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Katie Fenton

Katie
Fenton

United Kingdom
I particularly enjoy the theoretical modules, like ‘Media, Power and Politics’, as I can appreciate the importance of this deeper understanding of the media. I also love news days as I get the chance to produce a show, which is what I’d like to pursue a career in.

More about Katie

Katie graduated in July 2019 and began a job as ITV News Trainee with ITV Wales.

What made you choose to study at NTU?  

"The TV studio available to students on the course is of industry standard and better than many other university’s facilities. I was impressed by the fact most of the tutors have or still work in the industry, as it’s so important they’re up to date with journalistic practice. Nottingham is an incredible city, and the fact NTU is like a campus but in the city centre is so convenient."

What were the key features that attracted you to your course?

"I liked the prospect of ‘news days’, which enables students to get a taste of what real working days for a media outlet is like. I also really like the fact we make a documentary for our dissertation, and the many opportunities we’re given to try every aspect of journalism, including presenting, directing, camera work, editing and producing."

What do you enjoy most about your course?

"I particularly enjoy the theoretical modules, like ‘Media, Power and Politics’, as I can appreciate the importance of this deeper understanding of the media. I also love news days as I get the chance to produce a show, which is what I’d like to pursue a career in."

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 love the fact that the majority of my tutors have such a good understanding of journalism from working in the industry for many years. Each tutor brings different experience and skills to their teaching, so there’s a tutor to help you with every kind of problem. The technicians that help us with technical learning, such as editing software and camera training, are second to none. The amount of questions they get asked a day must be over a hundred, yet they always remain patient and never get frustrated with you."

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?

"Nottingham as a whole is great. It has everything you need; a variation of cafes, shops, restaurants and bars, and everything is close together and easily accessible. I’ve enjoyed having my car this year as it’s enabled me to venture further out. It’s fairly close to a lot of other cities so it’s easy to go away for the weekend."

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

"My course doesn’t just teach you how to get a First, it teaches you how to get a job. A Broadcast Journalism degree should not be about your grades, but how ready you are to go into industry, and I certainly feel like I’ll be ready by the end of my degree."

Have you completed any work placements and if so can you tell me a little bit about them – where you went and what you did?

"I recently completed a placement with the BBC’s Panorama, in London. As part of such a huge corporation, I knew I wouldn’t be contributing a huge amount of physical work. I did a lot of research for upcoming documentaries, contacted potential contributors, and even got to go out on a shoot; watching Nick Robinson interview a high-profile politician was an unforgettable experience.  The contacts I gained, my developed understanding of the way a documentary is produced, and being able to say I’ve worked with Panorama, made it an invaluable placement."

How will your course and/or placement enhance your employability for your chosen career? What skills have you gained?

"News days and our third year documentary dissertation will give me the skills I need to commission, direct and produce documentaries. We are also given the opportunity to apply to be an intern at Notts TV during third year, replacing certain modules. A year in industry before you’ve even graduated? It doesn’t get better than that."

What has been your greatest achievement at NTU so far?

"My greatest achievement has probably been getting a first in nearly every module last year. I found adjusting to university, meeting so many new people and settling in to a new city surprisingly overwhelming. There were many times I just wanted to switch off from my deadlines, but I worked hard and earned the grade I deserve!"

What are your plans for the future?

"My dream is to set up my own documentary production company, producing documentaries for mainstream outlets like the BBC and Channel 4. I’m ready to start at the bottom and work my way up, as I understand that someone at the top should know about every component that makes a documentary."

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