Frequently Asked Questions


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How long has noSWeat been going?
We began setting up our first courses in 1999.
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How many noSWeaters are working as journalists out there in the real world?
Hundreds. They hold journalistic posts in almost every national newspaper, dozens of provincial newspapers and scores of weeklies. Our magazine graduates work on national consumer and business titles. Some go on to work for the features sections of daily and weekly newspapers.
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When do the courses start?

The next full-time newspaper course starts on Friday 11th September 2009.
The next part-time newspaper course starts on Saturday 12th September 2009.
The next full-time magazine course starts on Friday 16th October 2009.
The next part-time magazine course starts on Friday 16th October 2009.
There are two newspaper intakes a year; in March and September.
There are two magazine intakes a year; in April and October.
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How much do the courses cost?
The cost of our newspaper courses either part- or full-time is £3,900 (£6,000 for international students). The magazine courses, again, either full or part-time is £3,500 (£5,000 for international students).
Anyone who is not entitled to hold a UK or EU passport is considered an international student.
All fees must be paid, or arrangement for payments made, before the start of a course.
There is a 3% fee for all credit card payments (no charge for debit card or online payments).  We accept cheques for amounts over £500.
noSWeat reserves the right to revise its prices from time to time without notice.
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What do the fees include?
Everything. There is no more to pay. Our students see all their expenditure up front. Exam fees, text books are all included. There is no charge for visits to places such as the Houses of Parliament, the Old Bailey or the High Court or anywhere else and there is no charge to attend talks by high profile guests such as Alan Rusbridger, Lord Falconer, Teresa May, Max Clifford or anyone else. For those living in the capital daily tube, rail or bus fares to outlying parts of London or the countryside are utterly avoided.
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How long do the courses last?
Our courses have just been extended for no extra charge. The newspaper full-time course lasts 23 weeks and the part-time 43 weeks. There is time off for public holidays. There are also two weeks’ work experience on the full-time course and one week on the part-time course. Weekly work experience is also advisable on the full-time course.
The magazine full-time course lasts 16 weeks and the part-time 26 weeks. Public holidays do not usually fall during these course times. The full-time course includes two weeks of work experience and the part-time one week.
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Can you train me to become a sports reporter?
Most certainly! At noSWeat we pride ourselves on the achievements of our students in the world of sports journalism. From sports reporting on local newspapers to star reporters on dedicated broadcasting sites like Real Madrid TV, noSWeaters excel. Taught by a Fleet Street sports journo working daily on the latest breaking sports stories, those who choose to do the free sports module get unrivalled access to the world of sports journalism. They can find themselves interviewing Trevor Brooking; taking pictures of Wembley’s hallowed turf; or sparring with the likes of Barry McGuigan – all in the name of scooping a top sports story. The NCTJ-set syllabus includes knowledge of the politics of sport as well as live match reporting to deadline. A visit to a Canary Wharf sports desk to witness reports as they come in from the pitch- or court-side and see tomorrow's headlines being written today is all part of the programme. Like all our courses noSWeat’s sports journalism course is second to none and comes totally free with the newspaper preliminary certificate. It is also available as a separate module at a highly competitive rate. Please see Sports reporting for more details.
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Do I get help with work experience?
New students are provided with a list of titles and contacts where noSWeaters have been accepted in the past and/or where they are currently working. It can be a case of taking over from someone who has just got a job but arrangements should be made as early as possible, usually after a coveted place on a noSWeat course has been offered and accepted.
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When do I have to come in to college?
There’s plenty to do, so newspaper full-timers come in three days a week; part-timers all day Saturday and one evening (6.30pm to 9pm) either on Tuesday or Wednesday. Magazine full-timers come in five days a week; and part-timers come in one day on the weekend and two evenings (6pm to 9pm), usually Tuesday and Thursday. Part-timers on both courses should expect to put in around four hours a week of their own time.
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Is there a discount if I pay early?
Yes. You can get £400 off the newspaper course fee or £200 off the magazine course fee if full payment is received by us by an advance date set by the course administrator. This is called the early bird discount.
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Can I get help with the fees?
For more information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900. noSWeat also runs its own instalment scheme but this is arranged on an individual basis and there is an admin charge. Financial advice is available for all our students at a stand set up and run by Barclays Bank on induction days. There is also a diversity fund for NCTJ courses; details on www.journalismdiversityfund.com
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Are the courses accredited?
Our newspaper courses are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists. Our magazine courses are being considered for accreditation by the NCTJ.  All NCTJ exams including Business of Magazines and Sub Editing are part of our magazine journalism course.
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What happens on induction day?
At noSWeat we have formal “induction days” for ALL our long courses.
Successful students are given an introduction pack containing text books, stationery, timetables and policies, and they get a chance to get to know each other, meet tutors and ask any last minute questions.
Usually there is a talk from the course director and/or subject heads.
Refreshments are laid on free-of-charge with free hot and cold drinks.
Details of awards and prizes are outlined so that students have a chance to be “in the running” for an internship and/or cash or other award from day one.
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What internships and awards are up for grabs at noSWeat?
