DMU Degree Show celebrates student success

Talented students have been recognised for their innovative work at their spectacular end-of-year show by both industry professionals and De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) experts.

The work of outstanding final-year artists and designers has been praised by the thousands of visitors who flocked to the private viewing of DMU’s Degree Show on Friday night.

The week-long show – which continues until Thursday - also sees more than 100 prizes and awards being given out to students.

Sophie Miller

Architecture MArch student Sophie Miller scooped an impressive six awards, including ones from the Royal Institute of British Architects, Architects’ Journal and Leicestershire and Rutland Society of Architects.

Her work, extensive designs for ceramic open studios to provide spaces for artists to flourish and for children to learn creative skills outside of school, was also purchased as part of the Christopherson Collection - DMU’s living archive, teaching resource and display collection.

Sophie said: “It’s so overwhelming and I didn’t expect it, but what a nice confidence boost. I couldn’t have done it without the incredible facilities and technicians at DMU, I can’t praise them enough.”

Swee Li Key

Malaysian coursemate Swee Li Key designed state-of-the-art housing solutions for key workers in London with an impressive display including sketches, banners and 3D-printed scale models.

Her work was recognised with prizes from two award-winning architectural practices - Foster + Partners and 3D REID.

“I’m very, very happy. I struggled with the conceptual aspect of the course in my first year, but the amazing tutors helped me to overcome that and pushed me to succeed,” said Swee Li.

RELATED NEWS
Discover what DMU has to offer at our next Open Day
New career in Germany is a big draw for Alex
Students walk off with top prizes at Graduate Fashion Week

Kate Sharp

After working on a live brief with The Sophie Lancaster Foundation – a charity set up following Sophie’s murder in 2007, which strives for respect and understanding of subcultures - Kate Sharp’s designs were used on merchandise sold at the Download music festival this weekend.Kate’s designs, which were based on the texture of Sophie’s dreadlocks, were printed on T-shirts sold by the charity at the festival.

The Graphic Design (Illustration) student said: “I really connected with the brief as I identify with alternative culture myself. I’m so happy that my design was chosen to help raise money for this cause and I only wish I could have been at Download to see it in person.”

Becky Handley was awarded the Rachel Stevens Prize Fund for two of her films – one about identity and one about her own mental health struggles. Set up in memory of the Christian Aid worker, the fund recognises work ‘that promotes or contributes to public good’.

Becky Handley

“This was my first time working on something so personal and knowing that it resonated with the judges means a lot to me,” said the Photography and Videostudent.

“The process made me realise that I was making myself a victim of my own life and now I’m more determined than ever not to let my past define me.”

DMU Chancellor Baroness Lawrence, who addressed visitors on the night, said: “This is the first DMU Degree Show I’ve been to and walking around I was really amazed by the work the students have produced.

“One thing I also noticed is how much this university cares about its students. By inviting so many industry professionals tonight, it shows that studying at DMU is not just about getting a degree, but it’s about helping graduates get a job at the end of it too.”