University Lecturers Discuss 'Northern Song'

Mike Pumford - Digital Photography

"It’s been a very busy year for Digital Photography students who have produced some excellent work. Level 6 students have recently had their final exhibition (Frames of Reference), which took place on Friday 10th May 2019 in our Tower Gallery and was very well received by visitors, staff and students.

"Level 5 have continued their close collaboration with Warrington Borough Council producing some excellent work for the communications department stock image library. Level 4 students have got off to a great start and created some wonderful commercial and narrative pieces.

"It’s always a pleasure to work with our students and the Experiential Learning module is always an excellent opportunity to showcase the results of all their hard work and dedication."

Jim Mason - Commercial Music Production

"The Commercial Music Production and Music Production and Promotion programmes are focussed on learning to produce music within the wider context of its promotion and

consumption.  This year has seen students successfully engaged in remix work for the commercial environment, and student remixes have been praised by people within the music industry.  There have been a number of fascinating major projects at Level 6, including a hip-hop concept album which integrates music influences from around the world into a biographical work, a concept album telling the story of a personal journey through electronic / industrial music, a reimagining and updating of a film soundtrack and a techno tribute to one of the most famous synthesisers of all time.  The year culminated in a music Showcase event organised entirely by our students where a number of our students also performed.   The diversity of student personalities and musical interests has resulted in an exceptionally interesting and vibrant range of work this year."

Rhian Waller - Journalism

This year has been busy. As usual, we welcomed the most recent cohort of aspiring journalists - and this time we got them to hit the ground running, with a visit (and review) of the city Cathedral, taking in the tower tour and a raptor exhibition, giving our students a panoramic view of the city they will be spending the next three years in.  "Since then, our students have been involved in all sorts of projects. As well as the usual

essays, lectures and seminars on aspects of media law and theory, our budding first year journalists got stuck into a live interviewing session where they quizzed charity fundraisers, community theatre actors, council members and campaigners. They also explored the Dee riverside and Grosvenor Museum for a filming and review-writing exercise.  "Some of our second-years had a unique view of the Chester canal system when they filmed and photographed the changing of a lock. They were invited to stand in a space no members of the public had accessed for hundreds of years. Back in the classroom, volunteer interviewees for our specialist feature writing class came in to give their unique perspectives on subjects like autism. We also welcomed visiting speakers, including  freelance broadcaster Tom Walker, blogger, social media expert and former LadBible writer Emmi Bowles, business-to-business and agriculture reporter Jake Conwy-Davies and others.  "Our final year students have just handed in their final projects, which include video documentaries, podcasts, print magazines covering themes as diverse as video gaming, music, fashion, ethical lifestyles, feminism and more, as well as fascinating academic projects on everything from equality in sports writing to journalism's most notorious scandals. We've seen some fantastic work, and it's been a privilege to see each cohort develop and grow."

Michelle Ponting - Radio Production

"Radio Production at the University Of Chester provides students with a range of skills to work in the industry. Graduates have gone on to become successful presenters, producers, podcast makers, station managers, creative writers and journalists. At the heart of the course is the award winning campus radio station The Cat Radio which broadcasts on AM and online. It's a

base for students to learn their craft, to put their news skills in to practice and to make their mistakes. We've had more guests than ever in over this part academic year sharing their knowledge and advice with the students. Radio 1's Jordan North, Chris Moyles producer James Robinson, BBC 5 Live Commissioner Richard Maddock and Bauer Radio's Editor in Chief John Pickford are among those who have paid us a visit. In February we hosted an SRA training day which was another great way for students to make contacts. In March we hosted the annual Cat Radio Awards which was as ever a great night to celebrate the good work of the students. This year we have seen more students creating podcasts and becoming more adventurous with Outside Broadcasts. As ever I will be sad to see students leave, but wish them well for the future."

Kate Sillitoe - Advertising

"This year has been an interesting one for the Advertising programme. As always, the live briefs have responded to, and have reflected, the needs of the wider community. The students have

had the opportunity to work on a range of briefs, including live briefs for Share – a homelessness charity based in Chester, and a brief for the Warrington Foodbank. They have also worked on briefs for Swizzles sweets, Princes Foods, as well as competition briefs for the D&AD and Young Creative Network. Level 4 and Level 6 students also had the opportunity to work closely with graphic designer, illustrator and advertiser – Nick Thompson.

"The hard work and dedication demonstrated by the students has paid off with some excellent outcomes demonstrated. The programme team would like to congratulate all our students for their hard work, and wish our departing students every success in the future."