University of Leicester media and journalism degrees shortlisted for prestigious employability awards

Two University of Leicester degree programmes have been shortlisted for the Academic Employability Awards 2025.

The prestigious new awards are being hosted by The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) and are set to take place later this month.

Elements from the University of Leicester’s Journalism and Media BA and Media and Communication BA have been recognised for their contributions to embedding employability within higher education.

Through a partnership with the UK’s oldest basketball team, Leicester Riders, journalism students at the University of Leicester were able to access professional media facilities to cover a match. Students who were taking part in the course’s Sports Journalism module got to work in the Riders’ press box and conduct post-match interviews with the team.

The University of Leicester and Leicester Riders collaboration has been nominated for the Authentic Assessment for Employability Award.

University of Leicester media students also worked with Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and its Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) as part of the course’s Client Led Media Production module. Working to a client brief, and with the intention of creating content for subsequent use in the industry, students co-design and develop content that directly benefits the NHS, the health and wellbeing of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s population and the student experience.

This project has been nominated for the Employer and Community Partnership Award.

University of Leicester, student, Farhaan Bagwadia said: “This module is my favourite of the 3 years I was at the University of Leicester. It offers a real-world experience to work with a massive client as you have to work according to what they want you create, but also allows for tons of creativity. Collaborating with them was an enjoyable experience with everyone being immensely friendly. It allows you to build and expand your skills with lots of support throughout the course. For someone looking to build on their real world skills and get into the production side of the industry, this course is perfect for you.”

Another student, James Benison said: “"Being a part of this module has been such a refreshing and exciting experience. I have really enjoyed working alongside the Leicestershire Partnership Trust where I have been able to develop and showcase my creative side. This module has given me a first-hand insight into working in a professional environment which is such a crucial skill after University.”

Paul Fitzgerald, Career Development Coach at the University of Leicester’s College of Social Science, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH), said: “There is a lot of truly excellent work happening within CSSAH, to further student employability and external partnerships. We’re delighted to be able to have made multiple submissions to the AGCAS awards, and even more delighted to see two from the same school being shortlisted. Its a testament to the proactive and inclusive approach to supporting our students achieve their full potential within the university and beyond.”

Kamy Basra, Associate Director of Communications and Culture at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “We are very proud to have developed an excellent partnership with Leicester University’s Media School. The students gain an understanding of working in NHS communications and media, working with our communications team and CAMHS service on real-time projects that benefit our service users. “