Media and Communication MA (formerly Communication MA) – 2022
The diverse academic environment and the international nature of the city together gave me a broader perspective and a more global outlook.
Why did you choose the University of Westminster?
I chose the University of Westminster for its strong reputation in media studies and its distinguished professors. I was particularly impressed by the university’s international environment. London was also another key reason for my choice. As a media student, being in a major media hub is extremely important to me as it offers greater industry exposure, networking opportunities and access to cultural events.
How has your experience been studying in London?
It was an amazing experience. Studying in such a multicultural city gave me a strong sense of cross-cultural engagement. It was not only a valuable academic opportunity but also a great chance to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, this experience greatly enriched my global perspective. I was also a Chevening scholar, and through the vibrant Chevening community I had the opportunity to engage with a very diverse environment and built meaningful international connections.
Tell us about your course and what have you particularly enjoyed?
Since I have a government background, I chose several media policy classes that perfectly matched my interests and professional experience. I particularly enjoyed these because they allowed me to explore the relationship between media, policy, and society from different perspectives. In addition, I was surrounded by encouraging and diverse classmates, which made the learning experience even more enjoyable and enriching.
How have you found academic support as part of your studies?
They were extremely supportive. The classes were very diverse, with students from different cultural backgrounds and varying levels of English, and the lecturers were always understanding, patient, and encouraging. Their support went beyond academics, as they genuinely cared about students’ wellbeing and personal development. For example, during the devastating earthquake in Türkiye in 2023, I quicky received supportive emails from my professors and the university wellbeing team, checking on my safety and offering help. That meant a lot to me and showed how caring and compassionate the university community is, even after graduation.
Even now, I stay in touch with my professors. As I pursue my PhD at the University of Sydney, I continue to receive valuable guidance and support from my MA supervisor, Professor Maria Michalis. I truly appreciate the lifelong relationships built during my studies.
Can you tell us about your current role and share a bit about your responsibilities?
I have worked at the national media regulatory body in Türkiye, where I was involved in media policy and regulatory affairs. Recently, I embarked on a new academic journey and began pursuing a PhD in Digital Media Studies at the University of Sydney as a recipient of the prestigious Australian Research Council Mediated Trust scholarship. My current research focuses on trust, policy and regulatory issues in the digital media environment.
How has your course prepared you for your current role and a career in your industry?
The course greatly enriched my academic and research skills, and I was able to transfer these skills into my professional life. It also improved my presentation and public speaking abilities, increasing my confidence in international and academic settings. Thanks to these assets, I had the opportunity to participate in many international meetings during my professional career and present to wide audiences, including colleagues from relevant institutions.
Now, I am pursuing my PhD at the University of Sydney, I can clearly see how important my master’s experience was in shaping my academic journey. Without the perspective, knowledge, and confidence I gained, I would not be where I am today.
What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?
My advice is to fully engage with the opportunities offered by both this fantastic city and the university. Take advantage of the cross-cultural environment as much as possible. University is not only an academic journey but also a personal and cultural experience. Make new friends, share experiences with one another, and engage with people from different cultures and backgrounds. These experiences will help you grow both academically and personally.
What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?
It helped me move to a different level both academically and personally. Before my master’s experience, I was mostly locally focused, but during and after my studies, I began to think and feel more globally while still maintaining my own sense of locality and identity. I believe this transformation was shaped by the combination of the university and London. The diverse academic environment and the international nature of the city together gave me a broader perspective and a more global outlook.
What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?
The most surprising thing for me was Harrow Campus. It is a beautiful, green and quiet environment, but as a media student, I prefer Regent Street due to its central location and proximity to major media institutions like the BBC. The contrast between the two campuses was unexpected, but it showed the diversity of learning environments within the university.