An animation student from The University of the West of England has been awarded a BAFTA scholarship.

Laura-Beth Cowley has been recognised by BAFTA with a scholarship. Image by UWE Bristol
Laura-Beth Cowley has been recognised by BAFTA with a scholarship. Image by UWE Bristol

Laura-Beth Cowley, freelance animator and writer from Isle of Portland in Dorset, is one of the lucky 13 UK students to be awarded a scholarship from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

The BAFTA Scholarship Programme celebrates emerging creatives in the film, television and games industry. Laura has been awarded £5,300 to study MA Animation at UWE.

The 24 year old has a degree in Animation and Illustration from Cambridge School of Art (Anglia Ruskin University).

Laura said: “This is an amazing opportunity and honour. It means so much that BAFTA believes in me and my abilities enough to sponsor my next steps. The scholarship is going to give me the confidence to push my career to the next level as well as giving me the opportunity to talk to, and be mentored by, leaders in my chosen industry. It is an incredible privilege to be able to have the time to better understand and develop my skills. I feel this scholarship is the open door I’ve been struggling to find. I couldn’t be more excited.”

“I chose to study for my Master’s at UWE as I knew the course structure was focused and driven towards developing you as an individual. It also had a lot of brilliant opportunities and flexibility in the way the course is taught that will help to support my ambitions. An added benefit is being located in Bristol, which is well known for being an animation industry hot spot. I’m very excited to begin my studies here.”

Chris Webster, Programme Leader of UWE Animation, said: “We are very proud that we are attracting students of this calibre and it’s a great testament to the university and the way it has developed, with its industry partners the postgraduate and undergraduate programmes over the last 15 years. Some of this success is due to our close relationships with our many partnerships of many years. The recent mentoring scheme with Aardmann and UWE animation will continue to offer students like Laura many more opportunities.”

By Richard Peake