Mark Dawson
Creative Industries
HND Media & Communications
“The HND is an excellent hands-on grounding in Media & Communications and has taught me so much about the industry. As well as learning the theory, the course allows you to gain practical experience which is invaluable for progressing your career.”
Mark Dawson had a double celebration at the North East Scotland College Aberdeen Graduation Ceremony after picking up his HND in Media & Communications and collecting the College’s SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) Award for 2019.
Mark (22) was nominated and awarded the College’s SQA Award by his lecturers, for his hard work and determination since beginning his HND at the College’s Aberdeen City campus.
Having always been interested in radio, music and media, Mark embarked on a course with SHMU, a local media organisation after leaving school. This gave him an insight into how radio and film work and led him to NESCol, applying for an NC in Creative Media before progressing to the HND in Media and Communications.
The transition to HE study saw Mark need some extra support at times with his essay and report writing skills but with assistance from lecturers and classmates, he began to make great progress.
This was illustrated when Mark achieved two A’s for his graded projects, one of which saw him write and produce a music and fashion magazine. As part of this, Mark managed to land an interview with the owner of the renowned London nightclub, ‘fabric’ while in the capital celebrating his 21st birthday. Mark credits the confidence he has gained through NESCol as being instrumental in developing his networking skills, something he has realised is crucial in the media industry.
Mark said, “The HND is an excellent hands-on grounding in Media & Communications and has taught me so much about the industry. As well as learning the theory, the course allows you to gain practical experience which is invaluable for progressing your career.”
Mark has taken advantage of the College’s excellent articulation links with The Robert Gordon University and has just started in the third year of a BA Hons in Public Relations.
Enthused about his future, Mark hopes to move to London or Manchester in the next few years to work in music PR for clubs such as London’s fabric, Printworks or Manchester’s Warehouse Project.