What a week it’s been. A grey pallor and drooping glassy eyes now stare back at me when I chance to catch sight of myself in a mirror. Phew, it’s pretty intense being a news-hound… Today (Saturday) we voted on editor and deputy for our new magazine Retirement Business. And the result? Well, I must say I was rather abashed to find out it was me, with Charlie mustering the troops as deputy editor. Ooh. Sarah is our news ed, and charlotte is her deputy. So there we have it. What followed was a quick word with Keith (Keith, ahm, what am I supposed to be doing exactly?) a snatched meeting with Charlie, and a get-together of the whole team to establish our direction and get cracking. Fingers crossed. We can do it. And all that other stuff (23 reports to be precise). Simultaneously. No bother. Hmm. Must go, I’m on deadline you know. Might just peek out of my shell to grab a piece of toast before the day is out…

It has been a day of brutality for the PMA post-graduate group. The day started with a string of mocked up press conferences (brilliantly recreated by Roberta) that detailed a series of murders committed by a crazed gunman. As each press conference came and went I wished I’d made better use of my one allotted question as I never seemed to have enough gory details.

The shorthand work in the evening involved transcribing another tale of horror as little old couple Mr and Mrs Green were chased out their house by nasty burglars. I can’t help thinking that with all these tales of violence and murder, the PMA tutors are kindly reminding us to stay away from sharp objects or firearms. At least until we’ve finished the course, at lease until we’ve all had some sleep.

This year is the 20th anniversary of PMA's Postgraduate Diploma in Magazine Journalism. Of course we'll be celebrating later this ...   more »

This year is the 20th anniversary of PMA's Postgraduate Diploma in Magazine Journalism. Of course we'll be celebrating later this ...   more »

Another winter, another PMA Postgraduate Course in Magazine Journalism. But this is not just any other year, it's the 20th anniversary of the course. This means little to our new reporters — who have nine weeks of sweat and tears to report on. Read their comments:

Comments from the people on the course.   more »

The Summer 2007 Postgraduate Course in Magazine Journalism is full. However we've had some excellent applicants, almost enough to fill two courses, so we've decided to put on a second course starting in September, which means that we still have some vacant spaces. If you're serious about becoming a journalist, you should send your application form in asap. As usual it's a case of first come, first served. As soon as we've got 12 suitable applicants, the Autumn 07 course will close. The next course will then be the Winter 08 session that begins in January. It's important that you apply as soon as you can for any of our courses. An application is by no means a guarantee of a place, there's a tough interview process to get through. Just as important as your potential to become a journalist, is your ability to work as part of a team. Don't presume that you'll waltz into one of our courses just because you're a brilliant writer, or have a superb degree or a fat wad in your back pocket. The selection process is tough because our training is tough. We recommend early applications so that you know whether you're on the course or not, to allow you to make whatever plans are necessary.
So good luck, and remember, if you have any questions about the course, don't hesitate to ask.

Twelve new postgrads started the PMA Postgraduate Course in Magazine Journalism on January 8. Read their comments as the course progresses.

'Press Cadets is a great competition, even if all my friends thought it was the harshest ever extended job interview.'   more »

Rory Kinsella, who this summer graduated from the PMA Postgraduate Course in Magazine Journalism, is flying through the Press Gazette's Press Cadet competition. Rory has made it to the final six after successfully completing tasks as diverse as holding a 'sandwich board' aloft in the middle of London and writing about his experience, and being a programming editor for the ITN lunchtime news.
Ten people started the competition, battling it out for one of two posts as a Camelot sponsored trainee at Press Gazette – the weekly paper for the newspaper and magazine industry. Competitors include journalism graduates from Leeds University, City University, De Montfort University, Middlesex University, London College of Communication, and Trinity and All Saints College. Each week two people get 'spiked'. Watch this blog to find out if Rory rockets through to the final. The next task is a stint on the Mirror.

Graduates of the Summer 2006 Postgraduate Course in Magazine Journalism have set a record, by all being in work just six weeks after the course ended.   more »

The summer 2006 Course ended on September 8, after nine weeks of sweat and tears for all concerned (yes, tutors too). The new crop of journalists have endured and enjoyed weeks of intensive training in news and feature writing, editing, subbing and proof-reading, shorthand, law and much more; plus the production of 'EcoLondon' magazine from scratch; then two-weeks' work experience, followed by a graduate day with leading figures from the world of magazine and online publishing. So what do they think of it? Here are a few of their comments:

‘Intense, inspiring, informative. I have learned an enormous amount and I am a changed person! I would definitely recommend the course to others. Thank you!'
Nancy Rowntree

‘Exhauting but worth it. I feel more capable and confident now.'
Gemma Sharkey

‘A very fulfilling learning experience. 100% prepares you for a job in journalism.'
Vibeka Mair

‘The most exhausting thing I've ever done, but it's given me the confidence to go for the jobs I really want.''
Vivien Wilson

As graduates in universities across the UK start their one-year, full-time postgraduate courses in journalism, almost half of those who completed PMA's nine-week summer course in magazine journalism have already started work.   more »

Fourteen people graduated from the Summer 2006 PMA Postgraduate Course in Magazine Journalism, three already have jobs...   more »