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Guide

How to become a journalist in the UK

There is no licence or mandatory qualification to become a journalist in the UK. Most people enter through a degree or college course, an NCTJ-accredited training course or an apprenticeship, and build a portfolio of published work along the way. The National Careers Service lists starting salaries for newspaper and magazine journalists of around £24,000, rising to about £45,000 with experience.

This guide walks you through the main routes, the skills editors look for, how to get your first bylines and what to expect from the job market.

Journalism courses Work experience

At a glance

Licence needed: No
Key qualification: NCTJ Diploma in Journalism (Level 5)
Routes: Degree, college course, NCTJ course, apprenticeship, freelance
Salary: £24,000–£45,000 (National Careers Service, newspaper/magazine)
Most important: Published work and practical skills

Five routes into journalism

University degree

Journalism, English, media or any subject – many editors value specialist knowledge. Some degrees are accredited by the NCTJ.

NCTJ course

The Diploma in Journalism is a Level 5 qualification described by the NCTJ as the qualification editors look for when recruiting trainees.

Apprenticeship

The National Careers Service lists journalism apprenticeships, such as Junior Journalist and Journalist apprenticeships, as an entry route.

College and trainee schemes

College courses, newsroom trainee schemes and graduate programmes at publishers and broadcasters. Competition is strong; apply early and widely.

Freelancing and specialist routes

Many journalists start by writing about a field they know – science, law, sport, games – and pitch freelance pieces. See freelance journalist in the UK.

The skills editors look for

Clear, accurate writing and fast, reliable fact-checking
News judgement: recognising what matters to your audience
Interviewing and research skills, including public records and FOI
Media law: defamation, contempt of court, privacy, copyright

Multimedia: audio, video, photography, social media and basic data skills
Shorthand (still valued for court and council reporting)
Resilience – the NCTJ’s Journalists at Work 2024 report found that 51% had experienced abuse, harassment or violence
Understanding of AI tools and their limits

Getting your first bylines

Start publishing – student media, a blog, newsletter or podcast.

Pitch local outlets with short, well-researched stories.

Do work experience – 66% of new entrants did, according to the NCTJ.

Build a portfolio site with your best work and contact details.

The job market today

Journalism has shifted to digital: the NCTJ found that only 17% of journalists now develop content mainly for print, compared with 45% in 2012. The same report shows that the profession is less diverse than the UK workforce – 91% of journalists are from white ethnic groups – and bursaries such as the NCTJ’s Journalism Diversity Fund aim to change that by supporting course fees and living costs for people from under-represented backgrounds. Expect variable hours: the National Careers Service mentions evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Identifying yourself as a new journalist

Once you publish regularly, a press card helps you identify yourself to press offices, organisers and interviewees. Students on journalism courses can join the NUJ as student members; adults who publish journalism regularly can apply for the FJA press card without membership. See student press card and press card requirements.

A 12-month plan to your first journalism job

There is no single route, but this plan works for many people starting from scratch.

Months 1–3: publish

Pick a beat you know – your town, a sport, a hobby or your profession – and publish short, well-sourced pieces every week on a blog, newsletter or student outlet.

Months 4–6: learn the basics

Start shorthand practice, read a current media law guide and take a short course or enrol on an accredited programme if you can.

Months 7–9: get experience

Apply for placements, pitch freelance ideas to local and specialist outlets and offer to help at events as a reporter or photographer.

Months 10–12: apply

Apply for trainee and junior roles with a tidy portfolio of your best ten pieces, a short CV and targeted cover letters for each outlet.

Common mistakes when starting out

Avoid these and you will stand out from many other applicants.

Waiting for permission

Many beginners wait for a job before they start reporting. Editors want to see that you already do journalism – published work beats a perfect CV.

Writing opinion instead of news

Columns are tempting, but news reporting – facts, quotes, sources – shows editors the skills they hire for. Build a portfolio that is mostly reporting.

Generic applications

Sending the same letter to every outlet rarely works. Mention stories the outlet has covered and suggest ideas that fit its audience.

Ignoring the basics

Spelling mistakes in names, missing sources and unchecked numbers stop applications quickly. Accuracy is the foundation of everything else.

What a strong beginner’s portfolio contains

Ten good pieces are enough. Variety and accuracy matter more than volume.

Piece	Why it helps
Two or three news stories with original quotes	Shows you can find people, ask questions and write to length
One longer feature or explainer	Shows structure, research and the ability to hold a reader’s attention
A story based on documents or data	Shows you can go beyond press releases – for example with an FOI request
One piece in another format (photo, audio, video)	Shows you can work across platforms
Work published by someone else	Shows an editor has trusted you – even a small outlet counts

Put the best piece first, add one line of context to each and keep links working.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a degree to be a journalist in the UK?

No. A degree is common but not required. Many editors value NCTJ qualifications, practical skills and published work.

What qualifications do journalists need?

There is no legal requirement. The NCTJ Diploma in Journalism (Level 5) is widely recognised by UK editors.

How much do journalists earn in the UK?

The National Careers Service gives around £24,000 for starters and £45,000 for experienced newspaper or magazine journalists.

Can I become a journalist without experience?

You need some published work to get hired. Student media, blogs, freelance pieces and work experience are typical first steps.

Are there journalism apprenticeships?

Yes. The National Careers Service lists journalism apprenticeships as an entry route.

Do I need a press card to start?

No. A press card is useful once you publish regularly, but it is not required to work as a journalist.

Am I too old to become a journalist?

No. People join journalism at every age, often bringing expertise from earlier careers in law, health, education, business or the public sector. That knowledge can make you a valuable specialist reporter.

Do I need to live in London?

No. National outlets are concentrated in London and a few other cities, but local, regional, specialist and digital journalism happens across the UK, and some roles can be done remotely.

How do I handle my first interview with a stranger?

Prepare a few open questions, introduce yourself and your outlet clearly, explain how the interview will be used and check names and facts at the end. Record if the person agrees, and take notes anyway.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.