Hamza Ali Hussain

Media Production BA (Hons)

Hamza’s goal is to bring more South Asian and disabled voices to radio. As a BCU student, his determination and the support he’s received have allowed him to defy expectations, co-host his own radio show and work for the BBC.

"As someone diagnosed with autism, I often questioned whether university was for me. New environments and change are difficult to navigate, so finding a supportive university was important. This could easily have stopped me from applying, but I chose to see university as a way to challenge people’s expectations.

Coming from a South Asian background, choosing a creative course was not the easiest decision. Creative careers are not always encouraged or fully understood within my community, and there is often added stigma around disability. However, seeing my older brother go to university showed me that it was possible. I wanted to challenge expectations, break stereotypes, and prove that disability does not define your limits.

I chose Media Production because it allows me to tell underrepresented stories. There aren’t many South Asian voices in the media industry, and even fewer from disability backgrounds. BCU stood out to me because of its practical, hands-on approach to learning, its inclusive values, and the strength of its Student Union and student support services it offers.

The support I’ve received at BCU has made a huge difference. Through the disability support services, I’ve been able to access reasonable adjustments and guidance, including help with Student Finance. University was quite overwhelming to begin with, but the staff at BCU always made the time to listen to me. I instantly felt respected and represented rather than being judged and feeling like a burden. The team have shown me that asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a key part of personal growth.

My tutors have also played a key role in my development. My personal tutor and department lead have consistently supported me. They adapted their teaching so I could engage with my course and have the same experiences as everyone else. I’ve also received support from new friends at BCU; I’ve met genuine friends for life here, who care about me and my journey.

One of the most important parts of my BCU experience has been my involvement with Scratch Radio. I co-host South Asian Jams and became the first South Asian presenter on Scratch to host shows featuring Bollywood, Punjabi and other South Asian genres. Through Scratch, I’ve taken on leadership roles and learnt so many valuable skills for my future career.

My career prospects have also grown through opportunities such as working on the BBC Comedy Awards, Birmingham Indian Film Festival and freelancing with BBC Asian Network. These experiences felt especially meaningful as a South Asian student entering the media industry, reinforcing my belief that people from ethnic minority and disability backgrounds belong in the space.

Balancing my studies alongside part-time work and industry opportunities has been one of my biggest challenges. As an autistic student, managing deadlines and a busy schedule can be overwhelming. I’ve learned to improve my time management, communicate openly with tutors, and recognise my limits to avoid burnout. These challenges have helped me become more organised, resilient and prepared for the future."