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Journalism work experience and internships in the UK

Work experience is still one of the most common ways into journalism: the NCTJ’s Journalists at Work 2024 report found that 66% of new entrants had done work experience before their first paid job, and 88% of those placements were unpaid. Under UK law, interns who count as workers are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, with exceptions such as short student placements and pure work shadowing.

This guide explains where to find placements, how to apply, your rights as an intern and how to make the most of a few weeks in a newsroom.

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At a glance

New entrants with work experience: 66% (NCTJ, 2024)
Unpaid placements: 88% of those placements
Minimum wage: Applies if the intern is a worker (GOV.UK)
Exceptions: Student placements under one year, work shadowing

Where to find journalism placements

Local and regional media

Local papers, websites and radio stations often take people for short placements and are where you learn the basics fastest.

Broadcasters and publishers

Large organisations run structured schemes and apprenticeships with fixed application windows; check their careers pages early.

Specialist and trade media

B2B, trade and specialist titles value subject knowledge and often have fewer applicants.

How to apply successfully

Show you already publish – links to student media, blog or freelance work.

Pitch ideas relevant to the outlet in your application.

Be specific about dates and what you hope to learn.

Follow up politely and keep in touch afterwards.

Your rights as an intern

GOV.UK explains that an intern is entitled to the National Minimum Wage if they count as a worker – for example if they are given tasks and deadlines like an employee. Exceptions include students on placements of less than one year that are part of a UK further or higher education course, people who only shadow staff without doing work, school pupils on compulsory work experience and voluntary workers for charities. A written agreement calling you a volunteer does not remove a right you otherwise have. If you are unsure, ask the employer to clarify the status in writing.

Making the most of a placement

Arrive with story ideas every day
Ask for feedback and act on it
Volunteer for court, council or community stories

Collect bylines and clippings for your portfolio
Learn the newsroom’s systems and style guide
Leave with contacts and a reference

Access and diversity

Unpaid placements, especially in London, can be out of reach for people without financial support – one reason why the profession remains less diverse than the UK workforce, according to the NCTJ. Look for paid schemes, apprenticeships and bursaries such as the Journalism Diversity Fund, and consider remote or local placements. More: journalism courses and funding.

Sample email asking for a placement

Short, specific and with evidence of your interest – that is what editors respond to.

Subject: Work experience request – [your name] – [preferred dates]

Dear [editor’s name],

I am a [student / career changer] in [town] and a regular reader of [outlet], especially your coverage of [topic]. I would like to ask whether you could offer me one or two weeks of work experience between [dates].

I write for [student paper / blog / newsletter] – recent examples: [link 1], [link 2]. I can [take photos, edit video, use social media tools, speak a language] and I am happy to help with research, calls and any reporting tasks.

I would be grateful for the chance to learn from your team. My CV is attached.

Kind regards,
[Name, phone, email]

Address the email to a named person – the editor, news editor or the person responsible for placements – and follow up politely once after a week or two if you hear nothing.

Your first week in a newsroom

Most placements are short. Use every day.

Day one: listen

Sit in on the morning meeting, learn who does what and how stories are chosen. Ask where you can help and keep a notebook of names, systems and style rules.

Days two to three: pitch

Come in with two or three local story ideas that the outlet has not covered yet. Even one accepted idea turns you from observer into reporter.

Days four to five: deliver

Write up what you are given quickly and accurately, check names and figures twice and ask for feedback on every piece.

After the placement

What you do next matters as much as the placement itself.

Say thank you

Email the people who helped you and mention something specific you learned. It keeps the door open for future work.

Save your work

Collect links or PDFs of everything published under your name and add them to your portfolio straight away.

Stay in touch

Send occasional story ideas or ask about freelance shifts. Many first jobs come from contacts made on placements.

No placement yet? Other ways to gain experience

Newsroom placements are competitive. These alternatives build the same skills.

Student and community media: student papers, hospital and community radio stations and local newsletters often welcome volunteers and give you real deadlines.
Your own reporting project: cover one local issue in depth over several months – a planning dispute, a local team, a council budget – and publish it as a series.
Freedom of information requests: ask public bodies for data on a topic you care about and turn the answers into stories.
Specialist outlets: trade magazines, fan sites and niche newsletters are often more open to new contributors than national titles.
Remote contributions: some outlets accept freelance pitches from beginners – a published piece is worth more than an unpaid week of photocopying.

Frequently asked questions

Is journalism work experience paid?

Often not: 88% of placements reported by new entrants in the NCTJ’s 2024 survey were unpaid. Interns who count as workers are entitled to the National Minimum Wage.

How long is journalism work experience?

Typically one to four weeks, although structured schemes can be longer.

Can I do work experience under 18?

Some outlets take school pupils for short placements; school work experience is an exception to minimum wage rules. See our page for under-18s for youth journalism options.

Do I need a press card for work experience?

No. The outlet will provide any ID you need during the placement.

How do I find placements?

Contact local outlets directly, check careers pages of broadcasters and publishers, and ask your course or student media.

What should I bring?

Story ideas, a notebook, a charged phone and a portfolio of your published work.

Can I do work experience while working full time?

Yes. Some outlets offer placements during holidays or short blocks, and some accept remote contributions. Explain your availability clearly when you apply.

Is unpaid work experience legal?

It depends on what you do. If you count as a worker – for example because you have set hours and duties – you are generally entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Work shadowing and some student placements are treated differently. The section on your rights above explains the GOV.UK guidance.

Will a placement get me a press card?

A placement on its own is not enough. You need to publish journalistic work regularly. Placements help you build that portfolio, after which you can apply – see the requirements.

How long should a journalism placement be?

Most placements last one or two weeks, which is enough to learn how a newsroom works and publish a few pieces. Longer placements should usually be paid if you are doing the work of an employee.

Sources and last review

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