Kathryn
Harwood

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“I came to an open day to visit NTU and really liked the way the University is based in the city centre. It felt like there would always be lots going on within the University and the city itself.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?
“The amount of different materials we can experiment with and combine within our work. I have chosen to specialise in glass, but as Year One allowed us to try out a variety of materials and techniques, I know I can go into woodwork or ceramics and always use them within my pieces.

“There is also a really good sense of community within the studios with students from all different material specialisms suggesting things to each other.”

Has the course included any live projects?
“During Year One we were set a live project by Johnson Tiles where we visited the factory to speak to the designers. We were given a theme by them and were left to research trends and create our own tile design to present to them. This was a really good project as it gave us an insight into how such products are designed within the industry and the entire process from researching trends, designing and pitching. The project involved working as a group so it gave us a good idea of what it is like to work with others on a design project.”

Has the course included any guest speakers?
“Artist Chris Wight came in to talk to us about his ceramic work and also spoke about working alongside Wedgwood which was really interesting. Following his lecture we had the opportunity to complete a workshop with him - he showed us how to create the moulds for ceramics that he spoke about within his lecture.”

How do you find the course staff?
“All of the teaching staff on the Decorative Arts course are extremely helpful. The practical tutors are always available to ask questions to about your work and guide you in the right direction. The technical staff are always interested in what you are making, and if you ever find an issue with something they will try and help you fix it as they care about your work just as much as you do.”

How do you find the facilities?
“The studios are great; each student is provided with their own desk throughout the three years on the course, which isn’t seen at many other universities. The workshops are also full of the best equipment and as a decorative arts student you have access to a lot of workshops in print, wood, metal, glass and ceramics. The course also invests in new equipment regularly such as the new 3D ceramic printer.”

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
“What I like about Nottingham is that the city is always buzzing with things to do and is full of culture. With Light Night, music festivals and the Goose Fair there is always something to do when you’re not studying.

"There are also some really good places to visit such as the castle where they have one of the oldest Decorative Arts collections in the country! Transport is brilliant with frequent buses and trams running late into the night meaning you can get across the city really easily.”