“I wasn’t sure I’d get here – now I’m starting my dream career”

When Rosie Knight was in secondary school, she wasn’t sure she’d get through her GCSEs, let alone A-levels and the chance of going to university, having battled anorexia as a teenager.

Now, she is graduating with a 2:1 degree in Popular and Commercial Music from the University of South Wales, and has already landed a rewarding role with climate change charity, Music Declares Emergency.

“I didn’t have the best experience with education when I was younger,” said Rosie. “I couldn’t attend school for two years when I was really ill with anorexia, and wasn’t sure what the future held for me. I certainly didn’t think I’d get the opportunity to do a degree.”

Rosie spent two years at The Nook – a pupil referral unit in Abersychan for young people who are unable to access mainstream education – and returned to school just two months before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

“It was a very strange end to my school life, especially as I started college in September 2020 and all of our lessons were online,” she said. “But I’m so glad I persevered and was able to go on to my ideal degree at USW.

“I’ve always wanted to study music, and was keen to stay close to Cardiff as I love the city so much. I’ve also been performing since I was a child – my sister and I would go to ballet and musical theatre classes together, so I’ve always loved music and singing.

“My dad, Andy, plays guitar and was in a band when he was younger, and that creative side has always been celebrated and encouraged in our family. In fact, I’m the first to go to university and it has truly been a team effort – Dad and my stepmum, Beth, have been the best support network I could have asked for.”

During her studies, Rosie was able to gain experience in a range of roles at Immersed Festival – an annual multimedia arts festival curated and delivered by USW students.

Each year, students across creative industries courses bring together music, film, art, design and theatre, in partnership with Music Declares Emergency and Cardiff Music City, offering real-world industry experience of producing a major live event.

Rosie said: “I initially joined Immersed as the sustainability manager, but as is often the case with this type of event, it became rather chaotic on the day and I stepped into the roles of accreditation officer and artist liaison. The whole experience made me realise that I enjoyed so many aspects of running a music festival, and I really thrived in that environment.

“I also sing with a band called Meat Dress, and we were lucky enough to play the main stage at Tramsheds during this year’s festival. Immersed was definitely the highlight of my time at USW.”

Having made a great impression on the Immersed team, Rosie was then offered an internship with Music Declares Emergency as Festival Campaigns Assistant. What was initially a 10-week placement has now turned into a paid role, with Rosie being kept on as a freelancer on events all over the UK.

Her role has seen her recruit volunteers, create social media content and support collaborations with artists to help raise awareness of the charity’s work.

“I feel so fortunate to have been given this opportunity before I’d even finished my studies, and had the chance to represent MDE at massive events like Reading and Leeds Festival, Shambala and loads more,” she said.

“The Popular and Commercial Music course focuses a lot on sustainability in the music industry, and the steps we can all take to help our planet while still enjoying live entertainment. The simplest of things, from how you travel to a gig, to venues providing reusable cups and straws, and not leaving any rubbish behind when you’re camping at a festival, can make a huge difference to our planet.

“I feel very proud to be part of a charity that’s really making a difference. This role is a fantastic route into the industry and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”