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Bournemouth University graduate wins worldwide student animation competition

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An animation graduate from Bournemouth University has been named Computer Graphics Student of the Year.

Pramod Lj, who completed an MA in Digital Effects at BU in September, beat more than 320 entries from around the world to win the accolade, as part of the CG Student Awards.

Pramod, who is from India, was awarded the title after submitting a showreel of work completed while studying at BU – including buildings in Bournemouth town centre being pulled back to release hundreds of balloons and a car being made out of cubes.

He said: “It was totally unexpected, and it feels awesome to have won a competition with such high standards. Honestly, I feel that there were many entries that deserved to win.

“When I first entered the competition, I just wanted my work to be seen by many people. The competition is a great platform to showcase you work.”

The CG student awards are an annual event which showcases and rewards excellence in computer graphics from students and recent graduates worldwide, and are sponsored by a number of industry names.

Pramod, 25, has won more than £20,000 of visual effects software, access to online workshops and subscriptions to specialist magazines as prizes for winning the award.

“I am really excited about the prizes,” said Pramod, who is now working as an intern at Side Effects Software in Santa Monica, USA.

“Now that I have all these packages with me, it gives me a great opportunity to broaden my skills.”

The National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) at Bournemouth University was also highly commended in the School of the Year category in the CG Student Awards.

Pramod said that his time at BU helped him develop as a 3D artist.

“I chose the NCCA for its reputation. Before joining I didn’t know much in detail about VFX, and it was at the NCCA where I developed all my skills.

“The course structure was great – you start from the basics and slowly get into the advance stuff.

“One great thing about the course is that they push students to create great looking and convincing visuals. They encourage using simple techniques and creating great visuals with it, which I feel worked well for me as it is more artist-friendly. It was a great experience.”

Watch Pramod’s winning showreel

Work by final year animation undergraduates at BU will be showcased in London as part of the NCCA Undergraduate 2013 Degree Show. The free show takes place on 18 and 19 July and tickets can be ordered here

Child Protection conference celebrates and shares good practice in social work

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The National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work (NCPQSW), based at Bournemouth University, held its first child protection conference, celebrating the good work done by social workers in the field.

The Child Protection in a time of Austerity conference took place at BU at the end of June and was attended by social workers, managers and directors from across the South of England.

The day-long conference featured eminent speakers from the field of social work and child protection and focused on issues including the role of supervision, critical reflection and reflective leadership.

There were also panel question and answer sessions and a showing of a film by sisters Zoe and Jenna Grove, who had been through the care system as children.

Professor Keith Brown, Director of the NCPQSW, said: “We’ve got a number of eminent speakers, looking at supervision, child protection and working with children and families.

“We just wanted to celebrate good social work practice.

“We hear so many comments in the media at the moment about problems in society, issues with children and children’s deaths, and we sometimes forget to reflect on all the really good practice that goes on and the way actually social workers make a real difference in our society.”

The NCPQSW provides education, training and continued professional development opportunities for social workers who have already qualified.

Speakers at the Child Protection conference included Siobhan Maclean, an independent trainer and consultant who works with the Independent Federation of Social Workers.

Siobhan, who talked about critically reflective practice in social work, said that the NSPQW had already gained a strong reputation nationwide.

“I think the National Centre’s really important. I’m from the West Midlands region, and even in the Midlands, people are very aware of the Centre and the importance of it.

“A lot of practitioners there look to the Centre for further development and publications, so it’s got a good reputation that goes a long way as a national centre.”

Other speakers included Gillian Ruch, a senior social work lecturer at the University of Southampton, and Nushra Mansuri, from the British Association of Social Workers.

Jane Wonnacott, Director of In-Trac Training and Consultancy, spoke about the need for effective supervision in social work.

She said: “Supervision is something that I feel is absolutely fundamental to good childcare practice and good social work practice generally, so it felt very important to come and be able to share some ideas.

“It’s very important I think to have the opportunity to be able to continue your professional development, but also the opportunity to do that outside your own work environment and have your ideas challenged.”

Alongside the talks, there were panel question and answer sessions and a showing of a film by sisters Zoe and Jenna Grove, who had been through the care system as children.

The conference also featured an interactive room, with presentations and stalls on social work research, literature and courses.

Professor Brown said that he hoped attendees would take a number of things away from the conference.

“I hope they will think it’s really good to be involved with the National Centre and take part in the events,” he said.

“I would like them to think and reflect on the great work they are doing in social work and think about maybe how they could work with us differently, work in a new partnership or come away and do some more work with us.”

You can find out more about the National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work at www.nspqsw.com.

