Julie
Phan

Why NTU…

Why did you decide to do postgraduate study?

My decision to pursue postgraduate study stemmed directly from my time working in a professional environment. While practical experience was invaluable, I soon recognised a persistent feeling of insufficiency, a tangible knowledge gap. The industry is accelerating so rapidly that relying solely on learning by doing is  simply not enough to meet the complex, evolving demands of the modern era.  Precisely because of this rapid pace, the ability to make ethically sound decisions and  evaluate appropriate future directions, underpinned by deep, highly academic  research, becomes the core foundation of long-term success.

While my undergraduate program provided a fascinating and necessary introduction, I  realised it did not offer the required scope. It lacked the depth, breadth, and essential  criticality and ethical foundation needed to navigate today's challenges effectively. More fundamentally, I am committed to becoming a global communicator; I do not  want to narrow down my professional scope to a single national context. I became  certain that further education was not only an option, but also a vital investment in  order to gain the advanced perspectives and sophisticated tools required to function  effectively on a global scale and actually stay ahead of the competition.

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

My choice of this specific course is driven by its unique positioning as an exceptional  intersection between rigorous academic knowledge and practical real-world  application. I was seeking a program that would provide not only in-depth expertise but also a  solid fundamental background in my field, delivered through a highly selective and  globally contextualized lens.

The combination of modules is exactly what I need: it ranges from practical skills like  strategic storytelling and developing broadcast products to essential analytical skills such as media research and critique, and a foundational understanding of the history  and development of global communications. This specific blend of practical skill-building and deep historical and critical analysis  makes the course at NTU the ideal foundation for my future as a global communicator.

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?

What I enjoy most about my course at NTU is the powerful synergy between  fascinating, specialist modules and the exceptional academic staff who deliver them. The most inspiring aspect is the academic team, particularly lecturers like Angela and  Colin. Their sheer passion for the profession and depth of knowledge is infectious.  They don't simply act as tutors; they are robust pillars of support, behaving as  mentors and industry colleagues who are always available to provide specialist  knowledge and advice when needed. Their enthusiasm for the field is genuinely one of  the most inspiring aspects of the entire course. A specific, stand-out moment for me was the module on War Media.

I was genuinely  proud and deeply interested to see a dedicated discussion on the Vietnam War. It was  completely unexpected to have my home country contextualised in such a thorough,  international academic setting. That topic, combined with the lecturer’s tremendous  enthusiasm, was incredibly engaging. Furthermore, the access to resources is superb. Having opportunities to utilize the  professional TV studio and radio rooms, and hearing direct industry insights, such as  those shared by Angela, with her background at the BBC, makes the learning tangible  and extremely exciting. Coupled with the fantastic relationships I’ve built with classmates from a hugely  diverse range of countries; the overall experience has been comprehensive and  genuinely enriching.

Have you been involved in any projects, extra-curricular activities or working experience that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

Yes. I was involved in a project with NTU Sustainability, which significantly supplemented my academic studies. During this experience, I worked as part of a cross-functional team focusing on sustainability communications and community engagement. I supported tasks such as researching best practices, contributing to content planning, and assisting with communication materials for internal and
external audiences. This role allowed me to apply the theories I learned in class, particularly those related to media strategy, intercultural communication, and ethical decision-making to real organisational contexts. It also strengthened my project management, collaboration, and analytical skills. Overall, the NTU Sustainability experience provided an important bridge between academic learning and practical, hands-on work within the university environment.

What do you think about the course staff – include lecturers, tutors, administrators and technical staff within this. How do they support your learning and University experience?

I find the course staff across all departments to be exceptional and highly supportive. The Lecturing and Tutoring Staff are outstanding subject matter experts; their deep industry passion and willingness to act as mentors, not just academics, provide invaluable real-world insights into the field. The Technical Team is essential for my practical learning, ensuring the seamless  operation of our studios and facilities. Equally, the Administrative Staff are highly efficient and organized, handling all logistical elements flawlessly, which allows me to focus entirely on my studies. This holistic support system has been key to both my academic development and a stress-free university experience.

What do you think about the facilities available to you?

