Double First for Solent student
Dean Samways – who graduates with a first-class degree in Journalism from Southampton Solent University in November – has won first prize at the Periodical Training Council's Magazine Academy Awards.
He and his partner Seamus Swords scooped the award for best New Magazine Concept, despite tough competition from students at other accredited universities courses in the UK.
They developed their idea for The Scribbler – a publication aimed at young writers – after realising there was a gap in the market.
"It's just amazing. I'm so happy with this great result," said 26-year-old Dean, from Bath, after accepting the award at a ceremony held in The Lansdowne Club in London. "We put a lot of hard work into this project and we received a lot of encouragement and support from our lecturers, who could see the magazine's potential."
Dean – who now works in London as a freelance writer for orange.co.uk and two music websites - now intends to take the idea to magazine publishers with the intention of turning The Scribbler into a working title.
Mary Hogarth, Course Leader for Journalism BA (Hons) said she was immensely proud of her students' success. "This event is a fantastic showcase opportunity for students and I am thrilled that Dean and Seamus have received the recognition they deserve for this fantastic idea. It has real potential."
There was also a special mention for My Home - a magazine concept aimed at those wanting to refurbish their homes on a budget - developed by Solent students Thea Allan Torrisett and Richard Bennett.