Course overview.
Taught by a practising journalist with credits across UK national press and broadcast, the day moves quickly through the editorial disciplines that distinguish journalism from PR or content marketing: source verification, interview technique, news judgement and the editorial standards that protect both you and your audience.
Who it's for.
New journalists, communications and press-office professionals, in-house content producers, PR practitioners moving into editorial work, and people considering journalism as a career move. Also useful for senior leaders who want to understand how journalists work so they can engage with the press more effectively.
What you'll learn.
What journalism is — and what it isn't
The editorial standards that distinguish journalism from content marketing or PR: verification, balance, public interest, source protection. We work through real ethical dilemmas drawn from recent UK reporting and discuss how working journalists resolve them in practice.
The interview as a craft
Preparing for interviews, structuring questions, listening for the real story, and the techniques that turn a guarded source into a productive one — without ever being deceptive. Includes a practical exercise with peer feedback.
News judgement and the writing rhythm
What makes something a story, the inverted-pyramid structure for hard news, feature writing patterns, and the editorial workflow from pitch to publication. You'll leave with a worked example you've written and edited yourself during the day.
Book your place.
Fill in the form and we'll confirm your booking the same working day. Invoice on request — we accept PO numbers from public bodies and corporate accounts.
Reserve your seat.
Book the Introduction to Journalism course. We'll confirm your seat by email the same working day. PO numbers and invoicing accepted.
Got it — your booking enquiry is in.
We'll confirm your seat by email within the same working day. You should also see a copy of your enquiry in your inbox. Need anything urgent? Email hello@ascenttrainingwales.co.uk or use the live chat.
This course is fully fundable through ReACT+.
If you've been made redundant or are facing redundancy in Wales, the Welsh Government's ReACT+ scheme can fund up to £1,500 toward this course — plus childcare, travel and accommodation expenses. We'll handle the application.
Benefits of Attending This Course
Gain the essential skills needed to conduct effective investigations, assess information critically and develop compelling stories. Learn practical research, verification and reporting techniques that support accurate and impactful journalism.
Ascent Training Wales · Bridgend.
Our conference room is purpose-built for effective training — bright, modern, and fully equipped for workshops, seminars and accredited sessions.
Llynfi Enterprise CentreHeol Ty Gwyn Industrial Estate
Maesteg, Bridgend, CF34 0BQ
Develop Investigative Journalism Skills
Learn Investigative Techniques
Understand the principles of investigative journalism, including research methods, source evaluation and evidence gathering.
Research with Confidence
Develop practical skills for finding, analysing and verifying information from a range of sources.
Tell Impactful Stories
Learn how to structure investigations, present findings clearly and communicate insights with accuracy and credibility.
Common questions.
Quick answers to what most people ask before booking. Still need help? Get in touch.
How long is the course and where is it delivered?
How much does it cost and what's included?
When is the next date available?
Is this course eligible for ReACT+ funding?
Can you deliver this course in-house for our team?
From the classroom.
Our Bridgend venue is purpose-built for working learning — bright, modern, configurable for cohorts of four to twelve, with quality AV throughout and free parking right outside.
Llynfi Enterprise Centre · Bridgend · More about our venue →
More in Professional Development.
Courses that pair well with Introduction to Journalism, or that your team often takes as a sequence.
Ready when you are.
Book Introduction to Journalism for £275 a seat, or send us a brief and we'll come back with a tailored in-house quote for your team within two working days.