University of Gloucestershire media student interviews Deputy Prime Minister

A career in political journalism could be in store for a third year Journalism student at the University of Gloucestershire who today interviewed Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg.

Jordan Bhatt, who is in his final year studying Journalism at the University, was invited to interview the Deputy Prime Minister after the University’s Election Debate, held on 22 April, which gave him the opportunity to meet and interview all six of the candidates for the Cheltenham seat.

As the electorate heads to the polls on May 7 for the General Election, Jordan met up with Nick Clegg during his visit to Ivy Lane School in Chippenham. Jordan had the opportunity to pose a number of questions, particularly focussed on those concerning education policy, university tuition fees, Nick Clegg’s thoughts on a coalition Government and his reaction to Russell Brand interviewing Ed Miliband.

Jordan was joined by fellow Media School students, Piran Smith, a final year TV Production student on sound, Rob Daglish, a Film Production graduate on camera and Media Technician, Jeremy Clifton-Gould on photography.

Speaking after the experience, Jordan said: “I’ve always been interested in politics and to get this opportunity was amazing. Anne [Head of Media School] and I joked as she was aged 30 the first time she got to interview a Cabinet member. I’m 21 and just completing my Journalism degree, so I’ve managed to get a 9 year head start!”

“As you would imagine, there was a real hive of activity around his arrival and plenty of media in attendance. I got my opportunity to interview Nick Clegg after the BBC’s Business Editor, Kamal Ahmed. In fact, I’m not sure what I was more nervous about, interviewing the Deputy Prime Minister or being watched by a top national journalist. Kamal listened to my interview, we had a chat afterwards and he took a note of my name, so the whole experience was just brilliant.”

Asked how his Journalism course at the University of Gloucestershire had helped him prepare for such an occasion, Jordan added: “As part of our course we get practical experience and go on work placements. I did a placement back in my hometown, working for BBC Radio Northampton. I reapplied what I have learnt during my course for my interview with Nick Clegg and enjoyed taking it to the next level.”

Anne Dawson, Head of the Media School at the University of Gloucestershire, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for a Journalism student who graduates this year and is hoping to start a career as a political journalist. This invitation has also given TV and Film students a chance to film at a busy press event a week before the General Election; not something they expected to be doing as undergraduates. It’s this kind of ‘real world’ opportunity that we try hard to give our students in the Gloucestershire Media School.”

Watch Jordan’s interview with Nick Clegg.