Feature: Creative and Professional Writing, Matt’s Story

Just 18 months since graduating from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, former student Matt Ford has become an editor of national magazine Loaded, as well as writing for several other publications, such as The Telegraph. He also recently appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour to talk about the changing depiction of men in male action movies. Here he speaks about his career achievements since graduating. “While studying at St Mary’s I developed my love of film and television and realised that I could turn the things I love into a career”, begins Matt, who studied Creative and Professional Writing along with Film and TV (now known as Film and Screen Media), which he took as a joint honours degree. Speaking of the programmes, he said, “Both programmes were excellent, well structured, and provided fascinating content delivered by the best lecturers I could have asked for. I learnt so much – I arrived at St Mary’s with a modicum of talent and big ambitions, but left ready to become a professional writer.” Matt can now add the likes of The Telegraph, FHM, The Independent, SFX, Esquire and Forever Sports and Loaded to the résumé of publications that he has written for, the latter of which he became Editor of less than two years after graduating. However, he describes his biggest achievement as “just being able to say I am a professional writer. It was always my dream and through St Mary’s I’ve made that happen. Also, to be recognised by others for my work is a fantastic feeling.” He adds, “The degree helped me understand what my talents were and how to channel them. Most of all it taught me how to organise myself and have the discipline to succeed. I would not have succeeded at university or in my career afterwards if I hadn’t knuckled down, worked hard and stayed focused on my goals.” Matt rounded off by giving some useful advice to current students on the course. “Read, write, and make sure you have a relationship with your lecturers. Show them you’re serious about what you’re doing and listen to what they tell you. They’re some of the smartest people you’ll ever meet and they want nothing but the best for you. And when you’re done with that, read and write some more.”