We have just introduced a number of initiatives to reward our high-flyers.
At the end of each newspaper course three top graduates will be chosen for a one-month unpaid internship at a national newspaper. There is also a £250 Excellence Award sponsored by Barclays Bank. In addition, students will get the opportunity to vote for one of their number to be recognised as the Students’ Student with a special award.
On the magazine front graded course certificates are presented to those who have completed the course along with portfolios of their work. Moves are afoot to arrange similar internships and cash prizes for these courses.
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What is the difference between the courses?
The newspaper course concentrates more on news gathering and writing. The magazine course concentrates more on features and gives an insight into the magazine publishing industry as a whole. Classes are less structured and more informal on the magazine course.
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Can I do both courses?
Usually there is no need. Each course is tailored for its own particular needs. But some magazine graduates have opted to take the newspaper course to increase their job opportunities. This is a decision entirely for them. They must apply in the same way as anybody else and pay the same fees. However newspaper students can find work on magazines and vice versa without taking further courses.
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Who teaches noSWeat courses?
All our tutors are experts in their subject. Journalism classes are taken by working journalists. They also take law and government classes, though some law classes are taken by media lawyers. Shorthand (Tee Line) is taken by a dedicated tutor who specialises in teaching shorthand to journalists. There is also a working journalist whose job it is to accompany students on visits and who organises guest speakers. He is available for tutorials and advice on work experience and job hunting. Our business director also gives advice on preparing a cv and attending a job interview. In all we have a tutoring staff of around a dozen.
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Should I shop around for other courses?
Yes, absolutely. You are investing time and money in your education and you must be sure you are on the right course. We are looking for students who have made informed decisions about studying journalism at noSWeat not those who are unsure of their future either in journalism and/or with us.
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Can I start late?
A good reason must be given for not starting on time. This is more crucial on full- than part-time courses. There is no time to lose on the full-time courses.
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Can I take time off during the course?
Only for very, very special reasons and only with prior permission. Usually the student has to assure tutors they will be able to catch up on lost time.
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What about exam re-sits?
If a student needs to re-sit an exam they should consult the administrative office for details. The NCTj has various policies to make sure re-sitters do not get the same exam twice with which we must comply.
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What are the student policies?
A copy is provided at induction. Copies are available at our admin offices for all noSWeat long course students at any time.
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When should I apply?
We accept applications at any time and interview year round.
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What is the deadline for applications?
There is usually no deadline. When you are invited for interview you are told which course you will be interviewed for. Places can be deferred for one intake. The earlier an application is received the more chance there is that places will be available.
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How does the selection process work?
Places on all noSWeat long courses are limited. Selection is done by interview and test. The interview usually takes place first and the test follows. Not all applicants are invited to take the test. In exceptional cases the test can be taken before the interview, however, the test score is always the main deciding factor.
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Is the entrance test unique to noSWeat?
Yes. No other college’s tests will get you into noSWeat.
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What does the test consist of?
It tests a candidate’s ability to start training as a journalist. There are current affairs questions, news writing and sub-editing modules as well as an all-important newspaper practice element. The best way to prepare is to read local and national newspapers.
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What are my chances of getting on to the course?
On average there are five enquiries for every one place on our newspaper courses. On our magazine course it is around four to one. Not all enquirers are invited to apply, and not all applicants are invited to interview.
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What is the pass mark?
Fifty per cent.
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Does everyone who passes get a place?
Usually. The only time when this may not happen is when two or more candidates are being considered for the same place. That is when performance at interview, educational and work experience factors are taken into account.
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When do I hear the result and what information do I get?
Letters go out usually within one week of interview. All applicants are given their test score and told whether a place is being offered. If a place is offered payment details are set out, especially the early bird discount and the deposit requirement. If a place is not offered candidates are usually invited to re-apply at a later date. Advice is usually given on what aspects of their application they should work on in the meantime.
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What are the chances of me getting a job after a noSWeat course?
We are repeatedly approached by editors who have recruited from us and want more of our talent. Our admin staff regularly scan the journalism press for likely vacancies and these go up on a notice board within the college; in addition visiting editors are always on the hunt for talent and may use their talks to earmark our top students for future recruitment. In journalism, however, it is enterprise, determination and persistence that count. So ultimate job success depends on the amount of effort students themselves put into the hunt for their first post and how realistic their ambitions are.
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What would you say distinguishes noSWeat courses from the others?
Quality journalism and quality journalism training.
At noSWeat we give advice on the type of journalism carried out on different types of newspapers and usually steer our students towards the quality end of the market and the traditional paid-for provincials.
However, if you would be more comfortable reporting for the red tops or a local freebie then we are pleased to back you in your efforts.
We are also based in the heart of the capital with all the amenities and advantages that brings.
Our premises are dedicated to journalism training and students get discounts at a local gym and café.
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What do I do if my question is not here?
Feel free to telephone or email us. Our phone number is 020 7490 2006. You can email us on info@nosweatjt.co.uk
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Can I visit noSWeat or sit in on a lesson before I apply?
Certainly. Just call up the office and arrange a day and time.
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