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International MA News Journalism student reveals the importance of upskilling in an ever-changing industry

Keeping pace with an evolving, international media industry isn’t an easy feat, and requires adaptability, dynamism and a global view.

Nabanita Das
Nabanita Das pictured in NTU's Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism

International student Nabanita Das made the tough decision to take a sabbatical from her job at Hindustan Times in Kolkata, India, to pursue a degree in MA News Journalism at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).

The course, taught by staff with extensive news journalism experience, and with input from leading journalists and editors from publications across the UK, ensures students gain the most relevant skills across multiple platforms.

Nabanita told us: “When journalists from abroad came to deliver workshops at my workplace, I wondered what it would be like to see, study and work in global newsrooms. I could also feel in those sessions that I needed to upgrade my skills. The UK is home to some of the largest media houses in the world, and is the epicentre of world politics. Thus, opting to study in the UK felt like an obvious choice.”

She continued: “I chose NTU because it is one of the top universities in the UK, and the Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism is one of its best departments. My course also has a National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) certification, which gives me an added edge in the industry.”

Going back to student life after four years of working in the industry was an initial concern for Nabanita, but she connected with professors and fellow classmates at NTU before leaving her hometown, which helped her settle in quickly when she arrived in Nottingham.

“The teaching methods here are quite different to what I’ve been exposed to in India. There’s a good balance between theoretical and practical sessions, and a bigger focus on assignments rather than closed book exams,” Nabanita commented.

The news journalism student also received a Masters scholarship, making studying in the UK more affordable.

Published on 4 April 2019
  • Subject area: Media, journalism and communication
  • Category: Current students; School of Arts and Humanities