JOURNALISM IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—May I crave space in your columns for what follows ? Journalism as a profession is governed by circumstances

peculiar to itself. It can never become a close profession, like medicine and the law. It can only be considered a learned profession in respect of those of its members who have attained merit at the seats of learning, or in the fields of polities, or letters, or travel—in the University of the World.

Directly after the War the opportunity, long desired, arose at the University of London of establishing special Courses for those intending to follow journalism. The Courses were designed primarily for ex-Service men. They

are being continued now as regular courses in journalism. In December last the Journalism Committee of the University

reported to the Senate as follows :—

" The Courses have now been running for four years. They have definitely emerged from the experimental. stage ; and in the opinion of the Committee should now be placed upon a permanent basis as a contribution of value to the education of intending journalists. Not only do they provide a broad and well- balanced scheme of education, but from information received both from former students and also from newspaper proprietors the Committee are satisfied that the Courses have proved their value in fitting students for Journalism, many having obtained positions on London newspapers, provincial newspapers and News Agencies. The numbers in attendance are, on the whole. satisfactory, although it is desirable that a greater proportion of men students should be attracted to the Courses."

As a means of bringing men students to the Courses, the Committee has been engaged during the past twelve months,

with the permission of the Senate, in raising, privately, funds for the establishment of Journalism Exhibitions ; and candidates have recently competed in an examination especially arranged by the University, for five Exhibitions,

each of the value of £200--i.e., £100 per annum for two years, the period of the Diploma Courses.

It is greatly to be desired that money may be forthcoming for the annual grant of these Exhibitions, so that men of small means, able to show fitness for journalism—a condition

attached to the award of the Exhibitions—may have-at the opening of their careers educational advantages which

otherwise would be denied them.

The syllabus of the Courses was mainly designed by the first ('hairman of the Journalism Committee of the University, Professor Sir Sidney Lee. In an official document the Courses are thus referred to :—

" The general plan is to provide first for a sound general education and second to provide instruction in some subjects which have a special interest for would-be journalists. The number of academic subjects is large with a suitable number of options. In addition to the ordinary academic subjects a special Course is provided on The General Principles of Writing for the Press,' and with the kind co-operation of the leading journalists weekly lectures are given on special aspects of journalism. Persons desiring to enter the Courses must have reached matriculation standard, though, in exceptional circumstances, non-matriculated students are entered. Students enter themselves at one of four (.7olleges, namely : University College, King's College, Bedford College, or the London School of Economies and Political Science ; they share in the social life of the Colleges and have in addition a Journalism Students' Association of their own. A Diploma is awarded at the conclusion of the Two Years' Course to Students who satisfy the Examiners."

During each of my visits to the United States I have been impressed by the high education standard of young American journalists. They are recruited, I find, in increasing numbers from the several Universities which devote themselves, in part, to the training of men for newspaper work. The fruitful experience of these institutions justifies the progressive and enlightened journalism policy of the University of London, which, over here, has been the pioneer in this as in many other educational activities.

It is desirable that all who have the interests of the news- paper Press at heart should support the University in its journalism policy, and should assist in strengthening financially the system of Exhibitions. In so good a cause I feel confident that we can count upon the powerful advocacy of the SPECTATOR.—I am, Sir, &c., RODERICK M. JONES, Chairman of Reuters. Reuters, Thames Embankment, Bladfriars, B.C. 4.

[Journalism, as Sir Roderick Jones says, can. never become a close profession, but it can acquire all that is best in the spirit which belongs to the great professions. Among the influences which are working in this desirable direction we should certainly place very high the services and valuable teaching which the University of London has undertaken.—' En. Spectator.]