Solent University’s degree summer shows commence

The event has launched a series of end-of-year degree shows on campus again for the first time since 2019.

As part of their final-year studies, undergraduates from the Media Technology Programme following both full-time and part-time courses of study in the areas of Film and Television Technology Production, Audio engineering, Audio Engineering and Acoustics, Sound for TV, Film and Games and Live Sound Technology have showcased their final year projects. This is the last graduating cohort of the 28 Year Media Technology programme, moving forward the University will host the BSc Hons Live Event Technology courses, who are currently in their first year.

The day included a presentation from course leader, Polly Hickling, who talked about the current position of the course and education in the ‘media technology’ area in the UK. This sees great challenges in the UK to recruit enough students to provide industry with the number of graduates they need in the technical side of film, TV, acoustics, and events. The event offered an opportunity to meet with students presenting their projects. There was also the chance to take tours around our latest facilities, including our broadcast and technical installations, video laboratory, Spatial Audio laboratory, HD OB truck, digital cinema and hemi-anechoic chamber.

The day ended with a presentation of prizes from sponsors SMPTE UK and Vanguardia. Freya Tewnion was awarded by Vanguardia for presenting a detailed study of, and practical solution to, a real-world acoustic challenge. Oliver Simpson won the project prize sponsored by SMPTE for the application of contemporary data science techniques to a real-life video production scenario. John Ellerton, Manager of SMPTE UK who judged this prize said "Such a privilege to attend Solent University’s project day and present an award on behalf of SMPTE United Kingdom Section. It is exciting to see such talented young people joining the media industry in the UK. Well done Oliver Simpson, and many thanks to Polly Hickling for her boundless energy in building links between the university and industry."

Polly Hickling says: “It was fantastic to get back to having industry onsite for our degree show. This was the perfect way to conclude a challenging three years for these students and was very well received by the guests that were able to attend. It was also a great opportunity to discuss with industry the challenges we face in recruiting students to this area and lead to some interesting discussions around how they can help with this."

Selwyn Jans, a senior sales engineer and architect for Haivision and 2007 graduate from the course said "I had a quick visit to Solent University to meet the next generation of engineers at the final year degree show. Inspired me and reminded me of why I got into this industry in the first place!

“It also makes you realise how little exposure the next generation has to this very cool industry (at least from an engineer's perspective) Thanks Polly Hickling for putting it together and all your hard work inspiring our future bright minds!"

The event kicked off a series of shows which will showcase a whole range of stunning work from students finishing their degrees in the following courses:

Architecture, interiors and construction
BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology
BA (Hons) Interior Design
BA (Hons) Interior Design Decoration
BSc (Hons) Construction Management
BSc (Hons) International Construction, Design and Sustainability
BA (Hons) Product Design

Art and design
BA (Hons) Beauty Promotion
BA (Hons) Fashion Graphics
BA (Hons) Fashion Media
BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion and Communication
BA (Hons) Fashion
BA (Hons) Fashion Photography
BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Creative Direction
BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising
BA (Hons) Fashion Management with Marketing
BA (Hons) Make-up and Hair Design
BA (Hons) Photography 

Visual arts
BA (Hons) Fine Art
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
BA (Hons) Illustration