A groundbreaking Christian journalism course has been launched in the UK with the aim of equipping Christian believers to make an impact in the secular media, reports Assist News.

|TOP|The new journalism course has been set up by Cleland Thom Journalism Training Services, with the coursework completed online.

The course, which leads to the National Council for Training of Journalists’ qualification, also offers full tutorial support from a tutor who is not only a committed Christian but also one of the country’s leading journalism trainers.

The course is designed to meet the physical and spiritual needs and concerns of Christians feeling the call from God to go into a career in journalism.

“That could be on a local paper, or even a national one. Or you could end up working on a magazine, radio station or a website. Or working for yourself as a freelance, or for the Christian press,” said Thom on his website.

|AD|“Every aspect of journalism is covered – but is approached from a Christian point of view when appropriate,” said Thom, who has more than 30 years of reporting and editing experience.

The course is not any old journalism course, however: “We make a commitment to pray for you regularly as you complete the course, and will be available to provide you with as much spiritual advice, support and direction as possible. Our goal is to help you fulfil God’s call for your life.

“However, we strongly encourage students on this course to be committed members of a local church and to get their pastoral support and prayer covering at all stages of the course.”

Thom’s journalism training has been highly successful, with its students currently working for high-profile media groups including BBC World Service, BBC Online, The Times, Sky News, Sky Sport, and London’s Capital Radio.

The course was recently featured in a an article on distance learning by the Daily Express, with the newspaper describing the course as one that “beats other options in flexibility and convenience for those who want to catch up or make a new start.”

The cost of the course is £495, including textbooks, and will take around 12 months to complete with a money-back guarantee if you fail your exams.

Cleland Thom is a member of New Life Church, Emsworth, and has written a number of books for the Christian market, including Friends of God, The Power to Persuade, Moses, The Making of a Leader, Brokenhearted Believers, Abraham, Friends of God.