MA Journalism students have begun working in newsrooms across the country – even before their course has finished.
As the one-year NCTJ-accredited course comes to an end, the soon-to-be graduates from the Class of 2022 are already settling into their new jobs.
Chloe Nightingale landed a job at Newsquest’s Wirral Globe newspaper.
She said: “Getting the job at Wirral Globe as a Community Reporter was a surprise, to say the least, as before beginning my MA I had no journalism experience under my belt.
“I got the job after doing a work placement at Warrington Guardian and was told by the editor there that the position was available.”
Chloe, who came from Jersey to study at LJMU, added: “The tutors at LJMU are incredible and have been so supportive in everything that I’ve done.
“Now in full-time work, all I can say is I love being a journalist! The job is eye-opening, fun, sometimes challenging, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“I am learning more and more each day, and excited for the career that is ahead of me.”
Ruairi Walsh, from Oswestry, is also a Community Reporter. He now works at the Powys County Times, covering rural and agricultural news.
He said: “The skills I was taught during my time at LJMU have set me up really well in my new job. The practical parts of the course have been invaluable when dealing with writing clean copy and putting together multimedia pieces. It has been a brilliant course for preparing me for my start in journalism.”
Other newsrooms where MA students are working include the Oldham Times, Watford Observer, Nottingham Live and BBC Scotland, where Danielle Fleming is now a researcher.
Meanwhile Francis Clarke has joined Index on Censorship as this year’s Tim Hetherington Fellow, a partnership between LJMU and the internationally-acclaimed organisation which campaigns for and defends freedom of speech worldwide.
MA course programme leader, Kate Heathman, said: “It is so exciting to see our students embark on their careers.
“As an NCTJ-accredited course the MA is designed to prepare students to go straight into careers in Journalism and this year’s cohort have certainly proved that they are ready – starting work and completing their final academic studies at the same time.”