A JOURNALISM graduate has been shortlisted for a national award for her ambitious final-year project investigating one of the country’s most pressing social issues.
Greta Mizere, 23, who graduated from BA Journalism at the University of Essex in 2025, is in the running for a top industry award for her dissertation project, ‘Is it Time to Move on from Prison?’
Greta’s project, shortlisted for the 'Student Project of the Year' award, explored the overcrowding crisis in the UK prison system and examined alternative approaches to sentencing, rehabilitation and prevention.
Produced with in-depth interviews of leading political and policy figures, her work investigated how prison populations could be reduced.
Run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists – one of the UK’s most important journalism organisations – the NCTJ Awards celebrate outstanding work by student and trainee journalists across the UK.
Greta said: “I really appreciate that my work has been recognised. It was a challenging topic to investigate, and I’m grateful I was able to convey the views and the incredible work of people trying to rehabilitate and prevent reoffending.
“I had a great time studying at Essex, I’ve made memories that I will cherish forever. My degree at Essex has definitely shaped me to be the journalist I am today.”
Greta plans to pursue a career as a travel journalist, alongside creating educational digital content.
Jon Wright, journalism lecturer at the university and BBC Suffolk journalist, said: “This nomination is a testament to Greta’s incredibly hard work and dedication.
“The work she produced was packed full of insight and clarity, demonstrating her skills across the media landscape.
“The NCTJ is a key component of the Essex degree, and to have recognition like this in a year of bumper entries from across the country’s universities and journalism training providers is really positive.”
The BA Journalism course at the University of Essex is accredited by the NCTJ and is designed to equip students with industry-ready skills, ethical grounding and real-world experience.
The NCTJ Awards for Excellence winners will be announced in March.
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