Anthony Kwemoi

MA Data Journalism

Anthony’s journey to studying at BCU was rooted in his passion for storytelling, media innovation and using communication to create real impact in society. Having studied and trained in electronic media at Daystar University in Kenya, he was ready to take the next step towards his future goals.

“After my experiences working in roles focused on youth and urban development, I realised I didn’t just want to tell stories, I wanted to tell evidence-driven stories that would influence policies, shift public conversations and hold systems accountable. That’s what attracted me towards journalism at BCU.

Birmingham stood out to me because the city offers a diverse community of international students. There’s a vibrant city life that’s very friendly and affordable. Also, for someone passionate about community-focused journalism, Birmingham is a living newsroom. Compared to London, I felt that Birmingham offers a more grounded and accessible environment where I can focus deeply both on studying and field reporting.

For my family and I, choosing a university was about long-term impact, safety and value. We wanted a university that would give me practical, job-ready skills and international exposure, not just theory. A course with strong industry links, real-world projects and a reputation in media and journalism was a huge factor because my goal is to build a global brand in the media space.

My course is exemplary and moulding me into the journalist I aspire to be. The learning isn’t just theory; we work on real-world style projects, use professional tools, and think like journalists and media practitioners from day one. That hands-on approach makes me feel like I’m already building my career, not just earning a degree. The course also has amazing, approachable and friendly tutors who are willing to support students at any time.

There are so many students from Kenya at BCU. We have a culture of wearing Kenyan flag wristbands, so whenever I see one, I feel at home. I enjoy meeting my international friends in the cafeterias to eat and banter; this has become our own culture.

Since becoming a student at BCU, I’ve gained a more global perspective. Studying in a diverse classroom with people from different countries has challenged how I think about media, audiences, and representation. I’ve learned to see stories not just from a local lens, but within wider social, political, and international contexts. That exposure has made me more open-minded and more aware of the responsibility journalists carry.

On a personal level, I’ve grown in confidence and independence. Moving to a new country, managing my studies alongside responsibilities, and adapting to a different education system have pushed me to become more disciplined and resilient. I’m more comfortable speaking up in academic discussions, pitching ideas, and presenting my work, skills that will be vital in professional newsrooms.”