Prestigious award goes to Solent student second year in a row

For the second time in two years - and the third since 2021 - a member of the Southampton Solent University learning community has been named Student of the Year at the prestigious Rise Awards.

On Tuesday 19 November, Amy Woods, a BSc (Hons) Live Event Technology 2024 graduate, was named Student of the Year. This is the second time in two years that a Solent student has bagged this award, recognising the high standard of learning and teaching offered by the University.

Promoting gender diversity in the media sector, Rise celebrates the skills of women in the broadcast industry while supporting the next generation to get ahead. Amy, who was first in her family to attend university, is already carving out a career in the industry - less than six months after graduating - as a Junior Broadcast Engineer with Limitless Broadcast.

During her time at Solent, Amy was part of SonarEvents - an award-winning live events society which connects students with work experience opportunities that go hand in hand with their learning. Amy credits the University for helping her achieve this win, saying:

"Solent has massively helped me throughout my career, both during and after university. The opportunities for networking as well as events and talks helped me succeed and provided a breakthrough into the industry.

"Solent has massively helped me throughout my career, both during and after university. The opportunities for networking as well as events and talks helped me succeed and provided a breakthrough into the industry.

"Everything I learned at Solent was relevant towards where I am now, helping me get my foot in the door and take that knowledge and progress further. My lecturers provided so much useful information when venturing out into the industry, as well as preparing me for graduation and post-university opportunities."

Amy accepted her trophy at a glittering ceremony at the iconic Troxy music hall in London. Solent graduate and 2023 recipient, Sophie Humphrey, nominated Amy for the award, which was presented by former alumni, Polly Hickling. This highlights the incredible ripple effect that is possible within higher education, thanks to the way universities like Solent champion and uncover the skills of its students.

Solent's Deputy Head of Film and Media, Lee Davison, says:

"Amy was a motivated student, with the right attitude and talent to overcome challenges and achieve a well-deserved first-class degree. Amy is an example of how hard work and dedication to your craft brings success when you leverage the fantastic opportunities at Southampton Solent University."

Find out more about media technology at Solent here.