UNIVERSITY of Gloucestershire students and graduates have reflected on their opportunities to work with major television productions.

Over the last few years, the young academics were given the chance to get real industry experience, working with Strictly Come Dancing, Eurovision Song Contest, The Traitors, Britain’s Got Talent and Wimbledon.

Mollie George, a current student at the university, was one of the lucky few. In 2025, she worked with the sound team at Strictly Come Dancing.

Mollie said: “My time spent with the sound team at Strictly Come Dancing provided me with an insightful look into the television industry and helped me utilise the skills I’ve learnt whilst being at university.

“Being in the professional studio environment at Elstree Studios helped me realise how similar what I’ve learnt since being at UoG is to real industry practices and has also confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in live TV. It was a great experience and will stay with me throughout my career.”

Another lucky academic was Anastazia Pieniazek, a graduate of the university. In 2023, she worked as a researcher on the Eurovision Song Contest, supporting teams responsible for the opening sequence, interval performances and casting.

UoG student
Anastazia Pieniazek at Eurovision (University of Gloucestershire)

The university said these opportunities provided students and graduates with experience of working within professional production environments alongside established industry teams, putting into practice knowledge they have gained in an academic setting.

Karen Beland, Lecturer in Film and Television Production said: “Part of our job as lecturers on the Film and TV Production course is to give the students the skills and confidence to chase their dreams.

“We encourage them to aim high so if they want to get work experience on Strictly or Britain’s Got Talent, we support them in that ambition.

“Placements while at UoG on high-profile films and TV shows will set them apart from other students when they graduate and enter the jobs market. It’s a win-win and we are extremely proud of what they go on to achieve.”