Chris is currently in his second year studying BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion (now ba (hons) fashion journalism). Here he tells us a bit about himself and what it was like interviewing Marina and the Diamonds...

Hi Chris, can you tell me a bit about what you were doing before coming to LCF?

Good grief. Where to begin? I've travelled the scenic route to arrive at this here educational spot. Right before starting at LCF I was working as a Fashion PR Account Executive. Each to their own but I'd sooner die than go back to that job - so I applied to LCF thinking I'd never get in but alas, here I am. Prior to that though, I lived in Manchester for a few years doing a few different things working with clubs and theatres but I also used to be a back-up dancer. I'm not trained, it was a total fluke of a job but there is terrible and incriminating footage on youtube of me dancing on an oversized turntable in Moscow with a notorious 80s pop tart on live-TV. Truly horrific yet somewhat charmingly perverse at the same time.

Why did you want to study Fashion Promotion? (now known as Fashion Journalism)

I've always loved writing and originally started on the 'print' path of the journalism course however I switched to 'broadcast' plainly because I believe printed press will become quite elusive very soon and I wanted some tangible skills when I finish my degree as opposed to swanning about in the job centre telling people: "I'm a creative". People respond better to visual media as it's somewhat unavoidable, has less boundaries and is far more accessible than any other medium; whereas you have to make a conscious choice, and spend your hard-earned pennies, on treats like magazines.

How have you found the course so far?

I'm not going to lie and say it's been utterly brilliant but I believe that I'm in the best place when thinking about my future. LCF has an incredible reputation and that's primarily what people go to univerisity for nowadays. LCF looks outside the box and makes you question things that you may have previously ignored. It's also great to be surrounded by so many talented peers. I feel honoured, and overwhelmed, sometimes. They know who they are and I'm truly grateful to each one of them for putting up with me.

How much theory work are you doing on the course? Is it a good balance between theory and practical work?

The academic slant to the degree isn't as poignant as one might anticipate. Admittedly, everything you do has to be backed up and researched thoroughly though. This grounds you a little as it makes you realise no matter how amazing an idea you think you might have, it's not plausible unless it has reason. Broadcast forces you to be constantly on the go and really, physically, get out there. While it's not particularly glamorous - it's great as you're not going to get anywhere lolling about at home, no matter how decoratively one does it.

How are you taught on the course? Are there a lot or lectures or is it a mix of smaller tutorials and workshops?

It's a mixed bag and a nice balance. Individual work is important as it's your head that's on the chopping block and you can become incredibly protective and engrossed by it. Group work is a huge part of the course and can be about as much fun as a lobotomy. Conversely, it can be extremely rewarding. I've met the most wonderful and talented people that I wouldn't have had the opportunity to otherwise.

You recently completed some 'Vox Pops' during LCF's 2010 MA graduate season. How did you find doing these? What was it like interviewing industry and music stars?

Great fun to be honest. Scenarios like this necessitate a somewhat shameless approach to them hence legging it after Marina and the Diamonds and shoving a microphone in her face before she sauntered off to get in her cab. Surprisingly, people were lovely and really up for talking to me regardless of the fact a massive camera was pointing at them.

Have you had any other industry experience on your course?

I'm a firm believer of the fingers in pies analogy. Every industry is so competitive nowadays that you really need to go out on a limb - productively so though. For me it's about ascertaining my own strengths then adapting them to opportunities that may come my way. I do some freelance and am currently working setting up a new company. I also work closely with a gallery in their media department. I have just finished an internship at a music sync company and intend to intern throughout the year whenever I can.

Who or what inspires you most?

Music is my biggest influence without a doubt. The industry is going through interesting shifts at the moment as well which has reignited my faith in it as it really isn't all doom and gloom. My iPod is my best friend and Tori Amos got me through my childhood. Ironically, she still helps on a similar scale in my adulthood.

View some more of Chris's interviews on the LCF website -

• What our guests thought- MA Catwalk Show 2010
• Interview with Make Up and Prosthetics alumna