its own. Film production is not journalism training.
International Relations
Alternative route. Useful background. Newsrooms do not reserve jobs for this degree.
Journalism
Common route. A relevant degree. Other degrees plus a journalism qualification or newsroom training also lead in.
Media Studies
Alternative route. Media studies is not the same as a journalism degree. A portfolio still matters.
Politics
Alternative route. Politics can support journalism. It is not a journalism training course.

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship with a media organisation, such as:
Junior Journalist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
Journalist Level 6 (non-degree) Apprenticeship
These usually take between 1 and 2 years to complete.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
apprenticeship levels
guide to apprenticeships

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:
journalism
multimedia journalism
creative digital media
creative writing
English
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.
equivalent entry requirements
funding advice
search for courses

Career progression

As your career develops, you might specialise in a particular field, such as:
sport
politics
business and finance
investigative journalism
fashion or lifestyle
With experience, you could become a chief reporter, features writer or editor at a newspaper, magazine or press agency. You could also work freelance.
You could also move into other areas, such as broadcast journalism, communications or public relations.