Author: Kerry Burnett

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New Brighton documentary reveals the private world of design pioneer FHK Henrion

A new short film by Brighton academics has uncovered the domestic space which shaped the life and work of one of Britain’s most influential post-war designers.

Sue and Harriet
Sue and Harriet

The film, produced by researchers at the University of Brighton Design Archives and the Centre for Design History, provides an intimate view into the life of Frederic Henri Kay Henrion, credited as one of the world’s pioneering graphic designers of the post-war era. Henrion was of Jewish heritage and fled Nazi Germany in 1933, moving first to Paris and then to London in 1936, where he worked on wartime propaganda projects for the UK Ministry of Information and the US Office of War Information. Continue reading “New Brighton documentary reveals the private world of design pioneer FHK Henrion” →

Kerry Burnett
lgbtg flags being waved in front of the pier

University of Brighton named the UK’s most LGBTQ+ friendly university

Brighton has been crowned the UK’s most LGBTQ+ friendly university in a new survey, scoring 8.7 out of 10 for inclusivity – the highest in the country.

The new findings from Erobella indicate that Brighton is a place where LGBTQ+ students feel safe, supported and celebrated, further strengthening the university’s reputation for fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. Nationally, the average university score was 6.7, and Brighton was the only institution in the country to rate above 8. Continue reading “University of Brighton named the UK’s most LGBTQ+ friendly university” →

Kerry Burnett
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Enhancing your employability

Your time at Brighton is about more than just earning a degree – it’s about developing the skills, experiences, and connections that prepare you for a successful career

At the Brighton we know that employability is an important part of that experience.

We support you in achieving your ambitions, expanding your prospects, and building lasting connections – both during your studies and after graduation. Continue reading “Enhancing your employability” →

Kerry Burnett
Animated red ticket on a blue background, reading 'The Coast is Queer Festival'

Brighton students and staff help shape the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ literature festival

Students and staff from the University of Brighton are stepping up to help shape the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ literature festival – ensuring queer voices are amplified and safe, inclusive spaces continue to grow. 

This October, students from the School of Humanities and Social Science have been appointed as paid co-curators of the Coast is Queer festival – the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ festival (9–12 October) – taking the lead on programming two major panel events.   Continue reading “Brighton students and staff help shape the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ literature festival” →

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Brighton graduate’s book shortlisted for prestigious award

A novel that began life as a University of Brighton dissertation project has made the national shortlist for the prestigious Comedy Women in Print award.

Dara Lutes, who graduated in 2023 with a Masters degree in Creative Writing, earned the nomination for her book which was partly inspired by her own “very embarrassing past” and the lessons she picked from it. Continue reading “Brighton graduate’s book shortlisted for prestigious award” →

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book titled 'Book Dust' against a brick wall

Telling the stories of the everyday: Brighton author Craig Jordan-Baker celebrates new novel with Waterstones signing

University of Brighton lecturer and author, Craig Jordan-Baker, draws on walks, foraging, and ordinary life to inspire his fiction. He will celebrate his new novel, Brick Dust, at Waterstones Brighton on 1 October.

Craig’s writing is shaped by his love of everyday life and the natural world. A keen walker, forager, and advocate for nature-based practices, he often draws inspiration from the countryside in both his teaching and fiction. Continue reading “Telling the stories of the everyday: Brighton author Craig Jordan-Baker celebrates new novel with Waterstones signing” →

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University of Brighton gains prestigious national award for advancing racial equity

Brighton is awarded the Race Equality Charter (REC) Silver Award by Advance HE, becoming one of only six universities in the UK to hold prestigious recognition.

The REC framework is designed to improve the representation, progression and success of Black and minority ethnic staff and students in higher education. The Silver Award acknowledges the university’s significant progress in advancing racial equity and its commitment to continuing this work. Continue reading “University of Brighton gains prestigious national award for advancing racial equity” →

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Will holding his book

Prison experience inspires Brighton graduate’s powerful poetry anthology

A former prisoner who turned to poetry as a lifeline during incarceration has published his debut anthology, shaped by his postgraduate studies at the University of Brighton.

