How to become a sub-editor
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist courses offered by professional bodies
University
You’ll usually need a degree in a relevant subject like:
- English
- journalism
- media studies
You can find relevant courses accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
You can do a postgraduate journalism course if your first degree is not in a related subject.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
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College
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) has advice on bursaries and funding to encourage greater diversity in journalism.
Apprenticeship
You can work towards this role by starting with a higher apprenticeship like:
- journalist
- senior journalist
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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Work
You may be able to work your way into this job by starting as a reporter with a regional newspaper or magazine. This can help you to build up your experience of proofreading and text editing.
It will also allow you to develop a portfolio of work that you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers.
Volunteering
You'll need to get some experience before applying for your first job in newspaper or magazine journalism and moving on to sub editing.
You could:
- volunteer for student or local community newspapers
- start a blog
- build your social media and professional networking presence
- submit articles and reviews to regional newsgroups or smaller magazine companies
- volunteer to help a charity write their print, or online publications
Other Routes
You'll find it helpful to take a sub-editing course if you've already got some experience in journalism, PR or media communications.
Courses are offered by organisations like:
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Career tips
You'll also need to be able to use desktop publishing software for many sub-editing jobs.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join organisations like the Society of Editors and Professional Publishers Association, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a sub-editor from:
You can find out more about media and publishing careers from: