Journalism Skills Academy: All courses

Develop your journalism skills with free resources from the NCTJ

New to journalism, or just want to brush up on your knowledge of a particular topic?

Here you will find our series of free journalism masterclasses, led by the NCTJ team and journalists in a variety of roles - you may even see some familiar faces! We also have a workshop on Google tools for journalists, and a range of tips and hints about working as a freelance, selling yourself at interview and many more.

This free resources area will be updated regularly with new materials. If you're looking for something in particular and can't find it here, please let us know. And don't forget you can test your knowledge with our free quizzes section.

Google News Initiative workshop: Fundamentals for journalists

Nadin Raaba from the Google News Initiative shows us how to make use of some fundamental tools for journalists

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NCTJ masterclass: An introduction to journalism

NCTJ alumni Alex Crawford and Piers Morgan give their top tips for aspiring journalists

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NCTJ masterclass: Newsgathering skills

The NCTJ's Emma Robinson takes us through the basics of newsgathering

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NCTJ masterclass: Fact-checking

Full Fact's Joe O'Leary tells us what makes a great fact checker - and why it's so important

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NCTJ masterclass: Interviewing techniques

How to conduct an effective interview, with the NCTJ's Emma Robinson

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NCTJ masterclass: Sports reporting

Sky Sports News' Dharmesh Sheth provides his advice for aspiring sports journalists

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NCTJ masterclass: Media ethics

The NCTJ's Will Gore talks us through the basics of media ethics

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NCTJ masterclass: Media law

Mark Hanna teaches the essentials of media law, which every journalist must know

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NCTJ masterclass: How to tell a news story

The NCTJ's Emma Robinson talks us through how to tell a news story

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NCTJ masterclass: Court reporting

Tristan Kirk teaches us about court reporting, and how the media plays a vital role in the justice system

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NCTJ masterclass: Broadcast journalism

Learn about broadcast journalism with the BBC's Rianna Croxford

Turn your cover letter into an interview request

Five tips on how to stand out from the crowd from Neeru Sharma, lifestyle editor at Closer magazine

Pitching: the editor's view

David Marley, deputy editor of The Independent, offers some tips on pitching for freelance work

Interview tips from editors

How do you stand out and make an impression in interviews? We spoke to four editors, who have given us their top tips.

Be your own boss

Lee Bell, freelance writer and editor, offers his tips for aspiring freelance journalists