First students walk through the doors of the new School of Journalism, Media and Culture

Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture is welcoming its students to their new home.

Two Central Square is now open and students have begun their introductory lectures at the state-of-the-art building.

Set alongside BBC Cymru/Wales and near to the offices of Reach, where titles including WalesOnline, the Western Mail and South Wales Echo are produced, this prime location will facilitate the forging of links with media institutions within the wider cultural and creative industries. Initiatives include supporting placement opportunities and improving student employability through professional guidance and training.

The new building boasts:

• Four lecture theatres, including a 300-seat lecture theatre
• Six newsrooms and four editing suites, all with cutting-edge computer facilities – bringing them fully in-line with industry standards
• Two TV studios and two radio studios, double the offering of the former building, with updated and enhanced technology
• A new Innovation and Engagement lab – where students will develop skills through research-informed practical learning in data science, computer coding and digital development. The lab will offer new and exciting ways for journalists and media practitioners to tell their stories.

More than 800 students – both undergraduate and postgraduate - are part of the School, which was formerly based at Bute Building on the main campus. Lectures begin in earnest next week (October 1), with the new media production facilities coming into full use over the coming weeks.

Head of School Professor Stuart Allan said: “It’s exciting to finally be in our new home, which will greatly enhance our students’ learning experience with us.  We have worked closely with the architects and designers to maximise the building’s potential to deliver a 21st century vision of the University environment.

“The School of Journalism, Media and Culture is one of the leading Schools in the UK and internationally. Many of our students have gone on to enjoy high-profile careers.  The investment here at Two Central Square will ensure we continue to play a leading role in developing research and teaching in the journalism, media and cultural sectors.”

The relocation is part of the University’s wider £600m investment over the coming years to provide students with world-class facilities in the largest campus upgrade in a generation.