I’ve always been an organised, creative person with a natural curiosity and a love for communication. When I was deciding on a career, journalism stood out as the perfect blend of my passions for writing, reading, and asking questions. The Journalism programme at Roehampton was a natural fit, offering the right balance of skills development and academic support. From the beginning, I knew this was where I needed to be. I had visited an open day in Year 12 and immediately felt like Roehampton was the right place for me. The Journalism course sounded amazing, and everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming.

What I Love About the Journalism Degree

The variety of modules available in the journalism degree at Roehampton is definitely my favourite part. In my first year, I had the chance to explore photography and videography, and I even learned how to write the perfect list of interview questions. This term, I’m delving into feature writing and learning about media law, including how to avoid libel. It’s clear that the lecturers here are incredibly passionate about their subject, and that makes all the difference in creating an engaging learning environment.

Roehampton has provided me with amazing academic support. The journalism lecturers are incredibly approachable, and they’re always willing to explain things as many times as needed. There’s also a great system of one-to-one tutorials and drop-in sessions that are incredibly helpful for addressing any questions or concerns.

Essential Tools and Software for Journalism Students

For every assignment, we use Moodle, an online platform where we can access course materials and submit work. I also rely on Google Docs for taking notes—having a separate document for each module helps me stay organized, and the collaboration feature makes group work much easier. Microsoft Office, especially Word and PowerPoint, are essential for most of our tasks.

One of the perks of being a journalism student at Roehampton is the access to the kit room in the Sir David Bell Building. Here, we can borrow recording equipment like cameras and tripods to use for our projects. It’s a great resource that helps bring our ideas to life.

Skills That Are Key for Journalism Students

Strong writing skills are essential, of course, but successful journalism students also need to be good communicators. Whether it’s networking with interviewees or collaborating with classmates, being comfortable talking to others is a must. Time management is another key skill, as balancing multiple projects at once is a regular part of the degree.

Memorable Projects and Fieldwork

Throughout my studies, I’ve been involved in some fantastic projects that have really helped me develop my skills. For example, in collaboration with ‘The Brixton Project’ in South London, we worked to promote local creativity by creating a short documentary about Brixton Marketplace. I interviewed shop owners, highlighting their businesses for the Brixton Project’s website.

One of my favourite assignments so far was interviewing fascinating people for my first two projects. I spoke with a woman who modelled for Vogue in the 1950s and is now the president of a local Women’s Institute group, and a professional football player who was scouted for Arsenal at just eleven years old. I also contributed to the Student Life Magazine with two pieces: one offering tips for new students, and another showcasing my favourite spots on campus through a photo reportage.

My Favourite Roehampton Memories

One of my favourite memories at Roehampton is from the first night of Freshers’ Week last year, when we had a silent disco. Before the event, we had a chance to meet new people during “pre-meets” outside, and I ended up meeting some amazing people who I now live with. It’s proof that you can meet lifelong friends when you least expect it!

I was pleasantly surprised by how many societies Roehampton offers. From dance classes to sports clubs, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to get involved and meet like-minded people outside of your course.

Commuting and Campus Life

Although I live on campus now for my second year, I’ve used the Roehampton bus before, but I usually prefer to walk when possible. I find it helps me keep up my step count, especially when I’m only going to Barnes Station.

The campus is a great place to work, and I often visit the library to complete coursework. I like sitting on the top floor, where the panoramic views are absolutely stunning. You can even see Wembley Arch on clear days! My course friends and I often book a study room together, which makes group work much easier.

One of my favourite spots on campus is Grove House, a beautiful building that was the setting for my Freshers’ formal dinner. The lake outside the library, by the main entrance, is another tranquil spot I love. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the wildlife.

Another great facility I use is the Nuffield Health gym, which is located on Froebel College. It’s the perfect place to unwind and stay fit.

Career Aspirations, Part-time Work, and Flexibility

While I’ve chosen not to pursue an internship through Roehampton, the course has given me plenty of opportunities to develop my skills. The flexible timetable is perfect for balancing work and university life. I only have to attend in-person lectures twice a week, which leaves me plenty of time to see friends, hit the gym, and work my part-time weekend job. This flexibility ensures I can stay on top of my coursework without feeling overwhelmed.

Once I graduate, I’m eager to begin my career in journalism. I plan on starting my job search during my final year so that I can hit the ground running once I graduate. I’m most interested in pursuing a writing or reporting role within journalism, and I’m excited about what the future holds.

Advice for Future Students

If you’re thinking about studying Journalism at Roehampton, my advice is simple: stay informed about current events and popular culture, be open to constructive criticism, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s important to stay engaged, and make the most of the resources available to you. With the right mindset, you can thrive here and start building your journalism career.

To find out more about this course please visit our website.