Journalism, Media and TV Students Score Experience at Partick Thistle

A project which has allowed students to gain work experience with a Glasgow professional football club has resulted in them gaining jobs within its media team.

Over the course of this academic year, those studying on the journalism, media and digital film and TV HND courses were given the opportunity to write up match-reports, record video interviews with fans before the game and even record the action at the Wyre Stadium at Firhill.

Now due to the standard of work produced on the placements, the individuals have been kept on and given shifts to create even more content for the club’s website and social media.

Head of Media and Communications at Partick Thistle, Craig Stewart has been delighted with the students’ efforts so far: “It really is a 'win-win' partnership where the club are providing real time work experience opportunities and the students from Glasgow Clyde College are delivering work of a high calibre to our supporters."

"The partnership has seen the club recruit a new match-day reporter as well as being able to showcase the club’s recent win over Ayr United through excellent coverage using two stationary cameras and one pitchside one."

And that new match-day reporter is David Forrest who joined the HND Journalism and Content Production course in August. He said: “Craig has been very accommodating and I have been welcomed in by the team. They have all been really helpful, giving me great advice. It’s been great reporting on the team I support too.”

“I’ve been writing up match reports for the website and social media. It’s a fast-paced role and I’m constantly working to tight deadlines which is great to get the experience of. I joined at the start of an unbeaten run for the team during February and into March, so I thought I must have been their lucky charm.”

Heather Allen studies on the HND Media and Communication course. She is now interviewing the players and coaching team before and after the game. “Having the opportunity to work with Partick Thistle has given me my first step into sports media. As a student, I was able to gain hands-on experience creating content with fans and witnessing first-hand the production of live content for their Jagzone platform. This experience has taught me skills in new software, camera operation, and journalism, as well as giving me insight into how the media team works together. The team has been extremely welcoming and supportive, helping me build connections and network with professionals in the industry.”

Partick Thistle have been working with a number of courses throughout the college this year providing a range of opportunities for the students.

This project has also seen the Scottish Championship outfit provide discounted or free tickets to matches at the Wyre Stadium at Firhill this season.

Curriculum Manager for Journalism, Ross Nixon said:

“The profession is always changing and this project highlights the different areas that our students can get into these days. Sports journalism and content production is a growing area with clubs from all different sports developing their own media teams. We’re delighted that our students can be part of this growth. With the Partick Thistle project, not only have they been able to use the skills they have learned on the courses in the workplace, they’re able to learn more skills on the job and more importantly build up that confidence and experience which is vital to their progression.”

Curriculum Manager for Media and TV, Fred Hannah added:

“We have continued to make changes to our courses in order to provide the students with the right skillset ready for a variety of jobs in the industry. We’re delighted to see that these changes have been recognised in the various workplace projects we offer our students. The hands-on match day opportunities have provided them with practical skills, industry insights, and a significant boost to their professional portfolios. This partnership has been instrumental in bridging our academic learning with professional media environments."

Find out more about the courses mentioned below.

HND Digital Film and Television - HND Digital Film and Television | Glasgow Clyde College

HND Journalism and Content Production - HND Journalism and Content Production | Glasgow Clyde College

HND Media and Communications - HND Media And Communications | Glasgow Clyde College

Photos - Craig Walker of 41 Sports Media