Ballyfermot Campus Radio Podcast Alumni wins National Awards – Michaela Hayes
Michaela Hayes is another one of Ballyfermot College’s most exciting Radio & Podcasting alumni, and right now she’s having a career-defining year. In fact, it’s the kind of year that most people in the industry only dream about.
Michaela can be heard daily Mon – Fri 10am -3pm on SPIN 1038 and in the southern half of Ireland across SPIN South West. This month, Michaela won a Hot Press Radio DJ of the Year as voted for by listeners — a remarkable public recognition of the talent, personality and dedication she has built since graduating. And she didn’t stop there. Michaela is also the founder of a brand new broadcast radio station SPIN K-POP dedicated entirely to Korean pop music, broadcasting terrestrially right across Ireland and Britain. It’s bold, it’s innovative, and it’s exactly the kind of creative ambition that sets Ballyfermot College graduates apart.
Michaelas achievements haven’t gone unnoticed by the industry either. Last year, Michaela received an IMRO Award for her outstanding contribution to Irish music — one of the most respected honours in the Irish music and radio world. To receive industry recognition at that level speaks volumes about how far she has come and the impact she is making.
But here’s what makes her story truly special. When Michaela first walked through the doors at Ballyfermot College, she thought she wanted to be a newsreader. It was the course itself — the training, the experience, the guidance — that opened her eyes to a whole different world of possibility. Ballyfermot College didn’t just teach her the craft. It helped her discover who she really was as a broadcaster, and where she truly belonged.
To this day, Michaela attributes her success directly to her time at Ballyfermot College. It was the foundation that everything else was built on. Michaela did MND the foundation Media Course, Specialised then in Radio Producing Presenting on the 2 year MRH Radio Course then competed the final Degree year with Media Production Management.
And she hasn’t forgotten where it all began. Each year, Michaela returns to campus to run workshops with current students on the Radio & Podcasting course — sharing her real-world experience, her industry contacts, and her hard-won knowledge to help the next generation find their voice and step into the spotlight.
Her journey is proof that the right course, at the right college, can change everything.
Could you be the next Michaela Hayes?
Whether you think you want to be a newsreader, a DJ, a podcaster, or you’re not quite sure yet — that’s exactly the point. Ballyfermot College’s Radio & Podcasting course will help you find your voice, discover your passion, and build the skills to turn it into a career. Applications are now open. Take the first step — apply today.
Radio Podcast Course Erasmus Videos
Radio Podcast Course Tik Tok
Radio Podcast students receive their own
- Portable Recorder and Accessories Kit
- Podcasting Studio Home Kit
- Full Membership to ACAST podcasting
- Adobe full suite package membership.
- Work placement in radio stations.
- Erasmus opportunities Fully Funded in Radio stations in Finland, Malta & Spain with spending money.
- Ongoing job offers, guest lectures and workshops.
Entry Requirements
- No portfolio required.
- Leaving Certificate / LCVP minimum of two H5 / O1 and three O6 / H7 grades or equivalent.
- QQI Level 5 award with a merit profile or BTEC National Diploma with a merit profile.
- Academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+).
Contact Course Coordinator
Bernard Evans bernard.evans@bcfe.cdetb.ie
Direct line +353 (1) 6298501