Anna Drabner-Graham

Profile

Mum of three Anna Drabner-Graham has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art), graduating with first-class honours at our Borders campus.

Throughout her time at our Borders campus, Anna has celebrated many achievements, including being a 2024 Artwork for Degree Show Winner, being highly commended by the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters and participating in the 2023 Loro Piana Knit Awards.

Find out more about Anna’s journey and the many well-deserved recognitions she has received along the way.

What programme did you study and why did you choose it?

I am a mature student who has just completed my Bachelor of Arts in Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art) with first-class honours.

I live locally in the Scottish Borders and have always been interested in textiles, so this programme was a great opportunity to study and learn with fellow like-minded people.

What’s your experience of living in Galashiels and what do you think of our campus?

Every day I commute to the high mill in Galashiels. In the past, Bernat Klein, a textile designer, used to run his business from the high mill before Heriot Watt was based there, so I feel the history of the building and its unique location has helped with my creativity.

What support has been made available to you during your studies?

All my lecturers were very supportive throughout my course. As I am dyslexic, they accommodated my needs and made sure I was able to achieve the best possible results.

Can you tell us more about the prizes you have won during your studies and how it felt to receive this recognition?

During my time at Heriot Watt I have achieved many awards, including the 2024 Artwork for Degree Show Winner - Promotional Material and being Highly Commended by the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters. In 2020/21 and 2022/23, I was proud to be a Deputy Principal’s Award Winner, which is reserved for students who achieve grade A results in six or more courses in their undergraduate degree.

When I was invited to Milan to participate in the 2023 Loro Piana Knit Awards, this was one of the most exciting and memorable times from my University journey. It was great to see what other universities from all over the world had achieved and it was a fantastic networking experience.

I also was delighted when my knitted Shima piece was used for the promotional material for the 2024 Degree Show, as it was great to see my work being exhibited in real-life.

What advice would you give to a mature student considering Heriot-Watt?

Go for it! Joining Heriot Watt University has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people that I otherwise would never have had the chance to meet.

As a mature student, I feel I still had so much to learn but was also able to give so much back through the life skills I have gained.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

After graduating, I am going to Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh to study MSc in Art Psychotherapy for two years, starting in September 2024.