Case Study

I have always wanted to go to university – why not gain an experience, friendships and knowledge whilst studying hard for a degree? Having grown up in the area, it made perfect sense for me to study at the University of Sunderland. BA (Hons) Social Media Management is a new course and I have always been interested in journalism, marketing and social media, so when I came across this course I was instantly attracted to it. The University has an incredibly reputable name for itself and I had no fear that this course would be just as amazing as others. It has so many connections to huge brands and businesses across the UK and worldwide, and there are so many success stories from previous students that it was a no-brainer. My course is based at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s, which is within walking distance to one of my favourite spots in the North East – the beach. The city is up and coming with so many new independent bars, cafes, restaurants and shops, so it’s very student friendly.

For me, the best aspect of the course is learning how to create content online – you see all of the bloggers and social media influencers making videos on YouTube and posting stories on Instagram with loads of cool effects and transitions, so it’s interesting learning how to do this. I also enjoy learning about analytics and stats on content that I have created and how to increase reach and following. Within my course I study Media Law, which is essential for journalists and anyone with an online presence. We had the chance to visit a court to watch some real-life court hearings, something I would not have been able to do without the University.

Alongside my degree and my job, I run a food blog on Instagram and Facebook called @brunchne1 and I am the founder of a North East Female Empowerment Group, which is also on Facebook and Instagram. Both of those things would not have been possible if it wasn’t for me starting my degree and giving me the tips and platform to enable this.

I would 100% recommend the University of Sunderland to anyone! Not only is there a brilliant social side to the city, the access to lecturers and the high-quality teaching is amazing. Within my first year alone an article I wrote about an upcoming sustainable clothing brand was featured in SR News and Fashion North. I also featured on the Spark Sunderland Fem2020 podcast to talk all things Female Empowerment in the lead up to International Women’s Day and to promote my Facebook and Instagram Group. I have also featured in Living North Magazine for my food blog ‘Brunch NE1?’. The University of Sunderland has given me the confidence to put myself out there and dream of things I never thought would be possible. I feel very welcome and understood, especially finishing my first year in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic – everyone was so accommodating and reassuring.

My goal is to graduate with a first-class degree in 2022 and hopefully delve into a career in journalism or marketing. I hope to continue to grow my food blog and also support, connect and empower local ladies who are bloggers, creatives and businesswomen with the North East Female Empowerment Group.

What a year I’ve had so far, I have met so many new people, networked with local businesses, made friends, learned new skills and experienced amazing things. I am so ready to see what the future holds at the University of Sunderland.”

Published 12 October 2020