Derek Bekoe, an undergraduate in Computer Science, has won the IT and Computer Science Undergraduate of the Year Award, sponsored by Marks & Spencer.  His prize is a guaranteed graduate job and a technology hamper.

Brittany Harris, an undergraduate in Civil Engineering, has won the Construction Engineering and Design Undergraduate of the Year Award, sponsored by Laing O’Rourke.  Her prize is an international summer work placement.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, said: “I was delighted to hear that despite strong competition from across the country our students have, once again, done so well.  Our Faculty is committed to producing the leaders and entrepreneurs of the future and Brittany and Derek are an excellent example of Britain’s rising engineering stars.”

Stuart Johnson, Director of Careers Service at the University of Bristol, added: “The University had four finalists in the 12 award categories and Bristol were the only University with two winners, which is a fantastic achievement.  Congratulations to all the finalists and especially to the winners - Derek and Brittany.” 

The competition identified the top undergraduates from a range of degree subjects from across the UK. Applicants took a number of assessments, and psychometric tests. The competition received over 100 applications from students from over 30 UK universities.

Through a series of online tests, application forms, interviews and assessment exercises, the winners emerged from a very strong field.

The 12 winners were announced by Sir Trevor McDonald OBE at a ceremony in London last week [Friday 25 April].  Each award was sponsored by a top graduate recruiter: Mars, Laing O’Rourke, E.ON, EDF Energy, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Marks & Spencer, Gazprom, Nestle, Rolls-Royce, EU Careers, CGI and Mayer Brown.