Titled Overgrown, the book is written by Will Pendray, a former offender who was accepted onto the University of Brighton’s MA Creative Writing course after his release from jail in 2021. It channels trauma, masculinity, healing and nature into a powerful collection of poetry, highlighting Will’s experience of the criminal justice system. Continue reading “Prison experience inspires Brighton graduate’s powerful poetry anthology” →

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Trans pride parade in Brighton

University of Brighton underlines support for trans community with Brighton Trans Pride sponsorship

The university is proud to announce sponsorship of Trans Pride Brighton 2025, reaffirming its commitment to equity, support and inclusion.

Trans Pride Brighton is the largest trans-specific Pride event in Europe and takes place this year on Saturday 19 July. The university’s support for the event is a way of underscoring its dedication to equality, diversity, and the celebration of gender diversity. Continue reading “University of Brighton underlines support for trans community with Brighton Trans Pride sponsorship” →

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students outside Mithras House

Students experience new placement module

More than 20  students studying Politics and International Relations BA, Politics, Sexuality and Gender BA, and Politics BA, and a range of other philosophy and politics-related degrees, opted to take a placement as part of their studies.

The newly introduced ‘Exploring the workplace: practices and the community’ module offer students the opportunity to spend 40-hours working in the community and put into practice what they learned in the classroom. The module helps improve students’  employability by offering hands-on professional experience future as well as a range of other tools to help them in their careers. Continue reading “Students experience new placement module” →

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group shot of students and lecturers

A Celebration of Postgraduate Research

The school held a celebration last month which was open to all postgraduate students studying on its social science, humanities and history of design courses.

The informal event was designed to introduce students to presenting research to an academic audience.  Staff and students shared lunch together and then students took turns to introduce their research, share progress and highlight areas where they would appreciate feedback from staff and peers. Continue reading “A Celebration of Postgraduate Research” →

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Three young teens stood on Brighton pier on a sunny day looking out to sea

University unveils extra financial support for students applying through Clearing with Brighton Summer Boost initiative

For the first time, the University of Brighton is extending its Brighton Boost financial support initiative to students applying through Clearing in 2025 – helping to remove barriers and create opportunities for those who may have thought university was beyond their reach. Continue reading “University unveils extra financial support for students applying through Clearing with Brighton Summer Boost initiative” →

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University of Brighton ranked among top 4% of universities worldwide

The University of Brighton has earned a place among the world’s leading universities. Brighton has ranked in the top 4.3% of institutions globally, in the 2025 Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). 

This recognition highlights the university’s continued dedication to academic excellence, impactful research, and the success of its students and alumni worldwide. Continue reading “University of Brighton ranked among top 4% of universities worldwide” →

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Presentation slide - rural revival

Graduates 2025: Annie Wright, Fashion and Design History

My work and Influences

Annie on a beachMy work and influences throughout my time on the course have been very varied – I have enjoyed looking at both historical and contemporary fashion.

I love periods such as the 18th century, Regency, 1920s, 1930s, 1960s, and 1970s. But my favourite is probably the 1990s, specifically designers such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano and Mugler. Continue reading “Graduates 2025: Annie Wright, Fashion and Design History” →

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books on a shelf

Literature student helps spread the love of reading

Blathnaid Burns, an English Literature BA(Hons) student, recently helped deliver the university’s Read to Succeed programme.

As part of the degree’s placement module, Blathnaid who is a student ambassador, worked with Year 8 pupils at The Hastings Academy. Gaining hands-on experience is an element of all degrees at Brighton to ensure students can apply their classroom learning to the real world. Continue reading “Literature student helps spread the love of reading” →

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Dorothy Koomson giving a speech

Bestselling author helps Brighton Creative Writing students prepare for careers at final year showcase

Brighton-based author Dorothy Koomson helped inspire the next generation of writers as University of Brighton Creative Writing students marked the end of their degrees with a final-year showcase designed to celebrate their work and kickstart their creative careers.

