College-level UAL Extended Diploma in Graphic & Digital Design student Niamh O’Grady is the recipient of the prestigious Governors Award. The Governors’ Award is given to the student who has the most impressive work. Their work is regarded as being the ‘Best in Show’.

Judges said that “Niamh’s final exhibition piece presents a sophisticated synthesis of theory and design, engaging with the complex fields of atomic, nuclear, and radiation sciences. Her work is driven by a commitment to making intricate scientific ideas accessible through innovative image-making and thoughtful visual refinement. The culmination of her project is an extensive and visually compelling zine that seamlessly blends striking imagery with clear, engaging content—inviting the audience to explore challenging subject matter with both ease and curiosity. By harmoniously integrating traditional and digital techniques, Niamh showcases her strengths in both image-making and editorial design, demonstrating a confident and considered approach to visual communication.”

Reflecting on her award win she said, “it was so exciting and absolutely terrifying at the same time to win the award because I was so surprised it wasn’t one of the other amazing artists I see every day! At the same time, it was amazing to have my work recognised, particularly as the subject was a little unusual being rather science-based, and it was a lovely confirmation that I’ve been doing something right for the last few months, using a topic I’m personally interested in and graphic design together to create my publication!”

Niamh said she  chose to study at the school “because I wanted to do a full time art course, make my passion a reality and spend my life doing what I love! I’m so glad I have as well, it’s been so creatively rewarding & fulfilling.”

Speaking of her diploma she said “my course itself was brilliant, challenging and difficult in parts but my lecturers knew that was exactly what I needed to keep going and push myself and develop my own skills. The creative freedom and encouragement to explore your own avenues and specialisms within art and design are the best attributes, and I don’t think I’d be as hopeful about my future opportunities without this course. I do think I threw myself in at the deep end with my final project, but with a bit of help from my lecturers and peers, and a few words of encouragement and advice, I’m so glad to have wrapped the project up in the way I did!”

Keep up to date on Niamh’s work on her Instagram @ogradygraphics and website.

If you are a school leaver looking to study graphics or digital design at college-level make sure you check out our UAL Graphic & Digital Design diploma at our Ofsted outstanding rated Middlesbrough campus. This course offers students a career focused programme of study lead by industry professionals. Students learn the theory and strategy behind design, including how to use the design process successfully to explore and generate professional and contemporary responses covering specialist areas such as advertising, branding, editorial, typography, UX/UI, image making and motion graphics, through appropriate use of traditional and digital methods. Find out more here.