Thank you for your replies :)

I agree as I've already worked with some awful people when I did unpaid work who were highly qualified but lacked any true purpose. But for several jobs I've seen "Must be NCTJ qualified".

Though there was the option to actually do NCTJ while at university, I just didn't. The syllabus was linked to NCTJ and our module exams came first and then the option to do it for the NCTJ. In my second year, when a lot of people did theirs, I was away on Erasmus. By the third year, I was too busy with my two final projects.

I would say I'm a decent enough journalist, but certainly the NCTJ would 'refresh' and cement the skills I've already learnt. I've considered freelance but it's just knowing what to write for what type of publication. It seems whenever I get an idea, it's already been done!

I have tried this already but without any luck. I guess it's just perseverance!

With the NCTJ, the course costs £2,100 but because I'm currently claiming Jobseekers Allowance all of the fees are waived by the college. It seems an opportunity that I should not miss!

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--confused by how this forum works!--

I graduated last month from my BA in Journalism and Media Studies.

While I've left it a little too late to apply for a masters this year, I'm thinking of going for one Sept 2011. (MA Politics and Mass Media at University of Liverpool).

However, with a year to spare - what should I do in the meantime?

One plan is to gain the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) Diploma in Journalism (18 week course), but then I'm left with 8 months of doing pretty much nothing...well, of course I could get a job too ,)

Another plan is to work for a year, gain some experience, and then go for the masters. So far, though, opportunities have been lacking.

Also, a worry is being locked into university again and by the time I complete the MA I'll be almost 27 without any substantial work in my chosen field. The reason I want to do the MA is that it's always been part of my overall plan, and if not the MA mentioned above, certainly something else.

So, should I focus on work right now or go with the NCTJ and then MA plan?

Any advice or guidance would be most appreciated :)