These days, most fledgling journalists do an undergraduate degree in the subject.

The move from practice-based training to a humanities degree combining academic work and practice media experience coincided with jornalism becoming a fashionable career choice. "There are something like 350 graduates coming out of six or seven journalism schools every year and that is not counting the diploma courses", said Tom Felle, director of the BA in journalism and new media at the University of Limerick.

Would-be third-level students actively avoid courses related to other troubled sectors, such as construction, yet they are still flocking to journalism. Those interested in studying journalism should consider their motives and research their options. Being "good at English" in school does not mean you'll be good at journalism.

Those determined to study journalism should choose their course carefully. If you can, ask working journalists for advice. It is worth speaking to current students to see if their course has adequate resources for lectures, seminars and workshops. Look for a programme with good links to the media and excellent work experience opportunities. Paul McNamara, chairman of the MA in Journalism at DCU.

There is more than one way into journalism. It is always possible to study something else at undergraduate level and persue a Masters in Journalism later.

Kathy Foley, The Sunday Times, 20/5/2012