Student Success Content & Podcast Assistant

This project focuses on the development and launch of a mini podcast series as part of the Progression Pathways Programme, designed to support Black and Mixed Heritage students in their higher education journeys.

The project involves planning, producing, and promoting a student-centred podcast that captures authentic voices and lived experiences, particularly those of the programme’s founders, staff, and students. A key priority is ensuring the content is engaging, representative, and meaningful, reflecting the realities of the students the programme is designed to support.

This work is especially important as the department is currently operating with limited capacity in digital marketing and content creation, creating a need for innovative and student-led approaches to promotion and engagement. The podcast will act as a strategic marketing tool, helping to increase awareness of the programme, strengthen its identity, and encourage future student participation.

Duties and responsibilities

The value of this project lies in its ability to:

Amplify underrepresented student voices and lived experiences

Support the co-creation of content with students, ensuring authenticity and relevance

Enhance engagement, visibility, and recruitment for future cohorts

Create a sustainable digital resource that can be used for ongoing promotion and storytelling

By contributing to this project, the student will play a key in shaping how the programme is communicated and experienced, while gaining practical, transferable skills in a real-world context.

Project Objectives

By completing this project, the student will:

Develop practical digital and creative skills by gaining hands-on experience in podcast production, including planning, scripting, recording, editing, and creating promotional content.

Build confidence in communication and collaboration through engaging with staff, students, and stakeholders, including interviewing guests and contributing to a professional team environment.

Gain experience in digital marketing and audience engagement, understanding how content can be used strategically to promote programmes and connect with target student groups.

Strengthen project management and organisational skills by managing tasks, meeting deadlines, coordinating bookings, and contributing to the delivery of a live project within a set timeframe.

Enhance analytical and reflective skills by producing a summary report and recommendations, evaluating the effectiveness of the podcast as a promotional and engagement tool.

Develop presentation and professional skills through sharing their work and insights with the team, contributing to discussions, and supporting project outcomes.

Contribute to a meaningful, student-centred initiative, gaining insight into widening participation work and the importance of co-creating content that reflects student voice and lived experience.

Project Tasks

Over the course of the placement, the student will:

Conduct podcast planning and research, including identifying themes, topics, and audience needs

Support podcast production and content creation, including scripting and structuring episodes

Assist with recording and editing episodes using beginner-friendly tools to ensure high-quality, accessible content

Contribute to digital marketing and promotion, helping to raise awareness of the podcast and programme

Design promotional materials such as audiograms, quote graphics, and teaser clips

Compile a short summary report and recommendations, reflecting on the project and suggesting improvements for future delivery - presenting ideas to the team.

Skills and experience

Core Skills:

Strong organisational skills

Good communication

Creative problem-solving ability

High level of attention to detail

Self-motivation and ability to manage workload independently

Desirable Experience:

Interest in or experience with content creation or podcast production

Familiarity with the university podcast studio (not essential)

Additional Desirable Criteria:

A student currently part of the Progression Pathways Programme

Students who identify as Black or Mixed Heritage

What We’re Looking For:

Enthusiasm for developing media and content creation skills

A genuine passion for storytelling and creative projects

Interest in supporting students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds

Location
Drysdale Building