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Why university is the most powerful time in your journalism career
Most students waste their university years from a journalism perspective. They take lecture notes, submit essays, and graduate with a degree but no clips, no contacts, and no evidence of journalism ability. Do not be that person.
University gives you three things that professional journalists would kill for: time, access, and institutional infrastructure. Your student union newspaper, student radio station, or student TV channel is a real editorial outlet — it publishes real content to a real audience. A byline in a student publication counts as a byline. An interview with a visiting speaker counts as an interview.
The journalists who graduate with jobs already lined up are the ones who treated university as a working newsroom, not a waiting room. They ran the student paper, freelanced for the local press, took the NCTJ alongside their degree, and entered awards. By year three they had the portfolio of a working journalist.
Making the most of student media
Student newspaper
Join in first week. Take any role initially — reporter, photographer, sub-editor. Aim for news editor or editor by year 2 or 3. Running an editorial section is management experience most applicants lack.
Student radio
Present shows, produce packages, report from events. Audio skills are increasingly valued. Student radio that is Ofcom-licensed has the same regulatory weight as professional community radio.
Student TV / video
Video production skills are in demand. Even a student YouTube channel with real journalism content is a portfolio asset. Documentary or investigation skills developed here translate directly to broadcast or digital roles.
Online / digital publication
If your university does not have print media, a well-run online publication is equivalent. Substack, WordPress, or a bespoke student site — the editorial standards you apply matter more than the platform.
Red flags that stall student journalism careers
- Waiting until your final year to start building clips — start in fresher's week.
- Writing exclusively opinion pieces rather than news — editors hire reporters, not columnists.
- Not building a professional online portfolio with all published work linked.
- Applying for major national work experience placements in year one without clips to show.
- Treating NCTJ shorthand as something to worry about after graduation — start now.
- Not reading your university city's local newspaper daily — you should know every journalist at it by name.
Student journalist year-by-year checklist
Year 1
- Join student newspaper, radio, or TV in fresher's week
- Write at least one news story per month for the student publication
- Set up a simple portfolio site
- Join NUJ student membership
- Read local newspaper daily
Year 2
- Take on an editorial role or senior reporter position
- Pitch one story to the local regional newspaper
- Apply for a national work experience scheme (BBC, Guardian, etc.)
- Begin NCTJ shorthand if on a journalism degree with embedded Diploma
- Enter at least one student journalism award category
Year 3
- Have 15+ published or polished clips on your portfolio site
- Have secured at least one professional work experience placement
- Complete NCTJ Diploma or plan postgraduate route for after graduation
- Begin applying for trainee reporter roles four months before graduation
- Have a polished CV and cover letter ready for journalism applications
Test your NCTJ knowledge now
Whether you are on an accredited course or self-studying, our media law quiz will show you where to focus.
Awards to enter as a student journalist
Guardian Student Media Awards
The most prestigious UK student journalism awards. Categories include print journalist of the year, digital journalist, broadcast journalist, front page of the year, and more. Enter every year from year two.
Student Publication Association (SPA) Awards
Publication-focused awards covering the best student newspapers, magazines, and digital outlets in the UK. Individual category prizes also available.
Regional press awards — student categories
Some regional press awards organisations (particularly in Scotland, Wales, and the North) have student or young journalist categories. Research the awards relevant to your university's region.
Orwell Youth Prize
For writers under 21 on political and social justice themes. Not journalism-specific but builds a profile and demonstrates writing ability.
Common mistakes
- Treating the student paper as a social club rather than a training newsroom.
- Only writing about student life — local, regional, and national stories build better clips.
- Not keeping working links to all published clips — publications go offline and your portfolio disappears.
- Waiting until graduation to apply for work experience — apply from year one.
- Not networking at journalism events, NUJ meetings, and press conferences in your university city.