University News Last updated 03 April 2012
Broadcast journalism students at Birmingham City University will have the chance to hear about the frontline experiences of graduates now working for national media under a new mentoring scheme.
The Postgraduate Diploma at Birmingham City University is celebrating its 20th anniversary – making it one of the longest running in the UK - and during which time it’s earned an excellent reputation with employers.
Many graduates who have gone on to become senior figures in the industry have agreed to come back into the classroom not just to share their expertise in covering big stories, but also their own experience of building their careers in a highly competitive field.
Course director Diane Kemp said: “Over the years we’ve been very successful at educating the kind of journalists that employers want and many of them are now doing very well in their careers reporting on range of exciting stories, both home and abroad.
“We’ve always called on former students to speak to groups on the course but this scheme will give all our 2012 entrants access to an individual who can give them advice and guidance based on their own experience.”
A host of alumni now working in radio and television have agreed to return and share their expertise with a new generation of students. They include:
• Marverine Cole, who has worked as a newsreader with Sky, the BBC and ITV Central and now runs her own company as well as presenting on the International Business Time channel
• Adam Cumiskey, a senior producer who regularly edits BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme
• BBC financial journalist Dominic Laurie
“Our former students have been eager to help and we are grateful for their continued support, “said Diane, adding: “I’m sure the students who come to us in September will learn a great deal from them.”
Traditionally the Broadcast Journalism Training Council accredited course has run for 25 weeks from May each year but 2012 sees a switch to an early September start, though the course will retain its intensive nature and shape.
“The move is in response to what our understanding of the marketplace tells us,” said Diane. “There are many more courses than there were when we launched in 1992 - but we’ve earned a tremendous reputation with employers and we will go on building on that.”