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University Journalism course shortlisted for national industry awards at Hampton Court

​The University’s Journalism department is in the running for a national award with a scheme to boost students’ confidence. The Confidence Tricks project, which aims to develop self-esteem among journalism students, has been shortlisted in the inaugural Innovation of the Year category at The NCTJ Awards which will take place on 23 November at Hampton Court Palace.

Confidence Tricks sees some of the University’s drama graduates leading workshops tailored for the different needs of the 68 Journalism students involved at The Park campus. The scheme is now on a shortlist of three for the National Council for the Training of Journalists’ new annual innovation award.

The project was launched with £2,500 from a University of Gloucestershire fund, set up to encourage sustainable education. Sessions are built around role play and exercises which reflect the challenges of difficult conversations and persuading reluctant interviewees to open up, as well as the reality of work placements, networking and job interviews.

Paul Wiltshire, Journalism Lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire said:

“One of the overriding aims was to encourage student journalists to ask challenging questions. There’s never been a greater need for journalism that asks the sort of questions that can lead to positive change in society. But it’s clear that our students need to develop the confidence and poise to feel comfortable about sticking their heads above the parapet.”

The winners of the organisation’s annual awards dinner will be announced on 23 November, at Hampton Court Palace.