After leaving school at 16, Kieran Reape was excited to take up a full-time assistant role in The Scottish Government, where after just one year, he was promoted to the Diary Secretary for the Fair Work, Skills and Employment Cabinet Secretary. Kieran continued his political journey by then spending the next six years working as the Whips’ Assistant in the Scottish National Party’s Whips’ Office, as well as taking on various other roles during downtimes, including Parliamentary Researcher and Communications Officer.
In 2022, at the age of 25, Kieran felt ready to return to education and decided to complete a HNC in Communication and Media Studies at Edinburgh College, while working part-time as a Public Relations, Communications and Administrative Assistant at YMCA Scotland, a global youth work organisation. His vast experience in politics and Communications led him to apply for ²Ï²Ñ±«â€™s BA (Hons) Media and Communications to increase his career opportunities.
Kieran firmly believes that it’s never too late to pursue new knowledge and skills. He is fully embracing his time as a university student, throwing himself into everything ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø has to offer, including signing up as a vitally important Student Helper. Find out about his time at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø in his Student Story.
Why did you choose to study at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø?
I chose Queen Margaret University for its strong reputation and convenient location in Edinburgh. The University's emphasis on practical learning and its supportive community were significant factors in my decision. Also, the smaller class sizes at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø allow for more personalised experience from lecturers, which I really do find enhances the learning experience.
As a local, studying in Edinburgh was the natural choice. The city's rich cultural scene and vibrant media industry provide great opportunities for networking and professional growth.
What interested you about your course?
With a background in politics and third-sector public relations, I was drawn to the BA (Hons) Media and Communications course for its broad range of topics. The course offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, covering areas from media theory and digital communication, to strategic media planning and practical experience, aligning perfectly with my career goals and interests.
What has been the highlight of your course so far?
Engaging in projects that mirror real-world news and considering real-world media challenges has been particularly rewarding and interesting. A standout experience was collaborating with classmates on a film project, which allowed us to apply our learning in a practical context, and it was really helpful to receive constructive feedback from our lecturers.
How have your lecturers support your learning?
The lecturers at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø have been incredibly supportive, offering personalised guidance and feedback on my coursework. The culture on campus encourages students to seek assistance and discuss ideas freely, without judgment. This individualised support has been instrumental in my academic development and has increased my confidence when it comes to applying theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.
Personal Academic Tutors (PATs) are also a great resource for students who need one-to-one support or need to be signposted to which (of the many!) services ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø offers. My PAT ensured I was settling into university life well during my first year on campus, making sure to check in regularly and flag up things I may have missed.
What has been the most valuable lesson that you have learned at university so far?
"The importance of continuous, lifelong learning and adaptability. Returning to education at 25 after leaving school at 16, has reinforced to me that it's never too late to pursue new knowledge and skills. Embracing a growth mindset has been crucial in navigating both academic and professional challenges. "
What advice do you have for any potential students looking at a degree in Media and Communications?
Embrace the diverse opportunities the field offers! Engage with the course material, seek practical experiences, and build a network within the industry. The skills gained in this degree are versatile and applicable across various sectors, so keep an open mind about potential career paths. When it comes time to choose your elective classes, consider trying something you wouldn’t normally, you might end up enjoying it!
What do you hope to do with your degree upon graduating?
I aim to take my experience overseas, working on international and global media campaigns and contributing to cross-cultural communication initiatives that give back to the community.
Find out more about our Film, Communication and Creative Industries courses.
