Olasunkanmi Ogunniyi

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

One of the main reasons I chose Westminster was that it is based in London. As someone already working within media and culture, I wanted to study in a city that sits at the centre of global media, tourism, culture, and storytelling. I was also interested in understanding how cities like London use media, culture, and soft power to shape global perception and experiences.

Another major reason was the course structure and modules. When I compared programmes across different universities, many felt too theoretical or disconnected from the realities of the industry. Westminster’s modules felt much more relevant to the kind of work I was already doing and the direction I wanted to grow in, particularly around media, development, culture, and global communication. The course felt aligned with both my professional background and long-term goals, which made the decision feel very natural for me.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in London has been a very transformative experience for me. Beyond academics, I’ve been exposed to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking that I may not have encountered otherwise. London is such a diverse city, and the university itself reflects that diversity as well, so it has been interesting meeting people from different countries and backgrounds while still finding common ground through shared experiences and ambitions.

I’ve also grown a lot personally. Being in a city like London has pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me build confidence, and allowed me to experience the creative and cultural energy of the city firsthand. As an international student, it has been rewarding to study in an environment where there is so much happening across media, culture, tourism, and global conversations all at once.

Tell us about your course and what have you particularly enjoyed?

My course, Media and Development, explores the relationship between media, communication, culture, and development in today’s world. One thing I particularly enjoyed about the programme was how it encouraged us to think critically about the role of media, both historically and in contemporary society, while also exploring different global perspectives.

We studied media theories, audiences, development theory, media production, and the social impact of communication. One of the highlights for me was producing a documentary as part of the “Documentary for Social Change” module, which allowed us to think about how storytelling can be used to drive meaningful conversations and social impact.

What also stood out to me was the programme’s strong engagement with Global South perspectives. As an international student, many of the discussions connected directly to real-life experiences and realities I could relate to personally. The course wasn’t limited to one worldview — it encouraged conversations around decolonisation, media representation, culture, development, and how different societies engage with media differently.

I also enjoyed the structure of the classes because they were highly interactive and discussion based. The programme constantly challenged us to engage critically with existing ideas, contribute our own perspectives, and think beyond traditional approaches to media and development. Overall, the course felt very relevant, well-structured, and aligned with both my academic interests and professional background.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

The academic and lecturer support has been very strong throughout my studies. The lecturers are approachable, experienced, and genuinely supportive of students’ learning and development. We’ve always had opportunities to ask questions, book tutorials, seek guidance, and discuss ideas both inside and outside the classroom.

What I appreciated most was that the lecturers encouraged critical thinking and open discussions rather than just teaching theory in a one-sided way. They were also open to learning from students’ experiences and perspectives, especially in such an internationally diverse classroom environment. That made the learning experience feel collaborative and engaging.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

Although my course was more theory and research-focused than production-based, we still had access to a range of useful media and learning resources. Students were able to access production equipment such as cameras and media tools where needed, particularly for practical assignments like documentary production.

Beyond that, I also appreciated having access to editing classes, digital tools, and wider university resources that supported both academic and creative work. The facilities available made it easier to explore media beyond just the classroom environment.

How has Zone29 - our home of careers and enterprise - helped you with your career journey?

Zone29 has been one of the most exciting parts of my experience at Westminster so far. As an entrepreneur, joining the Westminster Enterprise Network and attending workshops through Zone29 has been incredibly valuable and inspiring.

I’ve attended startup workshops, explored resources around AI and business, and connected with other students building businesses and creative projects. What stands out most is that it feels like a real ecosystem for entrepreneurs, not just a workspace, but a community where people are actively building ideas and supporting each other’s growth.

I’ve also found the workspace itself very helpful, and I regularly use it, especially because it fosters creativity, innovation, and productivity. The opportunities for mentorship, enterprise support, workshops, and business guidance have made a strong impact on my experience, and it’s one of the things that makes the University of Westminster stand out to me.

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

My biggest advice would be to fully take advantage of the opportunities available beyond just academics. The University offers a wide range of resources, programmes, societies, workshops, career support opportunities, and enterprise initiatives, but you must actively engage and seek them out.

One thing I really appreciate about Westminster is that it balances academics with real-world exposure and career-focused opportunities. Whether your interests are in entrepreneurship, media, networking, leadership, or creative industries, there are spaces and programmes that support those interests. The more involved you are, the more rewarding your experience becomes.

What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

One of the best aspects of being a University of Westminster student is studying in London itself. Being in such a global and culturally diverse city adds so much value to the overall experience, especially for someone studying media and communication.

I also appreciate the access students have to useful tools, resources, and industry-focused opportunities that support both academic and professional growth. The university’s connection to industries such as media and creative sectors makes the experience feel very practical and career-oriented rather than limited to just classroom learning.

What’s the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?

One of the most surprising parts of my Westminster experience was how much I grew in confidence and critical thinking over time. When I first started, I honestly felt unsure about whether I would fully adjust academically or be able to keep up with the level of critical engagement expected at postgraduate level.

However, through support from lecturers, classmates, friends, and the university’s academic support services, I gradually became more confident in my thinking, writing, and ability to contribute to discussions. Looking back now, I can clearly see how much progress I’ve made, and that growth happened gradually through continuous learning and support.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about your Westminster experience?

Overall, my experience at the University of Westminster has been genuinely transformative both academically and personally. Beyond gaining knowledge from my course, I’ve also grown in confidence, expanded my worldview, and connected with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

I appreciate how the university creates an environment that encourages not only academic growth, but also creativity, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and real-world development. Studying in London while being part of such a diverse and globally connected university has been a very rewarding experience for me.