Online Journalism News

Museum scheme offers student journos a leg-up

Student journalists have one last chance to join a unique project writing about the UK's regional museums.

The Renaissance Student Journalism Network project is being run by the 24 Hour Museum, the UK's national virtual museum, and Museums Libraries and Archives (MLA).

Ten students around the UK are being chosen to work one day per week for six months, covering projects and exhibits in their regional museums with the help of a £500 bursary. Students have already been chosen for Brighton and Birmingham, but there are still places in Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol and London.

The 24 Hour Museum team will give students support and editorial advice. It aims to make the project as close as possible to real journalism experience, helping students to make contacts and build their portfolios.

Work will be published on the 24 Hour Museum website, City Heritage Guides and on museum sites and newsletters. Students retain a share of copyright so they can republish the articles on their own websites or blogs.

Roslyn Tappenden is studying media and communications at the University of Central England in Birmingham and has been chosen to write for the project's midlands region.

"I was honoured to be chosen. It's important to get your foot in the door and this is the strongest thing on my CV so far," she told dotJournalism.

"When you're at university it's quite daunting putting yourself out there, but the 24 Hour Museum has been really supportive."

MLA established the £20,000 project as part of the Renaissance programme, an initiative to promote and build audiences for England's regional museums.

There are a few places left in the Yorkshire region (based in Sheffield), the south west region (based in Bristol), the north west region (based in Manchester) and two places in London.

To be eligible, you need to be a student on an NCTJ course or studying journalism as part of a degree course or MA. To apply, email Richard Moss, features editor of 24 Hour Museum at richard@24hourmuseum.org.uk as soon as possible as interviews are already taking place.

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