Read. I’ve got an ongoing reading list at http://astore.amazon.co.uk/onlijourblog-21 which is well worth delving into. Also see http://delicious.com/paulb/ebook

And network. Follow figures in your field on Twitter and blogs. Post comments and join conversations. Blog yourself and link to others. Attend events and interview people in person or online.

I have gained some work experience with local papers and have some bylines in my portfolio from papers and a magazine. Is there anything else I could do to strengthen my application to the MA course? I have looked at taking qualifications in Photoshop, Web Page Design and also HTML but would appreciate it if you could advise me which of these would strengthen my application further.

The more experience the better – blogging regularly is a good habit to get into. Start by regularly blogging about interesting links, then go from there. Get involved in the social media scene – Bloggers Meetups, Social Media Cafe, etc.

In terms of courses that depends on what you eventually want to do – HTML and web design will be useful if that’s an area you want to explore. If it’s database journalism then look at learning about spreadsheets, databases and SQL etc. If it’s video then do that; audio likewise.

There are so many skills you could bring as an online journalist don’t just jump for ‘web design’ -think about what you want to do and what skills you think are in demand in the industry (database skills are, for example).

I am saving towards this goal but would also like to know if you can point me in the right direction for advice on financial assistance regarding Masters courses. Is it the same procedure for a degree or is Student Loans not appropriate for a postgraduate course?

This page has some useful info – http://postgradfunding.pbworks.com/ – Student Loans doesn’t apply; normally it’s a career development loan from a bank.