º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Media spotlight on future talent

The University of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has forged links with the BBC in a partnership aimed at nurturing new talent and developing media skills.

As part of the Connect and Create Partnership the University of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has joined with all the North of England’s higher and further education institutions and nearly 30 community organisations. By working with the BBC, the University of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ hopes Connect and Create will help to equip students with the necessary skills and expertise to develop a potential career in the media industry.

Christa van Raalte, Principal Lecturer in Media in the School of Arts & Media, who attended the launch of Connect and Create, said: ‘The partnership is a fantastic opportunity for the University and for all our students. It will help to ensure that we remain at the forefront of industry-facing education.’

She explained how the University’s students are set BBC assignments to create programmes or develop project ideas through the partnership, with plans to showcase their work through the BBC website.

Hands-on industry experience is also gained through work placements at local radio station BBC Tees, with future plans for placements at BBC North East in Newcastle. BBC representatives will also visit the University to talk to students and offer advice, with students also receiving professional feedback on their final year work.

The BBC’s Chief Operating Officer, Caroline Thomson, said: ‘We want to ensure that student education is closely aligned with industry requirements and that all members of the community have the opportunity to develop media skills.’

She explained how a number of key BBC departments are moving from London to Salford, where they will partner organisations across the North.

---