BA (Hons) Journalism and English Language

Sarah Morcom

I chose the University of Portsmouth as they have a great reputation for Journalism. When I visited the university on an Open Day, I knew it was right for me.  After I graduate, I aim to get a job in newspaper journalism. After my three years here at Portsmouth I have no doubt that I will be more than ready to work in a newsroom and deal with whatever editors throw at me.

The BA (Hons) Journalism and English Language course is great. The School offers a wide range of units which prepares you for aspects of Journalism. I have especially enjoyed the units Video Journalism and Law for Journalists.The Journalism division at the School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies have a great relationship with the NCTJ and are keen to prepare you to be the best journalist possible. The lecturers have been reporters, sub-editors and editors and know what it takes to survive in the newsroom.  They are enthusiastic about journalism and work hard to keep you on your toes.

The Journalism Newsroom is a great teaching space with facilities and software that you can find in real-life newsrooms up and down the country. You could come for a workshop and find yourself in a mock press conference, which you have to write copy about, keeping it updated as soon as new information comes in. It makes you to put everything you have learnt into practise. Editors and reporters from Newspapers and magazines visit throughout the year and give great advice and insider tips.

The University Library is modern with loads of computers and space where you can meet your course mates and work on projects,which comes in useful. The Purple Door staff have helped me with my CV and given advice on my future career goals. They are all very friendly and more than happy to help.

Out of my lectures, I am involved with the UPSU Media, regularly writing articles for the Newspaper 'Pugwash'. It is great to see your name in print and makes a good addition to your CV.  I also wanted to develop my skills in photography so I joined the Film and Photography University Society and the UPSU Photography team.

Portsmouth is home from home for me. I love being by the coast. It's a vibrant city, with loads to keep you occupied. Gunwharf  Quays is a great place to look around the shops, eat out and it has some nice clubs too. The older parts of the city are nice as well. My friends and I have spent many Sundays walking along the seafront and around Old Portsmouth in the sun.