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Media

Journalist

Journalists find and investigate stories, interview people, verify facts and publish news and features. Employers set their own entry requirements; writing ability and a portfolio often matter.

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Career fit

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Entry level
£24,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£24k – £45k
Senior / lead
£45,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Research and verify stories
  • Interview sources
  • Write and edit articles to deadline
  • Produce content for online and social media
  • Pitch ideas to editors
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs

    education
    Usually 2 years at school; resit courses vary

    Build writing, numeracy and research skills through GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, with English particularly useful for journalism.

  2. 2

    A Levels or equivalent

    education
    Usually 2 years; Access courses often 1 year

    Study A levels or equivalent qualifications, developing analytical and communication skills useful for a journalism or other degree.

  3. 3

    Journalism / media degree

    qualification
    Usually 3 years full-time; often 4 in Scotland

    Study journalism, media or another subject while developing reporting skills and contributing to student or local publications.

  4. 4

    Journalism qualification or specialist training

    qualification
    Fast-track courses often 5–12 months; part-time study takes longer

    Complete an NCTJ Diploma or targeted journalism training covering areas such as reporting, media law, shorthand or broadcast production.

  5. 5

    Portfolio / work experience

    experience
    Ongoing; often built alongside study

    Build a portfolio of original reporting through published stories, audio, video or data work, ideally alongside study and newsroom experience.

  6. 6

    Trainee journalist

    role
    Often 18–24 months; employer schemes vary

    Work under editorial supervision, finding stories, interviewing sources and producing accurate reports to newsroom deadlines.

  7. 7

    Journalist

    role
    Usually several years before senior progression; varies

    Report independently, develop sources and produce news or features while meeting legal, ethical and editorial standards.

  8. 8

    Senior journalist / specialist

    role
    Ongoing

    Lead complex reporting, develop specialist coverage or mentor colleagues, with responsibilities varying by newsroom and employment model.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • Journalism qualification (e.g. NCTJ) — optional
  • Journalist or Junior Journalist apprenticeship
Certifications
  • NCTJ Diploma in Journalism
  • National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ)