Student story
Media graduate Aodhán Roberts has landed a job with Mediahuis, Ireland's leading print and digital media publisher, which owns prominent news outlets such as the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life.
Aodhan studied the Level 3 Creative Media Production course graduating with a triple distinction (the highest possible) and went on to Ulster University's esteemed Cinematic Arts (BSc Hons) course.
He says his new job allows him to immerse himself in all things visual, including photography, videography, and video editing.
Aodhan says: “I absolutely recommend NWRC to anyone seeking a high-quality education and comprehensive career preparation. NWRC’s commitment to academic excellence, experienced faculty members, and industry-relevant curriculum makes it an ideal choice for aspiring professionals. My time at NWRC was truly transformative, and I am confident that others would also benefit greatly from the opportunities it offers in terms of personal growth, skill development, and career prospects."
Name
Aodhán Roberts.
Age
20 years old.
Previous Education before NWRC.
Prior to attending NWRC, I completed my secondary education at St Joseph's Boys' School in Derry. I was provided with a well-rounded education that emphasised the importance of a strong academic foundation and encouraged exploration across various subjects.
Back then, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but reflecting now, it was really a period of self-discovery and personal development that played a significant role in shaping my future path.
What course did you study at NWRC?
At NWRC, I pursued the Level 3 Creative Media Production course, which allowed me to delve deep into the intricacies of everything visual. This course offered a comprehensive and immersive learning experience that provided me with the practical skills required to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving media industry.
What kind of things did you learn?
Throughout the duration of the course, I had the privilege of exploring every facet of creative media production, from concept stages to delivery. The curriculum was thoughtfully designed to cover a wide range of topics essential for success in the industry. I learned about research techniques, photo, video, sound design, editing - literally everything visual, and more! These modules equipped me with a versatile skill set and an understanding of the entire production process.
Why did you choose that course?
I decided to choose the course purely because of the hands-on nature of everything you do. NWRC provided state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including professional-grade cameras, editing suites, and sound recording studios. Being able to work on collaborative projects with my fellow students, simulating the experience of a professional production environment is what it was all about for me. These practical exercises helped me develop crucial teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Creative Media can be so many things and lead to many different career paths; I was particularly focused on all things factual. I enjoyed working on documentaries and the technical aspects of journalism. It was a huge bonus to be on the same corridor as trainee journalists studying for their NCTJ diplomas who I would often collaborate with.
Was it different than being at school?
The learning experience at NWRC was significantly different from traditional school settings and that’s why I preferred it. A big part of being a student at NWRC for me was creativity and freedom.
I was able to explore my own creative vision and develop unique concepts for projects. Through engaging workshops and mentorship from industry experts, I honed my storytelling abilities and learned to translate ideas into compelling visual narratives. The course also gave me an environment that encouraged pushing the boundaries of the ‘norm’ and embracing innovative approaches.
What did you do afterwards?
After graduating from NWRC with top grades (d*d*d*), I eagerly took the opportunity to further enhance my professional development and pursue higher education. Recognising my academic achievements and potential, I was fortunate to receive a prestigious bursary scholarship from the Royal Television Society, which served as a testament to my dedication and accomplishments in the field of creative media production.
The bursary scholarship opened doors for me to pursue my passion at an advanced level. I was thrilled to receive an offer to study in Ulster University's esteemed Cinematic Arts (BSc Hons) course.
Enrolling in Ulster University was a natural progression in my academic journey. The course offered an immersive and multidisciplinary approach to studying the art and craft of visuals.
However, after completing 2 years of university, things took an interesting turn... I made the decision to take time away from university after landing a big career opportunity at Mediahuis, Ireland's leading print and digital media publisher, which owns prominent news outlets such as the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life.
In my role at the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, I have the privilege of creating and driving visual content for the company, as well as working on the picture desk. This dynamic position allows me to immerse myself in all things visual, including photography, videography, and video editing. I thrive on a diverse range of responsibilities, working on captivating visuals for news, features, magazines and everything in between.
Would you recommend NWRC?
I absolutely recommend NWRC to anyone seeking a high-quality education and comprehensive career preparation. The institution's commitment to academic excellence, experienced faculty members, and industry-relevant curriculum makes it an ideal choice for aspiring professionals. My time at NWRC was truly transformative, and I am confident that others would also benefit greatly from the opportunities it offers in terms of personal growth, skill development, and career prospects.
