Emric
John-Sawyer

What is it about NTU that made you want to study here?

"It is one of the leading universities in design as well as being a lovely student city. My brother also came here so I was able to really understand how things worked."

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?

"The freedom gained when entering final year and applying all the previous years of information as well as the placement year. You can really apply your strengths and skills to an area of your project."

Can you tell us about your favourite memory from your time on your course at NTU?

"My favourite course memory is a mixture of two memories, but it is receiving the feedback from tutors and peers about my minor and major project and how they found it beautiful."

Has the course included any projects with external partners and if so can you talk a little bit about one you really enjoyed?

"We had to work with a company called Springvale to create a sofa-bed. This was also a peer group project so working with others really allowed us to use our strengths and delegate roles."

Has the course included any speakers / lecturers from industry - if so can you talk about one you really enjoyed?

"The course often has guest speakers and lectures from industry. I don’t have a favourite but one I found beneficial was during my second year and getting information on how to do tackle our placement year."

What do you think about the course staff – include lecturers, tutors, administrators and technical staff within this. How do they support your learning and University experience?

"The staff have been very helpful to mine and other course members thoughts. The technicians within the workshop have done a large amount of overtime to get everyone’s work done to a fantastic standard. Whilst in the final year where the pressure if at its highest, the staff really pull through to help each one of us."

What do you think about the facilities available to you at the university and on the course?

"The studio in which we use (Maudslay 350) has been open a number of times and has also extended hours often to let us get even more work done. As always the shops at Bonington, as well as the workshop shop to let us buy materials have always been helpful and useful to us.

The 24-hour library allows for any last minute changes to be done with full equipment when needed as well as other areas giving us help when needed."

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham – how does the city support your creative practice?

"I have found Nottingham very helpful as a creative. I do music outside of university and the town has been amazing in supporting me and hearing my music, as well as always providing galleries showcasing different forms of art."

How do you find the student community within the School / wider University?

"My peers this year have really banded together to help one another and become a big design family. This has also leaked out to other courses to ask anyone for help when needed."

In a nutshell, why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study in that area?

"I would 100% recommend our course to anyone looking to study Furniture and Product Design as it is one of the best universities in the country for design."

Have you completed any work placements and if so can you tell me a little bit about them – where you went, what you did, and any skills you’ve gained that will help you when you graduate?

"I did a year at a company called Inside Out Contracts, which was based in my hometown of London. This was the best possible placement for me as it allowed me to gain so much professionalism, organisation and social skills in general. The team there are like a family and I will never forget what they have done for me."

If you had to sum up your course in 3 words, what would they be?

"Challenging, Unforgettable, Wholesome."

Find out more about studying BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design at NTU.