A Staffordshire University graduate has been recognised nationally for the quality of his journalistic writing.
Edmund Crosthwaite, who graduated with BA(Hons) Journalism in 2013, has won the Esso award for producing the best news report in the National Qualification in Journalism awards.
Edmund said: “It's brilliant to have taken the next step in my career by passing the NQJ and even more so to have done it first time round. I felt I had performed quite well in the news report but I never expected to get additional recognition for it.”
Edmund, who now works as a reporter for the East Anglian Daily Times, received a cheque for £250 and a certificate of achievement.
He says studying at Staffordshire was great preparation for the world of journalism.
“It's really good that the course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists. It’s an industry recognised qualification and I wouldn’t have got my job without it.” said Edmund.
“Being able to produce work for Staffs Live – the University's news site – gives you the chance to practice writing for a proper media outlet, not just for your lecturers, which is fantastic training.”
Senior Lecturer in Journalism, Pete Leydon, hopes that Edmunds success will inspire current students.
“It's very rare that a student gets such a prestigious national award. Only four of these awards are given out so we're really proud of Ed’s achievement.”
“It takes most journalists at least two years before they pass their senior journalism exams and Ed has done his within 18 months of graduating which is an amazing accomplishment.”