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Brunel launches podcasts for prospective students

The Brunel Podcasts include exclusive extracts from the speech given by former Brunel student, the comedian Jo Brand, when she received an honorary doctorate, in July.

Brand recalls her student days at Brunel, reveals that friendships made during that time have lasted, and advises students to enjoy themselves and “get your head down and study.“

It's believed to be the first time a higher education institution has used podcasts to aid student recruitment.

Andrew Kershaw, Director of Marketing, said: “As young people use iPods and MP3 players, phones and computers to download music and information, it makes sense to use new media to communicate key information about preparing for higher education, and Brunel, in a format that they are used to, and can listen to at their convenience.“

The Brunel Podcast series has been produced by a new media company, LittleSmasher.com. The six podcasts also feature the voices of Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer, Amanda Bennett, and final year Communication and Media Studies student, Kajal Dhanak.

The first download includes general information about the application process and tips about filling in the Personal Statement on the UCAS form.

Future podcasts, which go online in November 2006 and next April, May, August and September, will include information about applying for scholarships and bursaries, accommodation, Clearing, and what a fresher should to bring to university.

“Many prospective students find the application process quite daunting,“ added Ms Bennett. “We hope the Brunel Podcasts will make it more enjoyable.“

The Brunel Podcast link for prospective students is: www.brunel.ac.uk/podcast