Freelance journalist appointed 'practitioner in residence' at Bournemouth University

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A freelance journalist who has worked for the Times has been appointed as a new "practitioner in residence" at Bournemouth University's Media School. Jake Wallis Simons , who writes regular features for the Times and is the author of three books, will use the post to share his skills with journalism and communications students at the university. Bournemouth currently offers an undergraduate and postgraduate course in multimedia journalism.

"I hope to bring to the university a sense of what it means to be a freelance novelist and journalist surviving in the cut-and-thrust of the modern world. I believe it is important not to lose an appreciation of the pursuit of knowledge and ideas for their own sake, while still earning a crust," he says in a release from the university.

Wallis Simons is one of four practitioners appointed by the media school. Production company owner Serena Cullen, 3D art for games specialist Damien Rayfield and marketing and advertising expert Adrian Jeffrey will also work with students.

"The Practitioners in Residence scheme puts professional practice at the heart of the student experience. Between the four practitioners they will deliver over 100 days of practice-focused teaching and learning. Students will be exposed to real life production questions and scenarios and will get to work on live briefs," says Jonathan Wardle, director of the Centre for Excellence in Media Practice (CEMP) based in the university's media school, which funds the positions.