Molly Woodruff

Molly Woodruff

BA (Hons) Print Journalism – Year 3 (2009-10)

Molly is in her final year of BA Print Journalism. She says:

"The lecturers are really friendly and helpful - you are treated as an individual not just a number. I was first attracted to Nottingham Trent University as it seemed very professional and had a similar set up to a real working environment - especially the newsroom with all the latest technical equipment."

Learning many valuable skills to prepare her for the competitive industry of journalism, Molly says:

"We study news writing which consists of learning written skills as well as how to use the technical equipment to put together news packages. This module also includes 'news days' where we create a newspaper very similar to how you would in the working environment. We study media law which is essential for being a journalist and this is delivered in a very fun and easy to understand way. We also learn how to do shorthand and write at speeds of 100 words per minute - this is really useful especially when taking notes in court cases."

The course has given Molly lots of useful and transferable skills and taught her to write professional copy:

"I have learned to write interesting and imaginative pieces of journalism that have been well praised and have stood me in good stead when doing work experience surrounded by really experienced journalists. These skills have even enabled me to get my writing published in newspapers and magazines. And not forgetting, of course, getting my 100 words per minute shorthand certificate!"

Having access to the latest broadcasting equipment has also helped Molly succeed on the course:

"Digital cameras, video cameras, sound recording devices and the radio and TV studios are available at all times of the University day. We also have access to a number of computers with all the latest equipment installed on them to help us make news packages or design newspaper and magazine pages."

"Staff have been supportive and have helped in many ways with any queries or difficulties I have. They are approachable and are always there to help with anything whether it is to do with the course or any other matter. I have really enjoyed all aspects of studying at Nottingham Trent - the lecturers are really friendly, there are lots of resources to help you study, the city is amazing and the nightlife is great!"

The course is flexible and designed to equip journalists with everything they need in the profession. Molly says:

"I have developed lots of new skills like learning shorthand to writing and all kinds of articles from sports reporting to restaurant reviews. It has also given me the ability to use media law when approaching stories so I know what I can legally write. I aim to become either a newspaper or magazine journalist, but first plan to do some freelance work whilst travelling. I have found the course interesting - it doesn't just involve sitting in a lecture theatre staring at books. You get to go out and do exciting things everyday - no two days are the same!"