The thrill is unmistakable – getting your first byline in a national newspaper.

Murdoch Oxford Scholar Katherine Cowles was still grinning with delight days after being bylined with education editor Sian Griffiths in The Sunday Times on August 7.

Part of an endowment made in 1990 by News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch sees Oxford University English degree students interested in journalism receive summer work experience two-week placements on our titles.

Mr Murdoch was a PPE graduate from Oxford’s Worcester College.

St Edmund Hall student Katherine, 21, who comes from Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire, is currently on placement with The Sunday Times’ home news and news review sections.

Last week, she worked with Griffiths to produce the main section page seven lead ‘Universities to slash entry grades’.

Katherine said: “I’ve done a lot more than I expected, it’s been pretty cool. I undertook extensive research for the university clearing story with Sian. It’s been really intense.”

She hopes to pursue a career in education, features or culture journalism.

Ben Cooke, 21, who has just completed his English degree at Balliol College, embarked this week on a Times’ placement with the foreign and home desks.

Ben, from Pontefract in West Yorkshire, said: “Already, I’ve seen just how quick the pace of it is on a national daily paper.” He hopes to get a job in foreign or arts journalism.