Journalism students are set to be based at a BBC regional headquarters thanks to a new partnership between their university and the corporation.

Plymouth Marjon University has announced students on its journalism programmes will be based at the BBC’s Plymouth office, which contains “the largest newsroom in the South-West”, from early 2019.

The Seymour Road site, pictured, which reopened in 2016 after a multi-million pound renovation, houses BBC Radio Devon and the region’s television news bulletin Spotlight.

The South-West of England’s major news stories have been broadcast from there for nearly 80 years, including the BBC’s first TV news bulletin 1961.

Leo Devine, head of the BBC in the South-West, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Marjon journalism students to the BBC campus in Plymouth.

“They are the ideal tenants for our former home – a building steeped in broadcasting history since 1939 which will now see the next generation of 21st century journalists honing their skills in radio, television and digital media.”

Plymouth Marjon University Vice-Chancellor, Rob Warner, added: “This is a significant opportunity for our students to learn as next-door neighbours to the BBC and benefit from the extraordinary wealth of experience of staff at BBC South West and BBC Radio Devon.

“We want our students to understand the profound importance and opportunities of journalism in today’s world. Input from industry leaders from the BBC teaching our students is particularly exciting.

“We are very excited about our new studio and teaching space. It will provide cutting-edge, industry standard equipment and allow our students to learn real-life skills and produce professional output on TV, radio and online.

“This innovation will really put journalism at Marjon on the map. It represents a significant investment in our portfolio and will create a world-class media hub, both for the benefit of our students and the city as a whole.”