Winners of 2025 Create Student Awards announced
We are delighted to confirm the winners from the 10th annual Create Student Awards - a ceremony which celebrates the achievements and successes of the students and alumni from the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology.
Alongside a fabulous dinner, nine awards were up for grabs at the renowned Lowry Hotel, and the lucky winners were recognised for their hard work at Salford and beyond.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Welsh comedian and alumna Kiri Pritchard McLean. With appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats and Have I Got News For You, Kiri is now the host of her own Radio 4 show Best Medicine and graduated from the University of Salford’s BA Contemporary Theatre Practices programme back in 2009.
In his speech to mark the beginning of the ceremony, Professor Allan Walker, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology said: “Tonight is a very special evening as our 10th anniversary of these awards and these ten years have gone by so quickly, yet the quality of the talent that has gone through the school has just been remarkable and there seems to be an endless flow from the North West.
“I’ve had the privilege of seeing our finalists’ work, and the work has been absolutely fantastic - not just the work, but the commitment to some of the challenges you’ve faced, and your commitment to some of the communities you’ve worked for.”
First up was the Engagement with Industry Award, presented by Salford alumna and poet Qudsia Akhtar. Qudsia Akhtar wrote her debut collection Khamoshi in 2022 and recently completed a PhD in Creative Writing at Salford. BA Film Studies student Paul Farrell won for his passionate work as an independent film programmer, beating out BA Creative Writing (Multidiscipline) student Finn Armstrong and BA Creative Music Technology student Jacob Lahera.
Next was the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award, which showcased the incredible work of finalists Tony Hawkins (BA Contemporary Military and International History), Asma Abad (BA Television and Radio Production) and Abbi Parcell (PhD Creative Writing). It was presented by author and alumni Kay Ashton MBE, who wrote Kirsty’s Story (2011), and currently voices the Love, Life & Disability podcast. Ultimately, Asma won for her major project, aimed towards Persian speakers, based on her experience moving from Iran to the UK.
The International Student Award was presented by Timothy Cho, who gave a rousing speech about his survival after enduring imprisonment four times in China and North Korea. The finalists were all commendable but MA Dance Performance and Professional Practices student Tzu-Hsien Wang was crowned the winner based on their work with the dance troupe Emergence, with Truth Egbe (MA Public Relations and Digital Communications) and Ayan Mohammed (MSc Games and Extended Reality) named runners-up.
MA Socially Engaged Arts Practice student Andrea Lowe took home the Civic Engagement Award for her artwork surrounding women and domestic violence experiences. The other finalists were also commended, with MA Literature and Culture student Keeley Banton recognised for their work with Southern Voices and BA Photography student Anni Kay Wilkinson for her ‘Hulmeloonies’ photography collection. It was presented by local councillor alumni Hannah Robinson-Smith.
The Alumni Achievement Award was given to Salford lecturer Noor Al-Naser who has previously won the international student award. Noor is an Iraqi national who worked at the United Nations for over eight years and previously worked as a Senior Prevention of Violent Extremism Programme Officer with the International Organization for Migration in Iraq. The award was presented by Vicky Hawkesworth, who won the award in 2024. Vicky's career took off after hosting BBC Radio 1's Christmas Takeover, and she now presents the ‘Radio 1 Group Chat’ with Nat O’Leary.
Following on, the Outstanding Commitment Award was presented by Seren Hughes, operations manager at Alike; a charity for cancer patients and survivors. Although all the finalists showed an exceptional commitment to their craft, the award went to MA Drama Production for TV, Film and Digital Media student Chris Breen for his filmmaking work surrounding unhoused communities. Other finalists’ work included a charity broadcast by BA Journalism: Broadcast student Emma Nelson and a podcast by BA Theatre and Performance Practice student Laëticia Sevin on her study exchange in Toronto, Canada.
The School Ambassador Award was presented by Jenny Riding, Director of Learning and Engagement at The Lowry. The finalists showcased their incredible talents, like BA Television and Radio Production student Shannon Hackwood’s dedication to Utter Radio and BA Animation student Millie Ronksley’s commitment to creating a community within Animation. However, the award went to Issy Brand for her final project that spotlighted celebrated band, Kaiser Chiefs, as she made a documentary celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album, Employment.
BA Film Production student Holly Bellack won the Sustainability Champion Award for completing the Albert Certificate and putting these practices into her major project. The award was presented by Bec Bennett, Associate Director of Sustainability at the University. Other finalists included BA Photography student Eve Brickhill for her displays ‘deconstructing nature’ and MA Fashion Business and Marketing student Sam Cheng Law’s campaign for sustainable and ethical fashion in China.
The final award of the night, The Dean’s Award, was presented by Professor Allan Walker who has led the school since its formation in 2012. Described by host Kiri as the award for ‘the best of the best’, BA Theatre and Performance Practice student Lucy Ryan was the worthy winner for her work on the Cardiothoracic Patient Rep Group for the UK and competing in the British Transplant Games for her country.
The other finalists included BA Television and Radio Production student Matt Hallsworth for his work with BBC Radio 1 and MA Public Relations and Digital Communications student Musata Johnson for her work empowering women and creating equal opportunity at the PR agency, Kallure.
All of the finalists' stories can be watched on our dedicated Create Student Awards 2025 page.
All of the photos below were taken and are shared with the approval of Sam Michael Wood.
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
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