BU ‘number one’ for work experience, study finds

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Bournemouth University is top of the class when it comes to offering students work placements, a new study has found.

Research conducted by graduate-jobs.com found that BU has the highest proportion of graduates with work experience on their CVs compared to other UK universities.

According to the study, nearly nine out of ten Bournemouth students graduating in 2013 have spent time in a workplace prior to graduation.

Gerry Wyatt, Operations Director at graduate-jobs.com, said: “Bournemouth University graduates often have a comparatively substantial spell in the workplace, practical and relevant experience of their chosen career, enriched CVs, and an understanding of the importance of both teamwork and interpersonal skills.”

He added that work experience was crucial in helping graduates stand out in the recruitment process, demonstrating work ethic and career aptitude when they apply for a job.

“Those Bournemouth students that have taken advantage of the work placements available to them have also shown initiative, ambition and drive in finding and being chosen for such employment experiences,” said Gerry.

“Their future employers benefit by filling entry-level positions with graduates who have an understanding of the graduate’s chosen industry.”

Bournemouth University offers every Undergraduate student the opportunity to undertake a professional placement – typically 40 weeks in length – and has more students on a work placement than any other university in England.

Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said, “This study is another example of the brilliant work taking place at Bournemouth University.

“I am truly proud of the student experience our graduates have and am happy to see that they are leaving BU prepared to succeed in their chosen fields.”

Read the graduate-jobs.com article in full

Ideas of tomorrow displayed at Festival of Design and Innovation

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A cake icing pen, a computer game controlled by brain power and a glamping pod were just some of the ground-breaking ideas and inventions on display at this year’s Festival of Design and Innovation (FODI).

The annual showcase of work by final year design and creative technology students at Bournemouth University ran for three days and was open to the public and industry, as well as pupils from schools and colleges who took part in special workshops.

More than 170 students from across courses including Product Design, Music and Audio Technology and Design Visualisation, showcased their designs, models and prototypes.

Among the work on show was a musical air hockey device, a lifting aid to transport heavy goods like washing machines easily and safely and an app to help school children learn their times tables.

Product Design student Coco Canessa has developed a precision cake icing dispenser, which is used like like a pen to prevent mess and waste while icing cakes.

“The idea initially was to relieve the pain and fatigue that people have to go through when they are doing it professionally.

“The more tired the arm gets, the less precise you are and the less control you have,” said Coco.

“Using this, you don’t have to get messy and the pressure is applied for you.”

Coco won the award for Most Commercially Innovative Product at the launch of FODI, where awards were given to students from each of the courses who have excelled.

“It felt brilliant to win the award – I was absolutely stunned and I’m so proud,” she said, adding that she had enjoyed exhibiting her work at FODI.

“It’s been great – lots of people have been asking for samples, and you learn what it’s like to present yourself and communicate your product.”

BA (Hons) Industrial Design student Maria Camila Fontalvo Delgado designed a glamping pod – a portable pod for people who want a luxury camping experience.

Maria who is from Columbia, has now been invited to display her idea at New Designers 2013, a London-based exhibition for emerging design talent.

“After lots of research I realised that glamping has been something that’s grown dramatically, but they still use the same types of accommodation, like tents and caravans,” said Maria.

“I wanted something that was very powerful visually so I made it like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, and it’s got a cooler, a sofa and a suspended hammock.

“I’ve had lots of interest and people saying they think it’s a real cool project.”

FODI is now in its 21st year, and attracted more than 1,000 visitors, including industry representatives and talent scouts.

Dr Bob Eves, Senior Lecturer in Industrial Product Design, said: “It gets the students going through the process and experiences of an exhibition and the opportunity of showing their work, which is great.

“There’s so much work that has gone into this and it’s really good to show the breadth of knowledge and experience that there is at BU.

“It just gets better every year.”

Find out more about FODI 2013 and the students’ projects

England’s Chief Nursing Officer gives talk at Bournemouth University

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The Chief Nursing Officer for England Jane Cummings was among speakers at a nursing society conference which took place at BU.

Jane talked about compassion in practice at the Phi Mu Chapter conference, which took place over two days at the Executive Business Centre.

The Phi Mu Chapter is the English branch of the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau International Honour Society of Nursing, which is made up of nurse leaders from around the world.

Professor Elizabeth Rosser, Deputy Dean (Education) in BU’s School of Health and Social Care is President of the Phi Mu Chapter, and each year an induction ceremony for new members takes place at BU.

Professor Rosser said that this year, alongside inducting around 12 new members, they decided to hold an inaugural conference.

The theme of the conference was ‘Putting people at the heart of nursing care,’ and as well as guest speakers, there was opportunity for members to network and share ideas of best practice and care, with poster presentations, debates and social activities.

