Andrew West

Lecturer & Researcher in Media & Communications

Associate Lecturer, University of Lincoln (2015-2018)

I taught media and theory and practice, research methods and academic skills at the School of Film and Media, College of Arts. This involved running seminar classes, supervising dissertation projects and providing sporadic lectures across four undergraduate programmes. I provided feedback for a variety of assessments, such as essays, proposals, critical evaluations and oral presentations, along with mentoring international students on foundational summer programmes. I made key contributions to module developments that improved student engagement levels, particularly on BA Photography which the NSS ranked #1 in 2017, and played a key role as a representative on open days. In my joint role as research assistant, I was engaged with the activities of the Collaboration Research Network Laboratory (co_LAB) and Centre for Entangled Media Research (CEMR)

Modules taught: 

BA (Hons) Media Studies:

• Media Theorizes Itself (L1) 
  
• Mediation and Representation (L1) 

BA (Hons) Photography:

• Becoming an Effective Researcher (L2) 
• Critical Practices (L2) 
• Dissertation Projects (L3) 

BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies:  

• Production Planning (L1) 
• Script, Screen-writing and Realisation (L1) 

BA (Hons) Media Production:  

• Mediation and Representation (L1) 
• Digital Media (L1) 
• Photography (L1) 
• Script, Screen-writing and Realisation (L1) 
• Media and War (L2) 

International Media Studies Foundation Degree (Summer School):  

• Script, Screen-writing and Realisation 
• Production Planning 

Production Assistant, New Media Lincs - University of Lincoln (2015-2018) 

I supervised and facilitated the planning and production process of around 20 media projects each year at the in-house social enterprise and production company, New Media Lincs, based at the School of Film and Media, University of Lincoln. NML projects help to introduce students to some of the pressures and expectations of working in the media industry, developing their ability to work independently, communicate successfully (both in person and using their media skills) and enhance their technical competencies through the creation of a working portfolio. Liaising with the project director, I mentored students and taught camerawork, editing and photography skills on live projects delivered to deadline within the East Midlands region. Some of the key projects I coordinated included the first TedX event at the University of Lincoln and a historic re-enactment of a WW2 bomber command scenario at RAF Digby. 

Research Assistant, University of Lincoln (2016-2018)

I gathered and assessed impact evidence for the UK Research Excellence Framework (2021) case study of the international digital arts project 1215.today – a UoL initiative coinciding with the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta and funded by an Arts Council England Exceptional Award (£400,000), along with local government, corporate and non-profit organisations. 

My role involved numerous research activities: from conducting surveys and focus groups with the young participants to critically assessing audience data from the online outreach activities and liaising with our official sponsors (e.g. Arts Council, CultureShock Media, YouGov etc.). I produced a timely interim report evaluating the overall success of the youth engagement approach which led to significant improvements to the overall engagement strategy and outcomes. Furthermore, my research on successful approaches to youth engagement was later brought together in a recent co-authored publication, offering 10 key pedagogic principles for contemporary media education.  

Communications Assistant, Progressio (June-Sep, 2013) 

I undertook a voluntary role on the UK International Citizen Service (ICS) programme situated in Honduras (Central America), working with the indigenous Lenca communities outside the local town of La Esperanza (Intibucá). I wrote situation reports for the United Nations, helped develop marketing and communication strategies and produced high quality video and photographic content. I also made a speech at the Houses of Parliament to international delegates and MPs upon return to the UK on the work of my team, including winning the Civic Participation photography award.