Meet Ananya

About my course

If you're someone who enjoys media, communication, and understanding how organisations connect with people, then the MA Media and Public Relations programme is a great choice. This course is designed for students who already have some knowledge of Public Relations through their undergraduate studies or professional experience and want to deepen and expand their understanding of the field. Throughout the programme, you develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that prepare you for careers in communications and public relations.

You'll explore the relationship between media, culture, politics, and business, and learn how communication influences society. You'll study topics such as PR planning and strategy, campaign development, budgeting, media law and regulations, research methods, and the ethical and strategic use of communication in today's digital world. One of the things I enjoy most about the course is its practical approach. Students have opportunities to design and deliver PR campaigns and events, create communication materials for traditional and digital media, and develop professional skills that can be applied in public, private, and voluntary sector organisations. The course also encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and engagement with real-world issues affecting the media and communications industries. 

What stands out most about my degree at Newcastle is that the experience goes beyond lectures, assignments, and exams. The professors genuinely make an effort to create opportunities for students to engage outside of the classroom.

One of my favourite examples of this is the Netwalks. I thought it was a really creative and enjoyable concept because it gave us the chance to interact with our professors in a more informal setting, learn new things, and have meaningful conversations while getting outside and having fun. I also really appreciate the individual awards and recognition opportunities within the course. I think they are a great way to motivate students, encourage engagement, and celebrate everyone's hard work and achievements.

Another thing that makes the programme special is the relationship between students and lecturers. The professors are very friendly and approachable while still being highly professional. It creates an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and interacting with them without the fear of being judged. Overall, I think the sense of community and the extra activities that our programme offers make it a unique and memorable experience. 

Why I chose Newcastle University

I chose Newcastle University because it offered exactly the kind of PR-focused programme I was looking for. I was also excited by the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and experience a diverse environment. Before applying, I connected with some current students and alumni online who spoke very positively about the University, its supportive community, and student experience. Their feedback made me feel confident that Newcastle University was the right place for me. 

The city and the campus have a very peaceful atmosphere, which made it easy for me to feel at home. One thing that really stood out to me was how open and accessible the University is. It was my first time experiencing a campus where you can freely come and go and still feel completely safe. I also really appreciate that the library is open 24 hours, as it gives students the flexibility to study whenever it works best for them. 

I also love how much effort the University puts into supporting students beyond academics. The Careers Service offers so many workshops, events, and opportunities to develop professionally, and there are countless clubs and societies to get involved in. All of these things make student life enjoyable, help you meet new people, and create a strong sense of community. 

I was surprised at how safe and student-friendly Newcastle is. Before moving here, I didn't really know what to expect from the city, but I quickly realised how welcoming and easy it is to live here as a student. It's also an affordable city, there are plenty of places to buy reasonably priced groceries, as well as lots of great cafés, restaurants, and places to visit with friends.

Student support services

I've used the Careers Service the most. I booked appointments to get feedback about my CV, how I could improve it, as well as tips and advice for job applications. I also used the service when applying for part-time jobs and internships. I eventually secured an internships with a company that I'm genuinely excited about. It took a lot of persistence, but it was definitely worth the wait, and the Careers Service played an important role in helping me through that process.

I've also used the library support services, particularly the Library Search tool for finding books and academic sources. The library has a great selection of resources that have helped me with many of my assignments. I found the citation tools especially useful because they make referencing much easier.

Societies and social activities

I've really enjoyed the social aspect of university. It's been a great opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds and make good friends. For fun, my friends and I often go out to eat together because there are so many great food places in Newcastle to try. I also like that there is a Co-op on campus where we can quickly grab snacks and spend time together between classes.

I enjoy attending the different festivals and events that take place throughout the year. My friends and I have gone to quite a few of them, and they're always a lot of fun because there's something new to experience. I think what I enjoy most about university life is that there is always something happening, whether it's a society event, a festival, or simply spending time with friends.

I joined both the Music Society and the Anime Society, and I've really enjoyed being part of both. The Music Society has probably been my favourite. One of my best memories was performing and attending the Christmas concert. Seeing everyone's performances was amazing and almost felt like being at a professional orchestra concert. I also loved singing as part of the choir because I've always enjoyed singing, and it was the perfect opportunity to do something I love while meeting people with similar interests. I even learned different vocal techniques and warm-up exercises, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

I also really enjoyed being part of the Anime Society. Through the society, I got a discount to watch a film with other members, which was a lot of fun. They also organise quiz nights, game events, and other activities, so there is always something to take part in. 

My top tips for applying to Newcastle

The application process was quite detailed and took some time, so my biggest piece of advice is to stay organised and prepare your documents in advance.

For me, working with an education agency like IDP in India was very helpful. They guided me through the application process, explained which documents were required, and supported me when completing my application. Having the right guidance made the process much less stressful. My top tips include:

• keep all your documents organised and ready before you start your application
• have your academic transcripts and Year 12 results prepared, as these are often required during the application process
• if needed, complete your English language test, such as IELTS, as early as possible
• research scholarships and funding opportunities in advance, as having your documents and test results ready can help you apply for them more easily
• don't leave your application until the last minute, give yourself plenty of time to gather everything and review your application carefully

The process can seem lengthy at first, but if you stay organised and seek guidance when needed, it becomes much more manageable. 

Preparing for the future

Newcastle University helped me realise my future ambitions by giving me both the academic knowledge and practical experiences needed to build a career in Public Relations. Through my MA Media and Public Relations degree, I've developed a deeper understanding of media, communication, campaign planning, research, and how PR works across different industries. The course has also allowed me to work on creative projects and real-world case studies, which has helped me understand how I can apply my skills in a professional environment.

Outside of my studies, I have taken advantage of many of the opportunities and support services offered by the University. I regularly used the Careers Service for CV appointments and feedback, which helped me improve my applications and better understand how to present my skills and experiences to employers. I also attended several workshops and events, including an Assessment Centre workshop. This was a completely new concept for me, and I'm really glad I participated because it gave me valuable insight into what to expect during recruitment processes and how to prepare for them in the future. I also attended workshops related to media, public relations, and journalism, which gave me valuable industry insights and helped me better understand different career paths and current trends within the communications sector.

Newcastle has helped me become more confident in my future goals. While I am open to opportunities across communications and public relations to gain industry experience, my long-term ambition is to work in PR within the gaming industry. The support, experiences, and opportunities I've had, have given me the confidence and skills to take the first steps towards achieving that goal.