Academic and Pastoral Support
Throughout your three years with us, you will be supported by your tutors who will work with you individually to encourage your academic and personal development.
We don’t want you to get lost in a sea of people. We have a select, small intake to ensure that, unlike other institutions, we’ll know your personal and professional needs by the end of the first week.
Our team of dedicated tutors will oversee your academic performance to ensure you are exceeding your potential, providing essential support to achieve the best possible results and leave the course with a bursting portfolio to take to employers – your currency when applying to jobs.
One-to-one tutorial time will be set aside, and students can email tutors around the clock for subject specific advice. We want you to feel you are always supported, with regular meetings with your academic and pastoral mentors.
We have members of the team who are mental health first aid trained, who are available to talk to trainees struggling with their mental health and signpost them to the right types of support.
We also have trained first aiders able to respond to medical emergencies.
We’ll provide unrivalled support when applying for jobs and after graduation our door is never closed – we’ll send you job alerts after your studies have concluded.
Some of our female tutors were recognised by the NCTJ in 2020 for their outstanding commitment to delivering journalism training.
Mental health resources
The School of Journalism tutors and our mental health first aiders are always on hand to have a chat if trainees want to talk through any issues they are experiencing during their studies and provide information on external support that may be available to them.
If you’re a current trainee, please see some examples below of trusted resources and helplines for you to use if you’re worried about your own mental health or the wellbeing of someone else.
Medical assistance
Contact 999 or accompany someone to A&E if they are experiencing a mental health crisis and are in urgent need of medical help. If it is not an emergency but they require medical help, call 111 or encourage them to make an appointment with their GP.
Samaritans
Provide emotional support for people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Phone: 116 123 or Email: [email protected]
SaneLine
Out of hours mental health and emotional support, and information for anyone affected
Phone: 0300 304 7000 between 6pm-1pm, 7 days a week
Mind UK
Information on mental health issues, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments and advocacy
Phone: 0300 123 3393 between 9am-6pm, Mon-Fri
Hub of Hope
This website shows the local support services near to you – all you need to do is put in your postcode.
Shout
A service which provides free 24/7 mental health support via text.
Rethink Advice and Information Service
Practical help and information on issues such as the Mental Health Act, community care, benefits, debt, criminal justice and carers’ rights
Phone: 0300 5000 927 between 9:30am-4pm
No Panic
No Panic offers support that can prevent certain situations from reaching a crisis point. All of their services are provided over the telephone or internet which provides flexibility, comfort and confidentiality.
Phone: 0300 772 9844 between 10am-10pm
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK offers therapist-led support and resources for those suffering with anxiety disorders.
Phone: 03444 775774, 24/7 support
Journey Recovery Hub (Richmond)
This local area recovery hub provides out-of-hours support for those in immediate crisis by deescalating negative thoughts.
Phone: 020 3137 9755
Richmond Borough Mind
RB Mind offer free and affordable mental health support services like counselling and advice to those who need it.
Phone or email: 020 3137 9590 [email protected] / [email protected]
Good thinking
An extensive range of free NHS-approved wellbeing tools and resources.
Paprypus
A team dedicated to supporting young people dealing with suicidal and self-harming thoughts.
Phone: 0800 068 41 41
