Haleema joined Leeds Trinity in September 2018 and impressed lecturers with her hard work and academic capabilities, leading to a First-Class degree in Journalism, achieving ‘gold standard’ in the NCTJ diploma and 100 words per minute shorthand. 

Haleema chose to study at Leeds Trinity after hearing about the Journalism programme’s NCTJ accreditation and compulsory work placements in conjunction with course modules, offering practical experience and the opportunity to put what she leant to use in the industry. 

During her three years, she also attended Journalism and Media Week, the University’s flagship event which gives students the opportunity to hear from industry experts representing the UK’s leading broadcasters, newspapers, magazines and digital media organisations. 

Haleema said: “Some of my most memorable moments at Leeds Trinity have to be during Journalism and Media Week which presented a wide range of opportunities. Each year the line-up got better, and I got to meet some of the people I look up to most in the industry such as Nina Hossain.” 

She added: “I don’t think it would have been possible for me to secure my role at the Telegraph & Argus had I not gone to Leeds Trinity. The help I received from my lecturers on finding opportunities and preparing for interviews has been vital, and their encouragement allowed me to grow into a more confident individual.” 

Dr Rebecca Whittington, Programme Leader for BA Journalism at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am so proud of Haleema and her significant achievements over the past three years. She has worked exceptionally hard and taken the opportunities presented to her and this has resulted in an outstanding degree, her NCTJ diploma with 100wpm shorthand and a job working as a journalist for a really exciting news patch. Her hard work and tenacity have really paid off and she deserves every success.” 

During her final year of studies, Haleema launched her own website, Hijabi Culture, which she plans to continue in the long-term after engaging with an international audience. She plans to use this platform to create change for women across the world by changing the narrative surrounding the hijab in the media.