Plymouth Marjon University strikes deal with BBC

Released: 23.11.18

Aspiring student journalists will be able to get closer to real-life action when Plymouth Marjon University moves into new premises at the BBC's regional headquarters in Plymouth.

Students will learn their trade next-door to the largest newsroom in the South West, which houses BBC Radio Devon and the region's television news bulletin, Spotlight.

The BBC has been based on Seymour Road since before the Second World War but vacated their former studios following a multi-million pound renovation of the site, which was officially reopened in 2016.

Now students on Marjon's Journalism programmes will be taught there from early 2019.

The BBC hopes to inspire the fledgling hacks while giving a new lease of life to a building which has broadcast the region's major stories for nearly 80 years, including the BBC’s first TV news bulletin 1961.

Leo Devine, head of the BBC in the South West, said: "We're delighted to welcome Marjon journalism students to the BBC campus in Plymouth.

"They are the ideal tenants for our former home - a building steeped in broadcasting history since 1939 which will now see the next generation of 21st century journalists honing their skills in radio, television and digital media."

Plymouth Marjon University Vice-Chancellor, Rob Warner, added: "This is a significant opportunity for our students to learn as next-door neighbours to the BBC and benefit from the extraordinary wealth of experience of staff at BBC South West and BBC Radio Devon.

"We want our students to understand the profound importance and opportunities of journalism in today's world. Input from industry leaders from the BBC teaching our students is particularly exciting.

"We are very excited about our new studio and teaching space. It will provide cutting-edge, industry standard equipment and allow our students to learn real-life skills and produce professional output on TV, radio and online.

"This innovation will really put Journalism at Marjon on the map. It represents a significant investment in our portfolio and will create a world-class media hub, both for the benefit of our students and the city as a whole."

Marjon students already work with experienced journalists from Broadcasting House in Plymouth on undergraduate modules focusing on television broadcast skills, radio presenting and voice training, online journalism and documentary film-making.

The students have also been able to present their work to BBC journalists for feedback and advice.

Marjon's Journalism programme lead, Sarah McAdam, said: "Having this kind of interaction with such a major global player really puts our journalism students at the forefront of what is happening in the industry, right now. And we're really confident the BBC is going to benefit from an ongoing association with our ambitious and enthusiastic news-makers and digital storytellers.

"We help students develop journalism skills that are current so that they are workplace-ready when they graduate and this level of access to the BBC not only brings industry knowledge but personal connections, too, and that's invaluable in such a competitive profession."

The BBC South West hub is also home to investigations series Inside Out West, the Sunday Politics Show and the BBC’s regional online team.#

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