Alma Hassoun

Photo of Alma Hassoun

BBC Arabic Women Affairs Journalist | BBC Arabic Service

Diversity and the Media MA- 2014

What I have learned has been an invaluable source of knowledge in my current work as a journalist.

In spring 2013, I was looking for an MA course that could help me go beyond technical aspects of writing, reporting or making visual production. I wanted to learn to think about the media and the surrounding issues in a creative and deeper way.

When I checked the modules, I found the balance that I was looking for - subjects covered are inclusive reporting, media law, communication for development, as well as some philosophy and theories (that enjoyed more than I thought I would).

Initially I was hesitant when I got the unconditional offer, it sounds scary to leave all other courses in the UK and go for this one, which was new back then. The course was not easy, It took me a while to develop some skills to start getting engaged with it. Only after graduation I fully realized how helpful and important what I have learnt was.

The most invaluable angle of the course, I believe, was its emphasis on understanding the wider society when thinking of the media industry - the society that includes several diverse groups within, and reflects power relations, and inherent biases and lenses through which the media looks at issues. What I have learned has been an invaluable source of knowledge in my current work as a journalist.