The event, titled ‘Growing Pains’, brought together graduating students from the BA in Creative Writing and BA in English Literature and Creative Writing courses – alongside successful alumni and bestselling authors. Through performances, poetry, digital storytelling, and more, students explored powerful themes of personal growth, change, and the transition from university to working life in the creative industries, education and publishing. Continue reading “Bestselling author helps Brighton Creative Writing students prepare for careers at final year showcase” →

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covers of Wren's books

Brighton student turns personal hardship into powerful poetry to raise mental health awareness

A Brighton psychology student is using the power of poetry to open vital conversations around mental health – drawing from personal experience to publish two books tackling themes of grief, identity, and recovery.

Carenza Elizabeth Greed – who goes by the name Wren – has transformed their own mental health journey into a creative force for change. Their poetry delves into complex topics including addiction, loss, gender, religion, and the emotional reality of living with mental illness, with the aim of offering solidarity and support to others facing similar challenges. Continue reading “Brighton student turns personal hardship into powerful poetry to raise mental health awareness” →

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Female cricket player playing cricket

University of Brighton to open UK’s largest indoor cricket academy

The University of Brighton has announced the UK’s largest indoor cricket academy, enabling aspiring cricketers to develop their talents while earning a degree.

Brighton Cricket Academy is a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Brighton and Square One Education Ltd which will offer top-tier professional coaching and cutting-edge facilities from September 2025. Continue reading “University of Brighton to open UK’s largest indoor cricket academy” →

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Brighton Degree Apprenticeships shine in Ofsted inspection

The University of Brighton has received a ‘Good’ overall effectiveness rating for its degree apprenticeships following Ofsted inspection in February 2025.

Ofsted good provider logo

The report highlights numerous strengths, painting a vibrant picture of apprentices’ experiences and the quality of our provision. The university was graded as ‘outstanding’ for behaviours and attitudes, underlining the high professional standards and integrity of our apprentices. Continue reading “Brighton Degree Apprenticeships shine in Ofsted inspection” →

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Grace's costume display

Graduates 2025: Grace Dowle, Fashion and Design History

“It has opened up my interests further and expanded my knowledge massively.”

My work focus

Grace DowleThroughout my time studying Fashion and Design History at Brighton, my work has varied, which I think is a testament to the course as it has allowed me to explore many topics which I may not have on my own.

I have interests predominantly in the 20th Century. From looking into subcultures such as Mods, researching Miner’s Strike (1984-85) protest wear, analysing and researching an early 1960s dress owned by a working mother who lived in Brighton, whose clothing collection is a part of the Dress History Teaching Collection, to finally my dissertation which has focused on young, working women and their relationship to the fashion brand Biba (1964-1975). Continue reading “Graduates 2025: Grace Dowle, Fashion and Design History” →

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Queer on the Pier sign

Queer the Pier exhibition visit

Staff and students visited the ‘Queer the Pier’ exhibition at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery as part of their course.

three smiling people on Brighton palace pierThe students were all first-years studying on our Politics BA, Politics and International Relations BA and Politics, Sexuality and Gender BA – the visit aligned to the Politics in Practice module with a focus on the politics of museums and galleries. Continue reading “Queer the Pier exhibition visit” →

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large mural on a Brighton house with graffiti on it

Brighton graffiti tour for politics students

Around 30 Politics students studying on our Politics, Politics and International Relations and Politics, Sexuality and Gender degrees took part in street art and graffiti tours around central Brighton.

The fieldtrip was part of the first-year module ‘Politics in Practice’ where students on our politics degrees consider both formal and informal forms of political action. Continue reading “Brighton graffiti tour for politics students” →

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screen showing the programme

Careers in the Criminal Justice System event

A special event took place for criminology students to explore careers and the varied roles offered in the criminal justice system (CJS).

