Journalism degrees boom as industry busts

The number of applications to journalism degree courses starting this autumn has risen by almost a quarter on the previous year despite the widespread job cuts across all sections of the media, Press Gazette reports today.
PG says newly released data from Ucas, the university admissions service, has revealed that journalism degrees are among the fastest growing courses in terms of popularity. "By the deadline of 15 January, Ucas recorded 13,229 applications to journalism courses. Each student can choose up to five courses on their application form. Applications were up 24 per cent on last year - at a time when the journalism jobs market is contracting due to the economic downturn."
PG reports an NUJ estimate that at least 1,000 editorial jobs have been lost across the industry since last summer - including about 700 in the regional press.