How a Master's boosted my career
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My name is Peter Iorter, and I am a proud graduate of the Master of Arts (MA) in Journalism and Media Communications programme at the University of Hertfordshire, which I completed with distinction.
While some dates pass by unnoticed, September 17, 2023, is not one of them. That was the day I arrived in Hatfield to begin my postgraduate studies. It wasn’t just a change in location—it marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in both my life and career.
Learning that sticks
From day one, the learning experience stood out. The lecturers weren’t just academics—they brought real-world industry experience into the classroom. Every session bridged theory with current media challenges, encouraging me to think both critically and creatively.
A few standout moments?
Designing a magazine using InDesign for the Media Production module and creating mobile journalism content—filming, editing, and producing entirely on my phone. I also worked as a Research Assistant with UH Arts and Culture during a short placement, which offered valuable experience in professional research and collaboration.
A particular highlight was the Corporate Communications module. We were tasked with developing a communications plan for a real-world crisis scenario and presenting it—live. It was intense but incredibly rewarding. The Media Studio and the Learning Resource Centre became essential to my success during these projects.
What helped me succeed
Certain habits helped me stay on track—practices I’d recommend to any current or aspiring postgraduate student:
- Got to know Canvas early: Familiarising myself with the learning platform saved time and reduced confusion.
- Started assignments early: I avoided last-minute panics by giving myself ample time to research, draft, and revise.
- Understood the briefs: I carefully reviewed expectations and marking criteria, asking questions whenever I needed clarity.
- Engaged with readings: The recommended texts were incredibly valuable. Reading ahead helped me feel more confident and better prepared for class discussions.
I also made sure to prioritise my well-being. The university offers excellent support—from the Wellbeing Team to approachable tutors and peers. Reaching out for help when I needed it made a significant difference.
Looking forward
This course didn’t just give me knowledge—it gave me direction.
Now, I’m ready to return to my role as Executive Director at Safer-Media Initiative, armed with fresh insights, new tools, and a broader perspective. My ability to craft compelling narratives, navigate the digital media landscape, and strategically position messages has deepened.
One of the most valuable lessons I took away was the importance of strategic communication with key audiences—something I refined during the Corporate Communications module. This is helping me strengthen Safer-Media Initiative’s capacity to engage stakeholders, respond effectively to public discourse, and raise awareness on critical issues.
Additionally, my hands-on experience with multimedia content creation has enhanced my ability to produce richer, more dynamic storytelling—an essential asset for amplifying our advocacy work.
Beyond technical skills, this postgraduate journey reinforced the importance of critical thinking and adaptability—qualities that will be essential as I lead the organisation through shifting media trends. With this enhanced expertise, I’m eager to refine our engagement strategies, elevate our digital communication efforts, and contribute to shaping meaningful conversations in the media space.
In conclusion, I’ve never regretted choosing this programme at UH. I chose it because the MA in Journalism and Media Communications aligned with my ambition to blend journalism, corporate communication, and digital media. And honestly—it delivered, and more.
