Auric Mitra

Loughborough stood out immediately because of its strong Media and Communication rankings, which obviously caught my attention. What ultimately sold me, however, was its emphasis on the social sciences. I wanted to go beyond studying media purely as an art form and instead understand the systems, technologies and strategies that shape it. Loughborough’s approach allowed me to explore the power structures, cultural dynamics and social impacts underpinning media in contemporary society.

I particularly valued the intellectual breadth of the modules. We studied political psychology, explored social inequalities through media theory, analysed documentary filmmaking, and examined emerging phenomena such as influencer culture from a critical, analytical perspective. Alongside this, the BSc equipped me with essential research methods, data analysis, and project management skills. This combination of critical thinking and practical application gave me a versatile skill set and perspective, opening doors to a wide range of career paths. I also benefited from the Careers Service, who helped me think strategically about how to translate my media analysis skills into roles in policy, research and consulting, rather than following the traditional media industry route.

I tailored my dissertation to reflect this shift in career interest, focusing on Generative AI and Media Market Economics, and examining how AI is reshaping content economies and digital access. My dissertation supervisor was particularly supportive of my pursuit of a relatively new, cutting-edge topic, while challenging me to strengthen my research approach along the way. That intellectual flexibility, being able to ask “what if I tried this?” without being shut down was invaluable. There is a strong culture of support at Loughborough. I found lecturers consistently approachable and willing to provide detailed, constructive feedback on assignments, offering clear explanations not only of what needed improvement but also why.

Loughborough offered excellent student facilities. LSU Media’s production resources were particularly strong, with access to professional-grade equipment that we were actively encouraged to hire and experiment with. The library was another standout feature, not only for its resources but as a focused, supportive space to work.

I think the experience fundamentally shaped how I see global education and cross-cultural communication.  I co-led academic workshops for prospective students, delivered presentations to school leaders and admissions agencies, mentored students working on original media reports and even ran an ‘English Corner’ session to help build excitement around studying in the UK.  I had to adapt presentations for different audiences, navigate cultural and linguistic contexts I wasn’t familiar with, and represent Loughborough in genuinely diplomatic settings. The trip also opened my eyes to how interconnected the world could become and how Universities are at the centre of that.

Through my involvement in clubs and societies I learnt valuable leadership and project management skills, as well as how to balance academic work with genuine responsibility. In second year, I was Head of Stash for Telford Hall, leading merchandising while owning a £20k+ budget for 400 residents. I was awarded ‘Stash Chair of the Year 2024’, which was a proud moment to celebrate with my other committee members. In my final year, I became Communications Executive Officer for Loughborough Athletic Union, leading 120+ media executives across 62 clubs. We increased engagement by 300% through strategic content and digital campaigns. It was essentially running a large-scale media operation, which let me apply everything I was learning in my degree to real-world impact. Through these experiences, I gained tangible, transferable skills and a strong sense of community.