From MTV to Degree - Birmingham Student Steps up for Another Award

A University of Birmingham student recently honoured by MTV will this week receive honours of another kind today – in the shape of a degree in Psychology.

Tanisjah Matthews, aged 21, will graduate today with a degree in Psychology after completing her three years study at Birmingham. This is Tanisjah’s second award this year after she scooped an MTV gong earlier this year for her production of an anti-knife crime video. 

One of four winners from 500 entries across the UK, Tan took part in the competition run in partnership between The Home Office and music channel MTV. Tan submitted her winning video, ‘Cartoon Characters’ (featuring music produced by brother Marzie) for the ‘It Doesn’t Have to Happen’ anti-knife campaign, which aimed to detail how youngsters can use multi-media to spread the message that violence does not pay.

MTV Networks, increasingly recognised for their work regarding Social Responsibility awarded Tan with her award in London earlier this year, in addition to a £1,000 prize - which Tanisjah has since spent on multi-media equipment.

However on the 13th July Tan will step up to receive her next award, an honours degree in Psychology. Speaking of her time at Birmingham, she states: “I’ve had a wonderful three years at Birmingham both academically and socially, I’m so proud to be graduating from such a good university having had such a well-rounded experience.”

Tan’s personal tutor, Harriet Allen, said: “Tanisjah is an impressive person. It never failed to amaze me that she could be drafting a script, mentoring, managing local artists and balancing her excellent academic work all at the same time.

To cap it all, she has won this prize and a recording contract whilst preparing for her finals.”

Tan now plans to pursue a career in ((mainly) music, theatre and video) Production after being offered a recording position with (Stockcity Music) in Sweden.  Her MTV interview and video, ‘Cartoon Characters’ was broadcast on MTV and can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2rYvHS_k2Q along with links to other works.

ENDS

Images of Tan graduating are available on request

For further information contact Ben Hill, Head of Communications, University of Birmingham, Tel: 0121 4145134, Mob 07789 921 163.