Bachelor of Artsin History and Media and Communication, with a minor in Political Science and International Relations
Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism
As a music and radio enthusiast, Matt chose do to UCs Journalism programme to work towards a career in the broadcasting industry.
"The study is great, but its just one part of it. Ive met so many great people, the social life is unreal, and Im a musician and the music scene at UC is just the best," he says.
His initial plans were to study at UC for a year in the Bachelor of Arts, and then apply for Broadcasting School.
"But once I got to UC, I realised there was no chance I wanted to leave because I just enjoyed the campus, the people and the study so much!"
The focused training in different forms of media has been especially useful for Matt throughout his degrees.
"For Journalism specifically, I just love how many practical skills you learn in such a short space of time. Its really hard work, but absolutely worth it! Ive learnt more this year than any other year at uni.
"In the Journalism course we go on a couple of work placements. My first was at the Nelson Mail for two weeks and it was fantastic. I even had a story published on the front page of Stuff, which was pretty cool."
One of the biggest supports for his studies was through theEquity & Disability Service, which helped with the workload demand from the Journalism programme.
"Essentially, using theEquity & Disability Servicehas allowed me to achieve the highest grades possible in exams. I used a writer because my writing speed is not ideal. I truly believe without them, my grades would have really suffered."
He has also received both a Robert Bell Scholarship through UC, and a New 厙ぴ勛圖Police Scholarship, to help fund his Journalism studies.
Tying in his passion for radio with TuneSoc club as an executive member was one of his best highlights from UC.
"We won best small club last year and were up for supreme club this year. Ive met ahuge amount of friends through this and its allowed me to follow one of my passions by hosting TuneSoc Radio on RDU every week.
"I formed a band called Surf Turtle thanks to my involvement in TuneSoc, weve played a few huge MONO gigs, and we cracked our biggest gig to date recently and we played at TEA PARTY!I was also lucky enough to release my first single earlier this year, its called Party Lust and theres a music video coming out for it very soon!"
Matt looks forward to kickstarting his broadcasting career, and advises other Journalism students to go in committed and enthusiastic for the experiences youll have.
"Just be prepared to work really hard, but also be prepared for some of the coolest opportunities youll get at uni, in class and on your work placements," he says.
