Student interviews Pixie Lott and Julie Walters

Graduating from BA (Hons) Journalism course, Ellen Kirwin quickly found her feet in the working world, becoming a Journalist at the Liverpool Echo.

After brief work experience at BBC Radio Merseyside, Ellen was offered a role as multi-media journalist, focusing on Liverpool Echo’s What’s On. The content she produces ranges from event reviews, breaking news stories, live blogging and preview features, and has seen Ellen interview the likes of Pixie Lott and Julie Walters.

“UCLan 100% helped me get the job,” said Ellen. “My editor expressed how impressed she was that I had a degree, NCTJ diploma and plenty of work experience behind me already. All of this is thanks to UCLan - it is one of the only courses that gives you all of this and more.”

In her short time at Liverpool Echo, Ellen and her team have twice been nominated for an O2 Media award for Best On-line Publication and thanks the University for the real-life experience to take into her professional role.

She said: “My degree in Journalism impacted greatly on my life as it helped me land the job I have today. I have nothing but brilliant memories from my time at UCLan. On my course it required me to spend long hours taking part in practical ‘live newsroom’ days - although tasking at times - these days were so much fun and gave me an insight into what the real working world is like.

“In my profession I constantly come across other UCLan alumni who have also had success thanks to the fantastic media courses on offer.”