Lily Murphy
- Course
- Media and Communication BSc
- Subject area
- Communication and Media
I have always been fascinated by the media’s power to shape society, from the way modern communication works on a mass scale to how media representations can influence public discourse and perspectives. I wanted a degree that would allow me to explore this from a variety of perspectives. The Media and Communication BSc at Loughborough not only provided me with strong theoretical knowledge across a range of sectors but also equipped me with essential research skills that I developed and applied throughout my studies.
The Media and Communication course taught me both the historical context of media development and cutting-edge contemporary practices across a range of key media sectors. I particularly enjoyed learning about how the media and politics intertwine, as well as significant contemporary themes such as disinformation and misinformation on social media platforms and strategies to address these challenges. I also found it interesting to examine broader societal themes including social inequalities, gender, race and identities. Some of my most memorable projects were in promotional culture, which explored key topics such as marketing and advertising, communication and sport, digital media and society, political communication, as well as documenting the world and producing the news.
I especially appreciated having both compulsory and optional modules, as they allowed me not only to build a solid understanding of the subject but also to tailor my studies to suit my career interests. Studying such a wide range of engaging topics helped me to clearly map out my path to my final-year dissertation.
It was a real privilege to be taught by globally renowned experts in media and communication. The academic support at Loughborough was invaluable; I met regularly with my personal tutor, who provided guidance and encouragement throughout the course, including when I was exploring opportunities such as a placement or study abroad. Additionally, I received valuable support in my final year from my dissertation tutor, who guided me through any challenges whilst undertaking my first large-scale research project. Outside of this, all of my lecturers were passionate about their subjects and consistently willing to offer guidance, encouraging me to reach my full potential.
My experience of life at Loughborough University was a joy from start to finish. I found my first year living in halls a great way to meet new people and develop independence for the first time, whilst still being close to my studies. There was always something to do on campus, from watching live events at one of the many facilities, using the gym, eating out with friends or enjoying a fun night at the Student Union.
Loughborough is a small, safe town in which the University campus plays a major role. I was fortunate not only to enjoy my course, the teaching and the academic experience but also to build a life for myself on a campus and in the wider area. The University has a lot to offer students and there was a strong sense of community throughout, which I truly appreciated.
I made full use of the wide range of academic and study resources available, including the extensive research materials in the library and its online databases. I particularly enjoyed spending time in the library to complete independent work but I also made use of other campus spaces, such as the Students’ Union and the free study areas within the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. There were always lots of spaces to study or socialise on campus.
The course provided an excellent environment to meet like-minded individuals, as there are a lot of opportunities to network with other students on the course who shared similar interests. This has allowed me to build friendships that I believe I will have for life.
During my degree, I had the opportunity to complete a placement year in social research with the Civil Service, which I secured with the support of Loughborough University. Based in their London offices, I was able to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills I had developed during my first two years of study in a professional workplace setting. I worked on a variety of analytical projects, built strong professional relationships and this experience ultimately helped me secure a graduate role with the Civil Service.
I currently work within the UK Civil Service as a Government Social Researcher in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. This includes designing, commissioning and managing research projects internally and externally to evaluate government policies and address research gaps, working with policy colleagues and key stakeholders to decipher evidence gaps and disseminating research findings to support the overarching goal of evidence-based decision making across government.
My current goal is to stay within the Civil Service and continue developing my social research skills, ideally by working across a range of policy areas as my career progresses. The course at Loughborough played a key role in building my analytical and practical skills, alongside providing strong theoretical knowledge of key developments within the media industries. Without this, I would not have had such a strong start to my professional life and I am very grateful for the opportunities that Loughborough has unlocked for me!
Lily graduated from Loughborough University in 2023.