Tena Gibson
MA Photography, Video and Digital Imaging 2018
After completing her undergraduate degree in London, Tena Gibson returned to her hometown of Sunderland to take the next step in her career with a Master’s degree. The move was both a financial and personal decision, one that would help her refine her creative voice and set her on a path toward a career in the screen industry.
“Sunderland is my hometown, and I love being by the sea,” Tena shares. “At the time, I had just spent a few years in London after moving down south for my BA. I decided to return home to do my MA because I was still figuring things out and wanted to work towards something rather than stand still. Every year, I aim to progress or build on something, and this was a great solution.”
During her time at Sunderland, Tena embraced every opportunity to experiment with storytelling through photography, pushing creative boundaries and exploring new technologies. "Postgraduate study allows you to delve deeper into your field and refine your craft. For me, it provided a structured way to explore storytelling through photography while encouraging experimentation with new technologies"
There is no better time than now to focus on your progression and develop your knowledge in your chosen field with our career-focused postgraduate courses. Find out what is on offer, and what support you may be entitled to, at: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/pg-study/
“Having trained in commercial photography and fashion, my MA pushed me to add deeper layers of meaning to my work, making me think more critically about my creative process. The group critique aspect was particularly valuable, as it mirrors real-world industry dynamics.”
Sunderland’s affordability played a key role in Tena's ability to focus on her studies without financial strain. “No one should have to bankrupt themselves for an education,” she says. “Sunderland offers a great balance. City life, beaches, and low-cost living all in one place. It also means students can allocate more funds toward equipment, experiences, or professional development rather than just covering rent and bills.”
She also made full use of the University’s facilities. “For photographers and filmmakers, one of the biggest hacks is maximising university resources.
"Hire out equipment you don’t know how to use. Universities provide access to industry-standard gear that can be incredibly expensive outside of academia.
"Many people leave without taking full advantage of these facilities, so be proactive and use what’s available to boost your skills and employability.”
After graduating, Tena’s career took off. She secured a role in TV and film production, working as a Robotic Camera Operator for News UK and contributing to major programmes like Good Morning Britain and This Morning. Most recently, she was selected for Rise Up, a new talent scheme backed by Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, where she trained in Virtual Production with industry leaders Dimension and DNEG.
“My MA gave me a foundation in storytelling and technical literacy that’s been essential in my work,” she says. “I’ve worked across broadcast TV and film, and now I’m excited to specialise in Virtual Production, it’s the future of storytelling.”
For those considering postgraduate study, Tena shares that "The University of Sunderland offers a diverse range of courses and has supportive, engaging staff who genuinely care about your progress.
"If further education is something you want, go for it. Sunderland is also one of the prettiest coastal cities in the UK, so you get to study in an inspiring location!"
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