Eleven students from the University of Worcester have been shortlisted in the Midlands Media Students’ Awards 2019.
The Awards, organised by Birmingham Press Club, aim to recognise the talents of the Midlands’ next-generation of journalists and photographers.
Worcester’s Course Leader for Journalism, Rachel Ammonds, said: "To have 11 students shortlisted is fantastic news and reflects the quality of work being produced by our undergraduates. The professionally accredited Journalism course provides the opportunity for students to put their learning into practice across all media, aiming to equip them for careers in industry. We are incredibly proud of our students and I am delighted their work is being recognised in this way."
Awards categories include digital journalism, news, entertainment, sport, fashion & lifestyle, travel, broadcasting and photography.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham, on April 10.
University of Worcester students nominated for awards are Adam Chowdhury (broadcasting, radio), Jessica Francis (data journalism and features), Matt Taylor (features), Eleanor Prince (news), Ellen Flannery (photography), Kirsty Hatton (photography), Lauren Chivers (photography), Tara Watkin (photography), Adrienne Titley (social issues), Chloe Hughes (social issues) and Jon Hayward (sport).
Second year student Kirsty Hatton, 21, of Hartlebury, is shortlisted for photos that she submitted on the theme of consumerism at Christmas and others depicting homelessness at Christmas.
“I was quite shocked to be shortlisted,” she said. “I didn’t expect it, but it’s always nice to have a bit of support and validation that what you’re doing is okay and award worthy, so it’s a big honour.
“Photography is something I’m really interested in so for someone to think they’re good enough is quite nice.”
Second year student Matt Taylor, 29, of Stratford-on-Avon, was shortlisted after submitting feature pieces on an interview with the Mayor of Worcester and an interview with the mother of a child diagnosed with a health condition.
He said: “It was great to be shortlisted because I really enjoy that type of writing so it was good that my work was picked out as something that impressed them. When I first came to study at university I wanted and still want to go into broadcasting ultimately, but it’s really opened up my eyes to the enjoyment of writing, so I’d like to do both.”