Meet Paige

About my course

One of the things I like most about my degree is how heavily it focuses on documentary work. The course gives a strong balance between theory and practical production, but I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to develop my skills in documentary filmmaking. It allows me to explore real stories and learn how to tell them creatively and engagingly, while also building technical and editing skills that are useful for future careers in media.

I really like that it’s not just theory-based, but gives me the chance to actively develop my filmmaking skills through real projects. Working on documentary pieces has been particularly engaging because it lets me explore real stories while building technical and creative experience at the same time. 

Newcastle University has a supportive learning environment and the tutors are all really lovely, approachable, and bring their own real industry experience into teaching. This makes the course feel very relevant and engaging. 

What I love about Newcastle

I love that there is always something to do at Newcastle University and in the city itself. Whether it’s spending time with friends, exploring the city centre, or attending events, there’s always a great atmosphere. One of my favourite things about Newcastle is how close the beach is, especially being able to go there with friends and have campfires on the beach in the evenings. It’s a really good balance between student life, the city, and places to relax. 

What surprised me most was how homely and welcoming it feels. The city has a really friendly atmosphere, and there’s always a sense of student life wherever you go, which made settling in much easier. It feels like a city that’s built around students, with plenty going on and a strong sense of community. 

Student support services

At Newcastle University, I have accessed the careers support services, including the MyCareer platform and internship opportunities. These have been really helpful in connecting me with roles and experiences I probably wouldn’t have found on my own.

Being able to apply for internships through the university has supported my professional development and given me valuable insight into potential career paths, while also helping me build confidence and experience in a professional environment. 

Societies and social activities

I recently took part in a work-based opportunity at Newcastle University as a Media Production Intern. I’m currently working in this role, where I collaborate with the team on shooting days and in post-production, including editing content.

This experience is giving me valuable hands-on industry practice, helping me develop my technical and creative skills in a real working environment. It has also been great for building confidence working as part of a production team and understanding the full workflow behind professional media projects. 

I’ve found the social aspect of university really enjoyable and easy to get involved in. There’s always something going on, whether it’s society events or nights out, so it’s been really easy to meet people and make friends.

At Newcastle University, I am part of the Ski Society. What I enjoy most about being in a society is the social side and the opportunities to meet new people who share my interests. It’s a great way to take a break from studies, get involved in different events, and feel part of a wider student community. 

How Newcastle helped me realise my future

My time at Newcastle University has really helped me realise and develop my future ambitions, particularly through my internship.

Being a Media Production Intern has given me hands on experience in the industry, working on shooting days and in editing. This has helped me understand what working in media is really like and confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in this field. It has also helped me build practical skills, gain confidence, and see how my degree can directly lead to a career in media and documentary work. 

I also have a strong passion for filmmaking and documentary work, so a longer-term goal for me would be to work in roles connected to documentary production. One organisation I would especially like to work for is the BBC. I admire the type of content they produce and would love to be involved in creating meaningful, real-world stories. 

Advice for future students

This degree offers a strong balance between theory and practical experience, especially in areas like filmmaking and documentary work.

One of the best parts is how hands on the course is, allowing you to develop real production skills while still learning the academic side of film and media. The tutors are also a real highlight, as they are very supportive and bring valuable industry experience into their teaching.

On top of that, the university environment and student opportunities make it a great place to grow both personally and professionally, helping you prepare for a future career in the media industry.