Training: a matter of degrees

Abstract

Bull, a careers consultant and author of the NCTJ Essential Guide to Careers in Journalism, belies degrees in media studies not properly equip students for a career in journalism and observes: I should say that I have absolutely no problem with media studies degrees as long as it is made clear to those who embark on one that it will probably not lead to a job as a journalist. I have no problem with media studies, just as I would have no problem with an alternative course to medicine called medical studies, in which students learn all about medical history and models of health provision but don’t actually get to treat patients. Where I would have a problem is if a graduate of such a course assured me he could take my appendix out, or set my broken leg in plaster. I also have a problem with degrees that are labelled journalism but which are not vocational, and which do not equip graduates with a good chance of gaining a job in the trade.” Bull continues: “There are those who will say I am being far too harsh on media studies degrees – that the best of them turn out graduates who go on to have sparkling careers in the media. I am sure this is true. Nevertheless, it is my experience that most editors do not trust such degrees and much prefer recruiting from industry-accredited courses.”