Hannah
Jones

Hannah has done a number of work placements during her degree, and embarked on a semester abroad to RMIT, Australia in her second year.

What made you choose to study at NTU?

“I chose NTU because of the state-of-the-art facilities which many other universities I visited did not have, and also because the course is BJTC accredited.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?

“The law modules we did in our first and second year were really interesting. Also, being able to produce our own shows on Newsdays using the TV and radio studios is a great experience. Also, each year, all of the journalism courses have a ‘Future’s Day’ event. This is predominantly aimed at third year and Masters students. However, I attended the event in my first, second and third year, and spoke to leading journalists and presenters from all over the country, which was brilliant!”

What do you think about the course staff?

“All of my lecturers, both academic and practical, have worked in the journalism industry themselves and a number of them still work at institutions like the BBC when they are not at NTU. This is fantastic as they know how the industry is adapting, which they then implement on the course.”

What do you think about the facilities?

“The TV studio and gallery is an exceptional space for us students to use. We are able to book out the studio and can use it to make our own programmes for the student-led TV station Trent TV. We also do the same with the three radio studios, all of which have high-quality software and equipment."

Have you completed any work placements?

“I work on a freelance basis as a Broadcast Assistant at BBC Radio Derby. I really love my job and this came from gaining work experience with the station in September 2017. I get to help produce BBC’s local radio shows – I come up with suitable ideas and develop them for on-air use with experienced producers. This has given me a lot of confidence in myself and is great to be doing alongside my degree.

“I was also a weekly Assistant Breakfast Show Producer for Gem 106 in 2016. I got this opportunity independently, but I do feel that the reputation of my course helped me stand out on my application. I’ve also done work experience at ITV Central in September 2017, where I got to work with a range of experienced journalists and producers.

“I've done a number of placements at Notts TV. This opportunity comes through my course and although it is not compulsory, it is a great way to get TV experience and get my own work played on regional television.”

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism?

“If you want to work in TV or radio, then I believe this is the course for you because of the state-of-the-art facilities, excellent course reputation, and the industry recognised BJCT accreditation. Plus, Nottingham has so much going on that there are a number of possible external broadcasting opportunities for you to take up.”

Hannah exploring Australia with her classmates

What has been your biggest achievement at NTU so far?

“Going on my semester abroad and achieving a first class honours while out there was by far my biggest achievement. This opportunity really helped shape me as a person, and allowed me to travel and meet so many amazing new people who I am still in contact with now. Also, starting my freelance job at the BBC while still a student is fantastic and I am really loving working in the industry alongside completing my degree.”

Can you tell us more about your semester abroad in Australia?

“I studied at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) for one semester in 2017 and then I travelled from June all around Australia. I did a photojournalism module, documentary studies and a practical module – all which were fantastic!

“Being able to study documentary studies was really interesting and enjoyable. I learnt so much, and because it is not a module offered at NTU, it meant that it I was able to study something different. I also loved how RMIT ran so many trips, often at the weekends, so I got to really enjoy seeing beautiful places while meeting students from other courses. I also joined the Surf Society and went on a weekend surf camp! In the Easter break, a few friends and I hired two campers and went road tripping around Tasmania. I now have fantastic, memorable experiences which I will carry through life with me.”

What was the application process like?

“At the end of my first year, I had to apply to express that I was interested in going abroad and ensure that I had achieved a minimum of a 2:1 in my first year. I then had to choose the top three universities I wanted to go to; RMIT was my first choice. I spoke to my course leader and we went through the modules to check that they were of a suitable level and equivalent to what I would have studied in my second year at NTU. A few months later, I heard directly from RMIT University that I had been accepted! I then arranged my visa and booked my flights.”

What advice would you give to future exchange students?

“Go for it and make the most of everyday that you have because it goes so fast, and it is an experience you may never get again. I made sure that I did at least one thing each day, no matter how small, just because I was so eager to find out about Australian culture, their broadcasting industry, and the beautiful landscapes.”

Why would you recommend going on exchange to other students?

“Studying abroad is such a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is so interesting and eye-opening to both live and study in another country. You can really develop as a person, meet people from all over the world. It also really helps stand you out in interviews because you have lots of interesting stories to talk about.”