Following a dream to tell stories: Priscaline's experience at Salford

MediaCity campus at night

Priscaline joined us from Nigeria to study MA Drama Production for TV, Film and Digital Media after completing her undergraduate degree in Nigeria. She has always had a passion for filmmaking and knew from an early age this is what she wanted to pursue as a career!

As part of her course, she created a short film using the industry-grade equipment available at Salford. Read on to find out more about it.

Choosing Salford

“I have always been a creative person and chose to study Theatre and Film for my undergraduate degree in Nigeria. I never felt pressured to do anything else because I always knew I wanted to tell stories. During my studies, I shot a short film titled Spin which inspired me to want to continue my film education in the UK.

I researched different production courses in the UK. I read many positive student testimonials about the University of Salford’s School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology which said how friendly the school environment and lecturers were. I also thoroughly researched the course modules, and I thought they would be just perfect for the experience I wanted to gain.”

Three people outside filming a short film, a woman is walking towards camera holding a script, a man is holding up a microphone and another man is looking into a video camera

Course experience

“MA Drama Production for TV, Film and Digital Media has been a great course for gaining hands-on experience. The course has exposed me to the industry standards of filmmaking in the UK giving me the experience I need to have a thriving career after graduating. The friendly and chatty lecturers have empowered me and given me the confidence to explore different topics within filmmaking.

The practical-focused course has helped me to gain skills that employers in the industry are looking for such as communication, marketing, co-ordination, organisation, scripting, editing and directing skills.

My most memorable project was shooting my short film, ‘Remember Me,’ which you can watch below, for my final project. Initially, the idea seemed impossible, but I never gave up when it got challenging. ‘Remember Me’ features a six-member cast and a ten-man crew. I coordinated and managed the entire project from beginning to end and created something which I am truly proud of.”

A woman bending down to help a child tying their shoe

Outside of the classroom

“Whilst being away from my familiar environment was a challenge at first, I did manage to find peace quite quickly. People in Manchester and Salford are very generous with their smiles and this made me feel calm and at ease. The communities that exist in Salford are very diverse which makes it easier for international students to settle in.

The University of Salford’s askUS offers real and timely support to international students. This was one of the reasons I chose to study here. Whether you need wellbeing or administrative support, someone at askUS will be able to help or point you in the right direction.

My favourite experience during my time here so far has been seeing snow for the first time!”

My advice to other international students

“Be passionate about what you are studying, otherwise it will be a struggle without having a true and genuine passion for creativity. My dream for the future is to write and create my most beloved, personal story about my childhood titled, Loving Abigail.”