I first heard about Loughborough as an undergraduate student – and I was impressed from the very start. As I learnt more about the campus, the range of study options, the academic support on offer and incredible sports facilities – I knew that I wanted to be part of the Loughborough community.
I chose the master’s in strategic communication because I wanted to deepen my knowledge of public relations (PR) and communication while tailoring my studies to suit my interests.
My master’s gave me the flexibility to do just that – its elective modules allowed me to study the media industry alongside political communication. One of my favourite modules was Marketing Politics – it inspired my dissertation about crisis communication, political communication and the use of social media.
What I particularly valued was the way classes were taught. Most groups were quite small which meant our tutors knew us by name and encouraged discussion.
The diversity of students – from different courses, cultures and professional backgrounds – made for stimulating seminar debates. I enjoyed being able to immerse myself in topics that genuinely excited me – and I left each class feeling like my perspective had been challenged and broadened.
The support I received from academic staff was exceptional. They were always approachable – during class and their designated office hours as well as informally, happy to chat about essays and career plans. As a Course Rep, I saw first-hand how open staff are to feedback and how much they value student voices. They created a really constructive, collaborative atmosphere for my studies.
The facilities at Loughborough played a big part in my experience – especially as an international student, far from home. Living on campus made life so much easier. Everything was close by – from lectures to leisure activities – and there was always someone to turn to if something came up.
The Careers Network provides an excellent service. They helped me refine my CV, reviewed my job applications and prepared me for interviews – giving me a real edge.
Beyond my studies, I loved how much the campus has to offer. It was the perfect place to find a balance between studying hard and unwinding – helping me perform at my best.
I could often be found in the music practice rooms – they became a real safe space for me. I was a member of LSU Sing, LSU Stage and the Shakespeare Society, three Students’ Union societies. Rehearsing and performing are among my fondest memories.
Being able to use all the sports facilities without being a competitive athlete was amazing too. I rediscovered my love for swimming. I even competed in the IntraMural Sport swimming competition, representing my hall.
The brightest highlight of my time at Loughborough is definitely the friends I made. The “Loughborough Family” is not just a slogan or buzzword, but a lived reality. I am still in touch with so many people – we’ve even organised a few reunions all over the world.
After graduating, I started a traineeship in the press department of a major German TV station. The practical knowledge and skills I gained – from PR techniques to writing press releases – proved invaluable.
Meanwhile, my interest in political communication – which grew during my master’s – has pushed me to explore that career path. I am now a Blue Book Trainee working for the Communication Unit of the European Data Protection Supervisor.
My time at Loughborough not only equipped me with the expertise for these roles, it also gave me the self-confidence to apply, move abroad again and embrace new opportunities. Looking ahead, I hope to continue combining PR and political communication in an international context.
My advice to anyone considering this degree is simple – be brave. The more you embrace the opportunities Loughborough has to offer, the more rewarding your experience will be.