Certificate in Journalism Practice
Course Overview
The Certificate in Journalism Practice at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a short, hands-on UK qualification covering the full working day of a reporter. Across three to six months you will find stories, interview sources, write to deadline, and file to a working publication — across print, digital, audio and short-form video formats.
This is the all-rounder Certificate — built for entrants who don't yet want to specialise in any one platform. You leave able to function in a junior reporter role across most newsroom contexts, with a cuttings portfolio that backs you up.
Key Features
- Daily-reporter simulation — weekly newsdays from morning briefing to filed story.
- Multi-format output — write print-style copy, voice short audio, shoot short video for the same story.
- Interview-craft module — preparation, technique, attribution.
- Sub-editing your own work — discipline before submission.
- Working portfolio — eight published or publication-ready pieces.
- Three study modes — on-campus, fully online with live newsdays, or distance learning.
What You Will Learn
The Certificate in Journalism Practice covers the working day of a junior all-round reporter — find the story, work the sources, write the copy, file on time, then start tomorrow.
- Story finding — beats, contacts, news sense.
- Interview craft across the journalistic range.
- News writing — intro discipline, structure, attribution.
- Feature writing at introductory level.
- Filing across print, digital, audio and short-form video.
- Sub-editing your own work.
- Media law basics — defamation, contempt, reporting restrictions.
- Editorial standards — accuracy, fairness, contributor care.
Who This Course Is For
- New reporters wanting an all-round practical introduction.
- Bloggers, podcasters and freelance writers wanting to formalise their reporting craft.
- Career-changers entering journalism.
- Adults considering the Diploma in Journalism who want a practical test first.
Career Pathways
The Certificate in Journalism Practice is a foundation practical credential supporting entry-level newsroom and freelance work. Typical applications include:
- Junior News Reporter (regional or hyperlocal newsroom)
- Editorial Assistant (national paper, magazine, online publisher)
- Junior Broadcast Reporter (community broadcaster, podcast network)
- Freelance Stringer (regional press)
- Press Officer (NGO, public sector)
- Continued Study (Diploma in Journalism)
The Certificate articulates into the Diploma in Journalism at LSJHML for students continuing.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age 16.
- Secondary school qualification (GCSE/O-Level or international equivalent).
- IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
- No prior journalism experience required.
Why Study at LSJHML
The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.
London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.
Apply for the Certificate in Journalism Practice
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