Curtailing journalism course is ‘grim news’

Education: Fife-raised author backs student’s bid to save college training course

Crime author Ian Rankin has said it is “grim news” that a prestigious journalism training course in Fife is under threat.

A total of 14 students in the first year of their HND Practical Journalism course at Fife College in Kirkcaldy were shocked to receive letters “out of the blue” on Saturday morning telling them that as of the end of this academic year, they can graduate with an HNC but will not be able to continue on to their HND year.

This means they will be unable to qualify for their NCTJ qualification which is only offered during the second year of the course.

One of the first year HNC students, Alasdair Clark, 22, of Leslie, contacted The Courier to express anger at the announcement.

The former Glenwood High School pupil who previously worked for Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley, said: “Only by doing the HND course can you get your NCTJ qualification.

“The letter states that it’s happening due to operational changes, but for people like me, who gave up a full-time job to do this course, it’s a kick in the teeth.

“It’s particularly annoying when the letter suggests that people can apply for their HND year at Sunderland University.

“But the closing date for Sunderland is only two weeks away, which is far too short notice when you consider tuition fees and everything else.”

Fife-raised crime author Ian Rankin, who has offered places on the course through the Ian Rankin Writing Scholarship, described the news on Twitter as “grim” and has supported Mr Clark’s efforts to garner support from alumni to save it.

Curriculum manager for media arts and design James Bissett said in his letter that the decision had been made as a result of his department’s course portfolio review.

He said: “It is with regret that, due to a number of operational considerations, there will be no provision of HND Practical Journalism in academic year 18-19. The college will continue to offer an HNC Practical Journalism qualification only.

“As discussed during the change of provision from HND to HNC for this year, there are a number of progression routes available at other colleges for entry into the HND or universities which provide journalism and/or media and communications degrees.

“Our existing partnership agreement with Sunderland University, which provides the opportunity to undertake the NCTJ vendor qualifications, is being reappraised for suitability into their year two intake.”

For people like me who gave up a full-time job to do this course, it’s a kick in the teeth. ALASDAIR CLARK

Picture: Getty. Best-selling writer Ian Rankin had offered places on the course through a scholarship.