Published 12.11.08

Two hundred students from the university have been awarded scholarship prizes for academic excellence. The university has issued the £1,000 rewards to students who have excelled in subjects as diverse as pharmacy, architecture and criminology.

Among the scholarship winners is Sophie Jenner, from Reading who is studying physiotherapy and chose to come to Brighton because she "loved the friendly atmosphere when she came for an interview".

Commenting on the award, Sophie says: "I was really surprised and excited. My results were worth all the hard work and the letter to say I had a scholarship topped it all off. The greatest challenge is fitting in everything that I want to get out of university life."

Sophie has been impressed with her placement at the end of the first year. "It really brought together all that I had learnt in the first year and prepared me for the second year."

In the future she hopes to complete her junior rotations in a NHS hospital to gain more experience when she graduates and see which area she would to like to specialise in.

Second year student Chris Martin, from Northampton is studying for a qualified teacher status in physical education. As well as studying full-time for the four-year course and undertaking school placements to teach PE, Chris recently became a student ambassador for Chelsea School.

Chris says winning a scholarship from the university has been a pleasant surprise. "I was over the moon not just for the financial benefit it offers, but mainly for the statement it represents in being rewarded. Hopefully it will put me in good stead for future opportunities. I am hoping to gain a job as a PE teacher and enjoy a career in teaching when I complete my studies."

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julian Crampton commented: "These awards recognise the success of our students as well as the support that they have received from our staff. Amongst the high-achievers are those who have overcome adversity and turned their lives round through higher education."

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• courses with qualified teacher status
  
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• scholarships