Valuable teaching from people who have 'been there, done that'

Why did you choose your course?

I’ve wanted to go into journalism for a few years and this course offers a route into doing that. It covers the fundamentals in news writing, production, media law and ethics. It's also accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the diploma by them is also offered on the course.

NCTJ qualifications and approved courses are what editors for media organisations up and down the UK look for when recruiting new staff.

What were you doing before you started at Sheffield?

I studied an undergraduate degree in International Politics and International History at Aberystwyth University, where I edited the student newspaper for a year after writing for it for two years previously, and had a radio show for three years.

While at the University I worked there for the Alumni Relations and the Communications/Marketing team. After I graduated I went on to work for the Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs team as a Graduate Trainee.

From there, I moved to work as the Alumni Marketing Co-ordinator for the Faculty of Business and Law at Manchester Metropolitan University. I enjoyed parts of both roles, but knew that I wanted to pursue a career in journalism, so left Manchester Met after 13 months to come to Sheffield.

What are the benefits of studying journalism at Sheffield?

The course is structured in an optimal way for pursuing a career in journalism after you graduate. It’s very much an applied course, with everything geared towards that career, news writing, media law, ethics, production, giving you the skills that you will use every-day in the job.

The course being accredited by the NCTJ shows that you’re being taught the right things, and equips you for looking for work afterwards.

The staff are brilliant, and all have a background in the media. Again, it helps to know that you’re on the right track and are being taught by people who have been there, got the t-shirt, and worn it day-in, day-out for years.

What's been your biggest achievement so far?

During the first term, I was picked as the first news gathering editor for our news days. In those days, the people on the print and broadcast course operate the newsroom as a live newsroom, as it would for a regional newspaper or broadcaster.

I managed the team of 40, including reporters and social media editors.

It helps to know that you’re on the right track and are being taught by people who have been there, got the t-shirt, and worn it day-in, day-out.

Harry Taylor

MA Print Journalism

How are you funding your study and living costs?

I worked full-time for two years after my undergraduate degree to save money towards postgraduate fees. The postgraduate loan from the Government also helped me pay the majority of my fees and went towards my rent and living costs.

However, there are a number of funding streams available for journalism students, such as the journalism diversity fund, Sheffield scholarship, and Scott Trust bursary.

How do you balance postgraduate study with any extra-curricular activities?

In the first semester especially it's tricky, there’s a lot of formal teaching time and there’s a need towards the end of term to go out and research your own stories. There is still a little time available to enjoy outside of the classroom, so make the most of it.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of studying postgraduate at Sheffield?

Have a proper look at the course, and make sure it’s the one for you. The information available online gives you a good idea of what you’ll be learning.

For journalism it’s imperative that what’s on offer is what you’re after. Speak to the tutors on any open days and come prepared with questions. It’s a great opportunity to fill in any gaps and answer any questions.

For finance, have a look in advance and explore all available avenues. The postgraduate loan from the government makes it a lot easier now, but it’s still difficult to get by without money on top of that.

The Sheffield Scholarship is worth applying for, as is looking at the Journalism Diversity Fund, and Scott Trust bursary.

There’s lots out there, but leave it too late, and you’re likely to miss out on available opportunities for funding. I did, and it’s been a lot more difficult