We are extremely fortunate to have sufficient equipment, including dedicated studios, professional radio and television broadcasting rooms. This hands-on access is crucial for translating theoretical knowledge directly into high-quality practical output. Equally important is the academic environment. The library is always well-equipped and readily accessible, providing a reliable and productive space for intensive work. It truly becomes our 'home base' during the heavy deadline periods.

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study in that area?

I would highly recommend this programme for four core reasons that ensure a valuable return on investment:

1. Effective Balance: The course provides a strong and effective balance  between academic depth and practical, hands-on application, preparing you  realistically for the demands of the modern industry.
2. Highly Experienced Staff: The lecturers are highly skilled professionals with  strong industry links. They function effectively as mentors, providing deep,  real-world insight and genuine passion for the field.
3. Global & Relevant Context: The curriculum is strategically designed with a  strong global perspective, importantly including regional specialism (like  the Asia Pacific focus), which is vital for any international career path.
4. High quality facilities

As an international student...

Why did you want to study in the UK?

• Academic Excellence: The UK provides a globally respected, top-tier academic  environment renowned for its focused and intensive Master's programmes.
• Global Media Hub: Its status as a global communications centre—home to  organizations like the BBC—offers unique access to cutting-edge industry  models and professional networking opportunities.
• Efficiency and Value: The one-year Master’s structure is incredibly efficient.  This allows me to gain advanced specialist knowledge and re-enter the  professional world swiftly, saving both significant time and cost compared to
  longer programmes.

Is NTU a good place for international students to study?

Yes. What I value most is the sheer cultural diversity on campus. You get to study and network with students from all corners of the globe, which significantly broadens your perspective. Crucially, there is also a notably large and very supportive Vietnamese community
here. The presence of this community makes the initial integration and overall adaptation process much smoother and more comfortable when you first arrive in a new country.

What advice would you give to help new international students get settled in at university?

1. Be Intensely Eager to Learn (Academic and Cultural) Be intensely curious about the new academic culture and the different ways of  thinking. Actively seek out help from lecturers and tutors, and immerse yourself in the  local culture. This openness will accelerate both your academic success and your
   personal integration.
2. Forget who you are at home  "Adopt a genuine sense of humility. You may have excelled in your home country, but
   here you must be open to correction and to challenging your established views. This  involves respectfully engaging with classmates with different perspectives and quickly  adapting to the British academic standards for referencing and argumentation.  Humility is the foundation for effective learning."
3. Hard-working Should be prepared to work 5 times as hard as you did previously. The condensed  nature of the UK academic year and the need to bridge any language or system gaps  require an almost five-fold intensification of your study focus.

Support...

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

I find the support available from tutors and staff at NTU to be excellent and highly comprehensive.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

To be completely honest, settling in at NTU and making initial friendships was challenging at first. There were three main hurdles: my language skills were not yet fluent, the cultural differences were quite pronounced, and I joined the course a month late. This
combination led to a period of significant stress and isolation initially. However, after 1 month, and through the shared experience of group projects and courses, I was lucky to make some genuine friends. They were extremely open-minded, professionally competent, and supportive. They were helpful in guiding me through the new surroundings, considerably reducing my initial loneliness and  homesickness.

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

My immediate goal is to remain in the UK and transition directly into a professional role, leveraging the knowledge and networks I have built throughout this course. I am currently developing a specialised media project focused on Vietnam, in close  collaboration with two lecturers from this NTU programme. The opportunity to execute a project about my home country right here in the UK  is one of my dreams before I came here, and now it's come true.

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

1. NTU is helping me achieve my career goals in three very concrete and impactful ways: Strategic Foundation: The programme provides the crucial strategic and  advanced academic knowledge that I realized I lacked after working
   professionally.
2. Practical Skills: The strong emphasis on practical skills and access to professional studios ensure I can translate theory into high-quality communication products.
3. Direct Career Catalyst: Most importantly, NTU has been the catalyst for my future. The opportunity to collaborate with a lecturer on a project about Vietnam provides the ideal professional launchpad for me right here in the UK.

Advice...

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

First, conduct forensic research on the specific courses and instructors to ensure the curriculum is completely aligned with your professional path. Do not read only  the course title. Second, you should clearly outline what you hope to learn from  the Master's degree and how it will fit into your three or five-year professional  strategy. Finally, follow the course only if it is a genuine, personal professional  commitment; the intensity demands real ambition, and you should never join  because you don't want to work or under parental pressure.