National award for student

Fiona Hopkins, from Codsall, Wolverhampton, has been named Xcel IT and Computer Science Student of the Year.

Fiona gained a first class BSc (Hons) in German and Information Systems and graduated in September. She was selected for the award on the basis of her academic merit and hard work, as well as her determination to succeed.

Fiona said: “I was amazed, but also delighted to hear that I had won this award. Applying to study as a mature student was a leap into the unknown for me. The award reflects the hard work I put in, but it is also a testament to the academic and emotional support I received from so many lecturers.

“The staff of the languages department and my computing tutors were all extremely supportive. They fostered my confidence in my own abilities and encouraged me to apply my many years of experience in industry to my assignments. I feel this degree has opened up a whole new world to me.”

Fiona was proposed for the award by staff in the German subject area in recognition of her tenacity, application and outstanding work. Her final year project explored how translations into German of the novels of Terry Pratchett might be improved, and received praise from internal and external examiners.

The award ceremony was hosted by television presenter Konnie Huq and took place in London.

The Xcel Student of the Year Awards were hosted by Xcel Magazine, a courses and careers magazine for students from all backgrounds. Awards were conferred in 18 different subject areas, with a further award of overall Xcel Student of the Year 2009 announced on the night.

Further information

Picture caption: Fiona Hopkins with her husband, Steve Hopkins

Photographer: Flasch Photography

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736