Graduation 2025: Abigail Hennis

By: Communications

Abigail Hennis smiling in her graduation gown and cap

What journey did you take to get to UEA?

After taking Media Studies at A-level, I knew I wanted to pursue something creative as it’s always what came naturally to me. During lunch breaks at secondary school, I used to make silly short films with my friends, then go home and edit them. We even gave ourselves a name, Hennis Productions, and hosted premieres of what we made.

I enjoyed the process so much and, eventually, I realised this could actually become a career in content creation, though I wasn’t sure if I preferred television or film more, so I was looking for a course that offered a bit of both. With only a few universities offering that combination, and UEA being the closest to my hometown of Peterborough, I came to an open day and knew it was the right place for me.

Tell us a UEA memory you’ll always treasure.

There are so many memories I’ll always carry with me, but the friendships and experiences I’ve had stand out most. Running and reviving the UEA TV society and joining Cheer Dance introduced me to some of the most inspiring and supportive people I’ve ever met. Whether it was editing through the night, cheering each other on after tough days, or celebrating small wins together – those moments made UEA feel like home.

One of the most surreal highlights was being awarded Best Student Director in the UK and having the student-led television show I directed and produced be awarded with the Best Cinematography award in the UK.

But even more than the awards, I’m grateful for the people I met along the way, the ones who reminded me I was never alone in the process. I’ve made friendships here that I know will last far beyond graduation.

What’s next for you after graduation?

I actually finished university on a Friday and started full-time work that Saturday! It’s not in my dream industry just yet, but it’s helping me save for future goals like learning to drive and eventually moving into my own place.

I’m treating this year as a bit of a gap year to build financial stability, while doing freelance creative work on the side to keep my skills sharp.

Where is your future heading?

Honestly? I’m not entirely sure, and that’s what makes it exciting. I’m open to where life takes me.

My dream is to one day have a home, a family, and a career I genuinely enjoy. Whether that’s in television, media, or something I haven’t discovered yet, I’m just trusting the journey and taking opportunities as they come.

What will you miss about being on campus or in Norwich?

There’s something comforting about being in full-time education; it gives you structure and a sense of safety, and I’ll definitely miss that. I’ll also miss the TV Studio – it holds a special place for me because it’s where I learned, experimented, failed, improved, and created work I’m genuinely proud of.

But most of all, I’ll miss the people. Because of studying at UEA, I now have an amazing group of friends from all over the country. We’re all cheering each other on in our own career and life paths, and that support means the world to me. Though not being able to meet up last minute, in the edit suites or in the library, is definitely going to take some adjustments.

Study Film and Television Production at UEA

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