Meet Nikki

Extracurricular opportunities

One of the best parts of studying at Newcastle University has been the opportunity to gain practical experience alongside my degree. I completed a social media internship with the school I’m based in, where I worked on creating content for Instagram and TikTok, including planning, filming, editing, and interviewing students and lecturers.  

That experience really helped me build confidence both behind and in front of the camera, especially coming from a drama school background. I’ve also taken advantage of extracurricular opportunities within the Journalism course by getting involved in creative projects, developing my interviewing skills, and building strong relationships with lecturers who have been incredibly supportive throughout my time at university. 

What surprised me about Newcastle

What stood out most to me was how friendly and welcoming everyone is, and how strong the sense of community feels at both the university and across the city. While the social side is definitely fun, I was surprised by how creative, supportive, and opportunity-filled Newcastle is, especially within the journalism and media scene. It ended up feeling much more like a home than I expected. 

Societies and clubs

I’ve been involved in student media at Newcastle University, which has honestly been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at university. It’s given me a really practical space to develop my journalism skills outside of lectures, whether that’s presenting, conducting interviews, or creating content for digital storytelling projects.  

What I enjoy most is how collaborative it is, you’re constantly working with other creative people who are just as motivated, which pushes you to improve and try new ideas. Next year, I’m really keen to stretch myself further by starting a radio show for Newcastle Student Radio and writing for The Courier, so I can continue building my experience across different areas of journalism and challenge myself in new formats. 

My degree in a nutshell

My degree at Newcastle University is a really dynamic and hands-on course that combines theory with practical experience. You don’t just learn about journalism in the classroom, you actually get to apply it through writing, interviewing, presenting, and creating content across different platforms. It also explores how media shapes society and culture, which helps you understand the bigger picture behind the stories you’re telling. 
 
What I’ve really enjoyed is how varied it is, one week you might be analysing media theory, and the next you’re out filming, editing, or working on a feature. There’s also a strong focus on developing your own voice and style as a journalist. For anyone interested in journalism, media, or storytelling in general, it’s a really engaging degree that gives you both creative freedom and practical skills that are directly relevant to the industry. 

Stand outs of my degree

What stands out most is how supportive and genuinely invested the lecturers are in your development. They’re incredibly approachable and always willing to give detailed feedback, guidance, and encouragement, whether it’s on assignments, creative projects, or career advice. They really take the time to help you grow and build confidence in your own work. 
 
That level of support has made a huge difference for me, especially when developing practical skills like interviewing, presenting, and content creation. Combined with the hands-on nature of the course, it’s created an environment where you feel constantly encouraged to improve and push yourself creatively. 

I’ve made really good friends through the course, which has made the experience even better, but I also genuinely enjoy the content itself even the writing side, which I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I do. 

I like how practical the degree is and how much it allows you to actually do journalism rather than just learn about it in theory. Whether it’s interviewing, creating content, or developing ideas into real pieces, it feels hands-on and relevant, and that’s what makes it really engaging for me.

Top tips for applying

The application process for my BA Journalism, Media and Culture degree at Newcastle University was actually quite different for me because I applied through UCAS Extra after taking a year out. It felt a bit uncertain at the time, but the process itself was straightforward, and the university was really supportive once I got in touch. 
 
My top tip for applying to Newcastle would be not to panic if your path isn’t completely linear, there are still plenty of routes in, like UCAS Extra, clearing, or foundation options. I’d also say make sure your personal statement really shows your interest in journalism and media in a practical way, not just academically, because Newcastle really values creativity and genuine enthusiasm for the subject. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to the university, they were really approachable and helpful throughout the process, which made a big difference. 

Where I see myself in the future

In the future, I see myself working in broadcast journalism/ TV presenting, ideally focusing on human-interest storytelling, similar to the kind of work Stacey Dooley is known for. I’m really drawn to stories that explore people’s lives, experiences, and challenges in a thoughtful and authentic way, and I’d love to use journalism to give people a voice. 

How Newcastle helped me realise my future

My time at Newcastle University has helped me build confidence in presenting, interviewing, and creating content, and it’s made me even more certain that I want to be in front of the camera telling real, human stories. Long term, I’d like to work in documentary or broadcast journalism where I can travel, meet different people, and tell meaningful stories that have a real impact. 

A really defining moment for me was having a conversation with Andy Sixsmith after my first workshop with him, who completely reinforced my passion for the industry. He gave me honest, practical advice about working in journalism and human-interest storytelling, and it really reaffirmed that this is the path I want to pursue. Knowing there are people in the industry who recognise my work ethic and are willing to offer guidance has been hugely motivating, and it’s made my ambitions feel even more real and attainable. 

Why a student should pick this degree

A student should pick this degree at Newcastle University because it gives you the perfect balance of theory and real, hands-on experience. You’re not just learning about journalism in lectures, you’re actively doing it through writing, interviewing, presenting, and creating content across different platforms, which makes it feel really relevant and engaging. 
 
Another big reason is the level of support you get. The lecturers are incredibly approachable and genuinely invested in helping you develop, both academically and creatively, which makes a huge difference when you’re building confidence in your own voice as a journalist. On top of that, there are loads of opportunities to get involved in student media and extracurricular projects, so you can start building a portfolio and real experience from day one. 
 
It’s also a really social and collaborative course, where you’re constantly working with other creative people, which makes the experience more inspiring and enjoyable. Overall, it’s a degree that not only teaches you journalism but actively helps you become a journalist.