Roy Manuell

What was your main motivation to undertake postgraduate study?

I knew that if I wanted to progress my career and become a journalist for a prestigious media outlet, undertaking a master’s degree was an imperative. I knew I had the ability to report news but crucially needed to develop the practical skills. The industry contacts at City also made this a very attractive option.

What were the factors that influenced your decision making when considering postgraduate study?

Location was a key factor. Obviously London is a European hub and a city that I’ve always wanted to study and live in. The reputation of the university was also very important and the prestige of City’s journalism courses won me over.

What were, if any, the main challenges that affected your decision about postgraduate study? How did you overcome them?

Financial support was a real barrier. However, City offered me the opportunity to study under the Nick Lewis Scholarship which I was fortunate enough to receive. Without this I might not have been here.

Why did you choose City? What made you decide City was the right university for you?

In the realm of journalism, City's reputation is unrivalled. This was the main reason behind my decision to study here. The facilities, the hands-on approach to the course and the fact that the lecturers are comprised of ex-journalists with fantastic reputations, made City the obvious choice for me. Further to this, its location in London and the vibrant Islington area was a real pull factor for me. Finally, the employment rate for my course is very positive and this sealed the deal.

What has been your student experience at City so far?

Fantastic.The depth of the course has been everything I expected and I am very happy with the skills I’m developing.

How studying a postgraduate degree has helped you develop personally and professionally?

Studying International Journalism has allowed me to meet amazing people from around the world. In doing so I’ve learnt a lot about myself and my own culture and been exposed to a variety of different ideas and approaches to life.

What skills and knowledge do you think the course has helped you develop?

Certainly with respect to the news gathering process I’m now able to film and produce television and radio packages, conduct interviews, approach senior politicians and business figures and maturely extract information from them.

What opportunities and experiences City has offered you during your course?

An amazing array of experiences. Be it introducing me to work experience opportunities (in the Shard for WikiTribune) or alternatively simply exploring London to film and record news packages, and then the amazing journalism facilities such as the newsroom and production areas.

What advice would you give to people thinking about postgraduate study? What would you have liked to know then that you know now?

I’d let them know that City is a great place to develop the practical skills and has a real focus on practical experience as opposed to theory. I’d encourage those applying for journalism to pick the specialism (broadcast, newspaper, magazine, international, financial, etc.) carefully. I was fortunate enough to make the best decision for me. But this is very important as this could potentially change your experience as they are all very distinct.

What are your career plans once you have completed your postgraduate degree?

I’d like to work for a prestigious international media network. The ultimate goal is to become a foreign correspondent for The Economist.

How do you think City has equipped you for the next stage in your career journey?

Perfectly. In terms of what is expected of me in the role of a junior reporter/editor/journalist, the practical focus of the course and encouragement of work placements put me in a uniquely privileged position.