The event was organised by senior lecturer Hannah Thurston in response to feedback from students in the Your Voice survey. More than 30 students attended and were able to ask questions to the panels throughout the day via Padlet and verbally. Continue reading “Careers in the Criminal Justice System event” →

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Taylor Rehaag

Studying English Literature and Creative Writing

Taylor Reehag is in the final year of our English Literature and Creative Writing BA(Hons). Read on to find out how they’re getting on and why Brighton is the right uni for them.

How I chose what to study

I have always been interested in storytelling, writing my own since I was about eight or nine, with the goal of eventually publishing. I am a strong believer that you should always do what you’re passionate about, and for me that was this. Continue reading “Studying English Literature and Creative Writing” →

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Asa Brennan

Studying Psychology at Brighton

Asa Brennan is in the first year of our Psychology BSc(Hons). Read on to find out how they’re getting on and why Brighton is the right uni for them.

Why I chose psychology

I am really interested in all aspects of Psychology after it being my favourite subject at A-Level. I know I want to pursue a career in Psychology although I’m still unsure about the direction I want to go in and the broad course allows me to explore so many different areas to find what I’m interested in. Continue reading “Studying Psychology at Brighton” →

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Olivia on the beach with her camera

Student wins award to create film

Huge congratulations to Creative Writing BA student Olivia Shaw on her David Thomas Award win.

The annual award is open to second year students in the School of Humanities and Social Science who have a passion for filmmaking. The winner is provided with £500 towards the making of a short film or moving image piece that is aligned to the university’s global challenges of Equality & Inclusivity, Wellbeing, Climate Change, and Creative, Sustainable Economies. David is an alumnus who sadly passed away in 2013 and the award is funded by David’s family in his name.

We caught up with Olivia to find out what winning the award means and how it has helped her. Continue reading “Student wins award to create film” →

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The Queer Therapy Hub logo

Brighton academic launches city’s first dedicated queer therapy hub

LGBTQIA+ people in Brighton can now access specialist psychotherapy thanks to the city’s new Queer Therapy Hub.

Charlotte Wilcox
Charlotte Wilcox

The new service was set up by University of Brighton lecturer and researcher Charlotte Wilcox to help bridge the gap between traditional psychotherapy and queer-specific support. The Queer Therapy Hub provides a safe and inclusive space where clients can work with therapists who truly understand their lived experiences. Continue reading “Brighton academic launches city’s first dedicated queer therapy hub” →

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Exhibitions poster

Brighton unites with Lewes FC for GBV exhibition

The University of Brighton is collaborating with Lewes FC to host an exhibition entitled ‘I feel therefore I resist’.

The exhibition aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and is part of an earlier research project which explored stories from women who experienced violence, which were interpreted by artists. Continue reading “Brighton unites with Lewes FC for GBV exhibition” →

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Shallow focus of a typical NHS hospital waiting room sign seen in a British hospital.

University of Brighton students launch creative project to support people affected by cancer

University of Brighton students are leading community workshops across Sussex offering people affected by cancer a meaningful way to share their experiences and find connection.

Words from the Waiting Room is a pioneering, community-driven creative project designed to help individuals impacted by cancer express their experiences through writing and collage. The initiative aims to provide a safe, inclusive space for participants to share their stories, foster support networks, and explore the emotional realities of a cancer diagnosis. Continue reading “University of Brighton students launch creative project to support people affected by cancer” →

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University of Brighton researcher part of team examining transformative justice for women

An arts-based approach to Transformative Justice can improve social cohesion and shows promise for reintegrating women with convictions into their communities, according to new report.

Hopeful Justice Collective logo

Women with convictions, including those who have served custodial sentences, have complex needs. They account for 13% of deaths of people on post-release supervision yet women represent under 5% of the prison population. Community responses are identified as the most effective to prevent reoffending, but community provision is inconsistent.
Continue reading “University of Brighton researcher part of team examining transformative justice for women” →

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