Students scoop first and second place at national design awards

Four students from the University of Northampton have scooped the two top awards at the Creative Students Awards 2016. The competition, organised by the Prevent Tragedies campaign, national Counter Terrorism Policing and You Can Now (YCN), a creative network that aims to create a platform for fresh, new creative talent across the UK, launched the competition looking for creative campaign ideas to help spark conversations about extremism in Syria.

Students from across the country were invited to enter the completion, choosing between two briefs which focused on issues relating to deterring young women from travelling to Syria and encouraging mothers to have conversations with their children about the issues in Syria. In response to the briefs, 36 students from five universities submitted creative concepts which were considered by a judging panel. At a ceremony hosted at New Scotland Yard; the students’ students studying BA Graphic Communication, were awarded prizes by Assistant Chief Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, Helen Ball.

The winning concept, created by Elliot Lee and Victor Asandi focused on the design concepts for an app, which provides users with evidence and information showcasing the realities of life in Syria.  Students Elisha Watson and Hamsa Sriskandarajah, who won second prize, created an emotional and engaging concept which follows the story of two young women, with very different lives in the UK and Syria.

Trevor Brown, Senior Lecturer Graphic Communication at the University of Northampton, said: “It has been a fantastic experience for our students to work on such a sensitive project. Working to a brief created by industry, all the students who entered have developed the skills so valued in the workplace. Tackling the issues that surround this brief has really challenged the students. I’m delighted that University of Northampton Students were awarded first and second prize; I’m equally delighted that twelve entries from the University of Northampton were commended by the judging panel.”

First place students, Elliot and Victor, have been offered internships at top advertising agency, Abbot Mead Vickers BBDO, as part of their prize.

Written by Charlie Ashby, Second Year Journalism Student at the University of Northampton