Professor Rosser added: “Having Jane Cummings here means a lot to increasing the profile of BU and nursing at BU.”

In her talk, Jane spoke about the importance of compassion in practice and shared her vision behind her new strategy – the 6 C’s of compassionate care.

She said: “Every single decision any of us makes has an impact on patients. “If we do things right and look after people as they come to the end of their lives, it makes such an impact on people.”

She added: “A degree is not the end, it is the beginning. It is about being able to build on that, and staff skills and expertise.

“I’m incredibly proud of the fantastic stuff that’s happening and we need to shout about it.”

Following her talk, Jane explained that she had been keen to find out more about the Phi Mu Chapter and wanted to continue to engage with universities that teach nursing and midwifery.

“I wanted to make sure that I have the opportunity to engage with universities and staff that lecture, and also the students that are entering the professions,” she said.

“I also wanted to understand a little more about the Phi Mu Chapter – its objectives and goals are really worthwhile and I thought it was a good opportunity to be part of it.”

She added that she was supportive of the nursing curriculum taught at BU – which has a focus on humanisation and the 6 C’s of compassionate care.

“The students I have met today have been amazingly positive.

“I’m hoping [that the members who heard her talk] will take away a sense of optimism and a desire to help implement the different areas of action.”

BU maintains fairtrade status

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The report provided some excellent feedback about the work done here at BU in support of Fairtrade and we are as determined as ever to uphold our continuing status.

The report particularly highlighted the strength of BU´s Fairtrade Policy, the wide range of products available on campus including Fairtrade cotton products, the inclusive nature of the campaigns, the range of events on campus and outreach work with local schools.

Katheryn Wise, Campaigns Officer at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We are delighted to renew Bournemouth University´s Fairtrade Status and thank you for your continuing hard work and support. Bournemouth University is clearly committed to Fairtrade, and this shows in your success in upholding and surpassing the 5 goals.”

Amanda Williams, Environment and Energy Manager, said: “It is fantastic news to hear that we have maintained Fairtrade University status for a further two years, and we are thrilled to have received such positive feedback from the Fairtrade Foundation. We have had wonderful support from students and staff, who have really got behind the campaign and organised some fantastic events.”

To find out more about the five goals BU had to achieve as a university in order to maintain Fairtrade status, please read the Fairtrade Review, which also provides key Fairtrade dates and highlights the products available on both campuses.

BU was awarded ‘Fairtrade University’ status in 2006 and is now one of over 160 Fairtrade Universities and Colleges across the UK.

Fairtrade is a tool for development that ensures disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal through the use of the international FAIRTRADE MARK.

By buying Fairtrade products, you help to make a difference to those in developing countries. If you´d like more information about Fairtrade at Bournemouth University please contact fairtrade@bournemouth.ac.uk

International events conference to take place at BU

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Bournemouth University will welcome over 100 delegates for the International Conference on Events.

The conference, being held at the Executive Business Centre from 3-5 of July, will include three days of presentations, workshops, social events and the 10th Association for Events Management Education (AEME) Forum.

The Forum will take place on the last day of the conference, which also has an Olympic theme with presentations and keynotes throughout the day relevant to ‘mega-events’.

The conference organisers will present a programme relating to academic research and event management education, as well as many high profile industry speakers.

Nick Dodds, MD of Festivals and Events International and chief operating officer of the London 2012 Festival will be giving his thoughts on the event and sharing his experiences.

Nick de Bois, MP and Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group will give the first keynote of the conference titled “The importance and challenges of events policy, practice and education”

Other keynote speakers at the conference include:

Alistair Turner – PR Director, Davis Tanner and Britain for Events Campaign

Jon Weaver – Marketing and Events Manager, Bournemouth Tourism, Bournemouth Borough Council

Professor Stephen Page – School of Tourism, Bournemouth University

Jim Winship – Secretary, Events Industry Forum

As well as keynote speakers there will also be a Professionalisation of the Industry Panel, an Association Panel and several Events in Higher Education Workshops hosted by the Higher Education Academy.

To find out more about the conference visit the website

Benefits of doing an MA in Public Relations at BU featured in The Guardian

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The benefits of studying an MA in Public Relations at BU were featured in an article in The Guardian.

The article, which featured in the newspaper’s postgraduate study supplement, looked at how Public Relations courses were adapting to the changing landscape, with social media and viral campaigns becoming increasingly important.

Journalist Carrie Dunn spoke with Hilary Stepien, programme coordinator for MA Public Relations at BU, about how the course ensures its graduates are fully up-to-date with the latest techniques and technology PR professionals are expected to master.

