![](https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/studentnewsandevents/files/2016/09/Dissertation-or8m0o-750x320.jpg)
My dissertation – Jordan’s story
I’m Jordan, a third year Multimedia Broadcast Journalism student at the Hastings campus. I decided to write about how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) TV characters have developed over the past 25 years and what the public’s response to them has been like for my final year dissertation.
Whilst I was writing it, as well as researching and reading journals, I neede to source people to talk to that could illustrate how LGBT characters have changed. The best thing about doing my dissertation was the research part and I loved interviewing people too.
One my interviewees was David Ames who plays the character ‘Dominic Copeland’ on UK medical drama ‘Holby City’. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get the opportunity to interview someone like this let alone have them say they’re more than happy to assist and answer any necessary questions.
Being a final year student has been a lot easier than expected. I thought I’d be running around a lot more and worrying about getting work in on time but as it turns out, I haven’t really had any problems, although there were times that I did struggle with my dissertation. I’ve found that being as organised as possible, using a diary for instance, keeping calm and not allowing myself to be overwhelmed has been helpful.
I will really miss my lecturers when I finish university. They’ve taught me and supported me over the last three years, allowed me to be creative as well as give me opportunities to work with companies like the BBC and ITV.
My advice to students in their first, second and going into their third year would be to practice, practice, practice. The more familiar you are with the software, hardware and general skills associated with your course or field, the better you’ll get.
Make sure you secure your placements through your second and third year. Avoid doing them at times when you should be revising for exams and writing essays.