Cayleigh
Hawkins

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“NTU was my first choice university based on the type of course, content and location. Talking to previous students during the interview day really opened my eyes to the benefits of coming to study at NTU.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?
“I started off studying Textile Design but found that it wasn’t the right course for me. With the flexibility offered to me, I was able to switch to Fashion Accessory Design. This course has allowed me to work more freely with leather and always have a final product in the end.”

Congratulations on being awarded £3,000 courtesy of the The Leathersellers’ Charitable Fund! Can you tell us a little bit about this?
“At the beginning I thought it was a long shot, as the interview process was out of my comfort zone and quite daunting. I found it hard to read their reaction when I showed them my work, which made me doubt whether I would get any kind of award.

“When I did hear back from them a few months later, I was ecstatic and couldn’t believe that I had been so fortunate to be awarded some funding to go towards my final collection. This funding will allow me to fully explore my concepts with all types of materials and processes.”

How do you find the course staff?
“The tutors are fully supportive with all the decisions we make as students. There is always someone to talk to get advice and guidance with my practice. My tutor Lee Mattocks helped me with my concerns regarding the Leathersellers’ application process and advised me with what I should take to the interview in London.”

Why would you recommend studying Fashion Accessory Design at NTU?
“Being quite a quiet person when I first started university, I had so many worries and concerns. However, on arrival I met so many new people and everyone is in the same position. Freshers' week made me feel very welcome and took a lot of my worries and concerns away. From a course point of view, anyone that has an interest in accessory design would have free range to explore their creativity with the help and support of the friendly staff and students here.”