Become a Student Journalist: write for myUCL and earn money

The UCL Student Communications team is looking for talented undergraduate and postgraduate students, willing to write articles/blog/make videos or audio content about the student experience at UCL for

ucl.ac.uk/news/student/what-is-myucl" target="_blank">myUCL, the weekly e-newsletter sent to all 38,000 students. 

Successful candidates will submit ideas for original articles and features, as well as supporting photographs and videos (where appropriate), about topics they believe are of interest to the majority of the student body.

As well as delivering on successful pitches, they will be commissioned to report on university-wide projects and initiatives, including important university events, and interview staff and students about a variety of subjects relating to the UCL student experience.

Student journalists will be invited to submit articles averaging 400-500 words (article, feature or blog). We estimate that a 400-500 word article will involve 5 hours' work (5 x £12.40) including research and conducting an interview or attending an event.

Successful candidates may be commissioned to write a longer article (600-750 words), so will be paid for 6.5 hours (6.5 x £12.40) including research and conducting an interview or attending an event.

Work will be moderated and approved by the Student Communications team and a disclaimer will be included on any blog posts stating that the views expressed are that of the student journalist. Their work may also be reproduced on other UCL websites, e-newsletters and social media channels.

Requirements

We are looking for individuals who:

• have excellent written English, with a keen eye for detail
• are interested in a range of subjects, spanning arts, humanities and sciences
• would be comfortable liaising with people at different levels of seniority
• have a mature and enthusiastic approach to work
• have a high degree of initiative, creativity, energy and enthusiasm
• have excellent time-management and organisational skills, and the ability to work efficiently on projects with tight deadlines
• are keen to learn new skills
• are able to maintain confidentiality - it is likely that the successful candidate will be involved in issues that are sensitive across UCL, within both staff and student groups, so a professional and trustworthy manner is absolutely essential.

Desirable skills

• Previous experience of writing, editing and proofreading for online or printed materials.
• Previous experience of producing dynamic and shareable content for social media channels (Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook).
• A proficient photographer.

Benefits

• Students will be paid £12.40 per hour (Grade 5 on the UCL Payscale).
• The students selected will be provided with training at a half-day workshop led by UCL's Editorial Manager and Student Communications Manager. Training will focus on pitching ideas, copywriting for a variety of channels, proof reading, as well as guidance on UCL house style and an overview of the internal communications landscape at UCL. Students will be paid to attend training (3.5 hours x £12.40).
• Throughout Terms 2 and 3, there will be opportunities for successful candidates to learn new skills, as well as to build up their CVs.
• Candidates will be able to cite UCL as a referee for CV purposes.

Recruitment process

Interview and written editorial test.

How to apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to us with Student Journalist and your level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate taught, postgraduate research) written in the subject line to studentcommunications@ucl.ac.uk. Deadline for applications is Thursday 16 February.

In addition, please provide an example of any work you've done (articles, photography, podcasts, videos etc.).

If you have any queries please email Rachel Heatley via studentcommunications@ucl.ac.uk.

Rachel Heatley, UCL Communications and Marketing