Tell us a little bit about your background...
I come from a city in Southwest China. Before I came to the University of Strathclyde, I completed my undergraduate study in China, majoring in Business English.
What inspired you to study your course?
Obviously, the major is very different from my undergraduate major, but I like the field of media and I want to engage in media-related work after graduation, so I need to undertake an in-depth study and accumulation of theoretical knowledge first. The Media and Communication (MLitt) of Strathclyde will lead us to study the professional knowledge of strategic communication and emphasize critical research and thinking. It also helps to study more closely the oldest and influential media organizations in Europe. These are particularly attractive me.
What has been the highlight of your time at Strathclyde so far?
The most wonderful moment was that I recorded a video with my classmates on the National Day in October 2019 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. As a member of the initial creative team, from pre-planning to post-release, I participated in a media event in the true sense for the first time. That kind of excitement cannot be described in words. Moreover, after the recording, the video also received wide attention, which strengthened my determination to be a media person.
What specialist knowledge/professional skills have you developed whilst studying the course?
I think the most important thing is to learn the application of communication theory in the international context and mainstream media. Under the guidance of the professor, we have studied many articles on media background and trends, including popular culture platforms and political reports and taught us how to apply critical thinking to the implications of international media on the mediation and public understanding of conflict and terrorism.
What would be your advice for people considering taking this course?
This is a very practical course and you will meet many outstanding people as your classmates. They may already be editors or reporters of well-known media organizations. You can learn from them and find a unique way of looking at problems. The professors of this course are also very knowledgeable and professional, and they will guide students to think independently. Throughout the learning process, you will have an in-depth understanding of the application of communication theory in the international context and mainstream media. At the same time, the auxiliary books recommended by the professors are also extremely useful and interesting.
What have been the main challenges studying at postgraduate level?
I think the main challenge is the difference in cultural background. Because analyzing articles in class needs to be analyzed based on the cultural background and specific conditions of different countries, if you do not understand the cultural background of that country, there may be deviations in the analysis and understanding, resulting in misunderstanding. The second problem is listening, because everyone comes from different countries and will have a certain accent, so we have to work hard to adapt to different accents, and then we can adapt to study and life better.
What do you think of the support available?
I think the existing support of Strathclyde is great. In fact, when I applied to Strathclyde, I didn't know how to do it at all, but Rona, an employee of Strathclyde, gave me a lot of help and gave me the most powerful support when I was helpless. In the process of learning and living, professors, school institutions and their employees have provided us with the most efficient and effective support. Most of your needs, they will solve them effectively as soon as possible.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I have started working since I graduated last year. Although I am not engaged in work related to the major I have studied, but I can apply the knowledge I have learned in my work and become a more comprehensive person. At the same time, in my spare time, I will continue to update the content I am interested in on several media platforms and continue to accumulate experience.
