Free student media editorial leadership course returns for 2026

Applications are now open for News Associates’ seventh annual free online journalism course.  

Our student media editorial leadership course runs remotely on Zoom every Monday in November, 6:30pm-8pm.  

The course gives committee members of student publications an introduction to the essential skills needed for careers in newsrooms and broadcast studios through masterclasses with News Associates’ award-winning training team.  

The five-week course will cover the media landscape, news reporting and story sourcing, media law and ethics, leading a team, employability skills, and much more.  

Applications are open to anyone in a leadership position in student media, whether that is a newspaper, magazine, radio or TV station, and are in their final year of study at university.  

Complementing the practical journalism sessions, you’ll hear from journalists across the industry. Previous speakers include Mhairi Aurora (Sky News), Will Gore (The Independent, formerly NCTJ) and Abbie Scott (Financial Times). 

You can apply through this form.  

The course is only open to students in their final year at university and have a role at a university publication. Before you apply, please make sure this applies to you and that you are free every Monday evening of November, 6:30pm-8pm. The dates you will be required are: November 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.  

You have until 11:59pm on Sunday October 4, 2026 to apply.  

Places are limited so we will only be able to accept a maximum of two people per publication.

We will get back to you with the outcome of your application by Friday October 9, 2026.

If you have any questions about the application process or the course itself, please email gcrowley@newsassociates.co.uk