Elif Gulmen

"I chose to come to Sunderland to study MA Journalism and to receive my NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) qualifications alongside. The NCTJ qualification is vital for my future in journalism. I’ve also worked for the University’s Spark website. Spark is so useful in bringing journalism studies to life. I've been able to use my time on Spark to publish articles, which is good experience and builds students a great portfolio and shows we have been actively working alongside studying.

I’ve really been enjoying news days and getting the chance to put my journalism knowledge into practice. I enjoy hands-on work, and I’m especially drawn to investigative journalism — it’s exciting, challenging, and incredibly compelling.

The Aziz Foundation Scholarship has played a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by British Muslims in pursuing higher education. It addresses financial barriers, promotes diversity and inclusion, and provides essential mentorship and support, ultimately contributing to the empowerment and success of individuals within the British Muslim community in the academic and professional spheres.

My aspiration is to pursue a career as a journalist, with a particular focus on foreign news reporting. While my interest is rooted in global news, I also appreciate the significance of regional and national news. I am open to various career paths within my field that contribute to my growth and learning, ultimately guiding me toward the place I aspire to be.

If you're wanting to do journalism, the University of Sunderland can help and provide the essential journalistic knowledge and skills. The lecturers have rich industry experience and are always willing to help.”