Magazine Journalist

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 variable

evenings / weekends away from home

How To Become a Magazine Journalist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly
specialist courses from training organisations

College / University

You may find it useful to have a degree in a subject like journalism or media. This will help you learn about the magazine industry and develop the skills you'll need as a journalist.

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant qualifications include Level 3 Diploma in Journalism or Level 3 Diploma in Multimedia Journalism.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as a junior journalist.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You could apply directly for jobs, especially if you have knowledge of the specialist area the magazine covers.

You would need to build up a network of contacts as many journalist jobs are not advertised.

Other Routes

You can study a range of professional qualifications in journalism, either online or part time at a training centre, accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of English language
knowledge of media production and communication
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
excellent written communication skills
excellent verbal communication skills
ambition and a desire to succeed
persistence and determination
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You may:

go to meetings to plan the content of the magazine
suggest ideas for articles
interview and research to collect information for articles
fact check and proof read articles
write articles to suit the magazine's style
keep up-to-date with developments and trends in the magazine's subject area
work as a critic, reviewing things like films, food or concerts

Working Environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career Path & Progression

With experience you may be able to progress to an editing position or move into another area like newspaper journalism, radio or TV.

You could go freelance and write for various publications, or become a staff writer.

Volunteering Opportunities

Competition for jobs is strong, especially with the better-known magazines. You'll find it useful to have examples of your published work in a portfolio. You'll also need practical experience, which you could get by:

contacting magazines to ask for work experience
writing reviews of films, plays or products
volunteering to work on newsletters
writing your own blog and having an online presence

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

As a journalism student you can apply for student membership of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). The NUJ also has information on bursaries that may be available.

Further information

You can find out more about working in publishing from the Professional Publishers Association and the National Union of Journalists.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.