A Lancaster University student who graduated this week is already making the headlines and enjoying a BBC apprenticeship as a journalist.

Molly Armstrong started the apprenticeship with the BBC in Dumfries where the role involves everything from researching and reporting, to interviewing and producing stories, as well as the chance to explore the topics she cares most about.

"I’m really excited to be developing my skills with such a respected organisation,” says Molly.

Originally from Cumbria, Molly chose Lancaster University as the place to study for her MA because, she said, it felt like the perfect place, close to home and the Lake District, with easy access to Manchester, Liverpool and London.

Before Lancaster, she studied for her undergraduate English degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she worked as a Residential Advisor, a role providing guidance and support for younger students moving to university halls for the first time.

And it was that experience that inspired her to take on a similar role at Lancaster University as a College Community Assistant (formerly known as an Assistant Dean role) for Pendle College.

At Lancaster she completed an MA in English Literary Studies in the then English Literature and Creative Writing Department.

“I loved the tight-knit, supportive community I found both in the department and in Pendle College,” explains Molly.

“I especially enjoyed the proximity to nature, being able to step away from work, straight into green space really benefited my academic projects.

“I loved the balance between social and academic life at Lancaster, particularly talks at Lancaster Priory which broadened my perspectives (often ending with socials at Merchants!)”

But a special highlight for Molly was being able to write the Pendle Witch college newsletter, which informs students of events within the college, in addition to across the University. This enabled her to build her writing skills and meet students across the university.

“I’m especially grateful to college manager Luke Gacesa for supporting me with it, as it allowed me to pursue my writing passions outside of academia,” she adds.

Molly has a broad range of academic interests, including literary representations of both pain, and disability.

“My amazing academic advisor, Dr Sara Wasson, has guided me through studies of this area that I was not aware of, and I am very grateful for this,” says Molly. “All the staff in the department are so supportive and genuinely interested in helping students.

“Additionally, I have a keen interest in witchcraft and how it reflects marginalisation, from the persecution of women in the early modern period to postcolonial approaches in the present day, which led me to culminate my studies at Lancaster with a dissertation exploring this.

“My dissertation supervisor Professor Alison Findlay helped me learn about areas of witchcraft throughout history which I was unaware of, and I am very grateful for the expertise I was provided with during the writing of my dissertation. Being part of Pendle College was somewhat symbolic, as the college’s very name carries the legacy of the Pendle witches.”

Long term, says Molly, she is keen to pursue a career in journalism where she can tell meaningful stories, highlight underrepresented perspectives, and give a voice to those who lack one.

Dr Wasson said: “Molly’s magnificent success is a testament to her skills and dedication, and the BBC is lucky to benefit from her gifts!

“We are proud that the MA English Literature at Lancaster supports students to flourish in such highly competitive fields, and we look forward to welcoming future scholars to our community.”