Hilary said: “We do equip students with a lot of the practical skills they’ll need to work in PR, from developing social media campaigns to pitching to clients to media relations skills, so we do all that as well, but it’s also heavily theoretical.”

She added that students often have a range of previous experience and come from lots of different backgrounds – including journalism, international relations and science.

The article also featured 2010 BU graduate Vanessa Procter, who now works as a project manager for PRIME research in the automotive industry.

She said that the course’s strong links with industry and networking opportunities helped with her smooth transition into work.

“The lessons learned, techniques applied and research conducted during my study enabled my career step straight into a demanding, fast-paced and exciting role with a global leader in strategic communications.

“All in all, the MA programme had a door opening effect for me, unleashing an exciting career path.”

Read The Guardian article in full

It’s official – BU students rock!

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Students from Bournemouth University shone at the Rock Star Awards, picking up several accolades.

The Awards, organised by Rock Recruitment Specialists, recognise outstanding young employees, students and entrepreneurs in Dorset aged between 16 and 26.

BU students picked up three of the six awards during a ceremony at the Royal Bath Hotel, in front of more than 200 people from Dorset’s business community.

Kamron Arasteh, who is in his final year of a BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology degree at BU, picked up the Student Star of the Future Award, which was sponsored by Bournemouth University.

Kamron, 22, is on course to graduate with a first class honours degree, and has taken on a number of freelance projects while studying – including building websites for Best Fit car garage and Universal Catering Supplies.

“It felt amazing to win the award,” said Kamron, who lives in Poole and also provided specialist technical support to the Weymouth and Portland sailing venues during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The awards evening at the Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth was a really enjoyable experience.

“Winning the award just showed that the 4 years of hard work was really worth it. I have always strived to achieve at university, which has led me to work for Xerox, London 2012 Olympics and Kingfisher plc and this is only the start.

He added:”Bournemouth University has taught me so much and enabled me to take these opportunities and hopefully allow me to start a successful career in the IT industry.”

BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism student Natalie Morris was named winner of the Fire Radio Media Star of the Future, which was sponsored by the local radio station.

Natalie, 22, of Ensbury Park, impressed the judges with her confidence and a variety of media experience and placements.

Aspiring writer and broadcaster Natalie, who is in the final year of her degree, said: “I feel privileged to have won the award and I am extremely grateful towards the judges who selected me.

“I have worked extremely hard over the past 3 years at university and have built up a varied CV, including a month’s work placement at BBC Crimewatch, The Sun TV Magazine, North One Television at Fifth Gear, Hope FM and BBC 5 Live.

“I interviewed Daniel Craig on Radio 1 and was also interviewed on Greg James’ radio show.”

Second year BA (Hons) Events Management student Nicolle Chainey won the Rising Star of the Future Award, sponsored by Ageas 50.

Nicolle, 21, combines studying for her degree with working as an Assistant Wedding and Event Planner at Bellissimo Weddings & Events, based in Bournemouth.

She was nominated by Melanie Kiani, Director of Bellissimo Weddings & Events, for the award, which recognises achievements in the early career stages.

Angela Fletcher, Managing Director at Rock Recruitment, created the awards. She said: “Meeting these people at the start of their careers, who have already accomplished many things and have clear ideas of what they want to achieve, has impressed and inspired me”

BU students win national PR competition

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Two final year BU students fought off competition from PR students from across the country, to win the coveted prize awarded by Grayling, the global PR agency.

The finals of the competition – named ‘Amilla’, after the Greek term for healthy competition – were held at Grayling’s offices in Soho, central London.

Five teams made it to the finals after an initial application phase: three from Bournemouth University and two from Leeds Metropolitan University.

Students had to pitch their campaign to Grayling on behalf of one of their current clients, Anchor – England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care to older people.

This challenging brief took students beyond their comfort zone of young consumers, requiring them to research and engage with post-retirement people.

The winning team was made up of Richard Wilson and Mario Morello (team name, ‘Willoonello’), who are both in the final year of BA (Hons) Public Relations at Bournemouth University. Their prize was work experience at Grayling.

Alison Clarke CEO of Grayling UK and Ireland, who presented them with their prize said their pitch was “really smart, really well thought through”.

Dr Dan Jackson, a course tutor of BA Public Relations at BU, added: “We are so proud of Richard and Mario.

“They are terrific ambassadors for the University, and have fantastic careers in PR ahead of them”.

Dr Tasos Theofilou, the Chair of the 2013 Amilla competition, said: “Their success is a terrific endorsement of the quality of PR education they receive at BU. They understood better than any other team what the client wanted. Their research and insight was outstanding”.