Katie
Webb

What made you choose to study at NTU?"I chose to study at NTU for a number of reasons, but I think the biggest incentive was the tutors. When I came for my interview I couldn't help but notice the exceedingly friendly, relaxed and supportive relationship between the tutors and students."

What do you enjoy most about your course?
"I love the freedom of the course, I can pursue anything I want to! I've recently been exploring my illustrative skills and I have had a lot of support from a tutor who is a freelance illustrator. The high contact time with tutors is also a huge bonus and is something that really makes this course stand out against other universities."

Has the course included any speakers or lecturers from industry?"On average we have a guest lecturer every other week from a range of industry areas. It's so inspirational to hear from people who were in the same position as us at university, and who have gone on to achieve amazing things in the creative world."

Can you tell us a little bit about the Roses Student Awards?"I found out about the Roses Student Awards through my tutors who are all so supportive and encouraging. The brief I worked on was called Waterways, and it was set in partnership with the Canal & River Trust. I had to come up with a way of incentivising the public to spend more time at their local river or canal.

"When I found out that I'd won my brief, I quite literally fell to the ground in shock! At the time I was in London on a placement (which my tutors had also helped me to secure), so one of my friends messaged me and told me the good news. I couldn't believe it, I was absolutely over the moon!

"I think it's really important to put yourself forward and enter your work in competitions like this for so many reasons. Firstly, they show your drive and enthusiasm for design and people always respect passion. They also give you experience of preparing your work to a high, industry standard."

Why would you recommend studying Graphic Design at NTU?
"I can't speak highly enough of the Graphic Design course at NTU. The tutors are so encouraging and friendly, and create an environment for us to become successful designers. The projects are so varied and promote the development of a wide range of skills. The facilities are outstanding, and the School of Art & Design has such a rich heritage. Nottingham is a wonderful place to live, everything is so close that I can literally walk from my flat to the city centre in 15 minutes."

Can you tell us about the work placement you completed?
"I spent a month working at Springetts Brand Design Consultants in London which was the result of being put forward by my tutors after completing a branding project at the start of Year Two. I worked alongside junior and senior designers, artworkers, visualisers and creative directors, and learnt so much about the industry. I was so nervous on my first day as it's such a prestigious company who have won so many awards for their work on various brands like Twinings and Pret a Manger, but once I'd settled in I loved every second!"

Where do you hope to be in five years' time?"I've always been really passionate about environmental conservation, climate change and animal protection and in my spare time I volunteer for the wildlife trust. I'd love to be able to combine my love for design and my interest in environmental issues to bring about change for the better."

Find out more about NTU's success at the MPA Roses student awards.