Hasulie
- Subject area
- Communication and Media
I chose to do my master’s in strategic communication at Loughborough University because I wanted more than just theory, I wanted a course that connected directly to the real world. Loughborough stood out for its strong reputation, supportive community, and the way the programme combines academic depth with practical application.
One of the most useful aspects of this postgraduate programme was the flexibility to explore different areas through optional modules. I was able to focus on topics like crisis communication, media and cultural work, and strategic communication, areas that linked directly to my career. The research element also pushed me to think more critically and gave me the chance to develop skills that I now use every day in my professional projects.
The academic support at Loughborough was outstanding. My lecturers were friendly, approachable and always willing to share their expertise, whether that was practical industry advice or guidance on research. Their encouragement really helped me during my dissertation and gave me the confidence to explore new perspectives.
The facilities on campus played a big role in my student experience. The media labs, library, and study spaces were all excellent and gave me the tools I needed for both group projects and independent research.
For me, one of the highlights was the sense of belonging. Loughborough has a welcoming, international community, and I loved meeting people from so many different backgrounds. I’ve made incredibly meaningful connections with fellow students, and they’ve become dear friends for life.
As an international student from Sri Lanka, the job market has been challenging. Recruiters are often looking for local experience. Loughborough hosted several industry specific guest lecturers which helped me immensely. After many applications, I secured a role as Community Manager & Partnerships Lead at Entrepreneurs Collective in London. It’s given me the chance to apply what I learned on the course to real-world community building, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement in the startup ecosystem.
After graduating, I’ve continued my career in strategic communications, with a focus on community management. The course prepared me for this by giving me both academic grounding and practical tools. My time at Loughborough also gave me the confidence to take on projects I might not have attempted before.
If you’re thinking about a master’s at Loughborough, my advice would be to throw yourself into it. Use the resources, connect with your lecturers, and make the most of the optional modules so you can shape the course around your interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to bring in your own experiences and apply them to what you’re learning — it makes the whole journey so much more rewarding.