Rachel
Ward

Why did you choose NTU and your course?
Having previously done my undergraduate studies at NTU I knew that Trent had excellent facilities and great teaching staff that encourage creativity, innovation and cross-disciplinary design. The lecturers here all want you to do the best you can and are really supportive both academically and personally as well. This course also provided me with the option to undertake an
advanced research module. This was brilliant as it allowed me to spend time developing meaningful research that holds significant value in the context of future thinking.

What’s your favourite thing about your course? 

My favourite thing about the course is how easy it is to access different workshops outside your chosen subject. They help induct you into different areas and encourage you to push your creativity. This has meant I have been able to develop my work as a multi-disciplinary practitioner.

How have you found the course facilities?
The course facilities at NTU are great. Many things are free to access including amazing software and technology. Those things that aren’t free are heavily discounted for students.

Have you worked on any live briefs or competitions?
During my undergraduate degree, I worked on a ROMO Black Edition interior design lives brief, in which my team were built up of
students with multiple textile disciplines which was great. I also was shortlisted for the RSA Material Stories competition. I and my partner worked on creating an innovative project trying to tackle waste dye pollution by developing a material that can change colour, eliminating the need for the dyeing process altogether!

Has your course included any guest speakers or industry trips? What have you enjoyed about this?
Across the art and design courses, we are fortunate to have frequent guest speakers who are innovators in their creative fields. These are great as they have allowed me to consider different careers in the industry I wasn’t aware of. It is also very inspiring to see people who were once in our shoes achieving their goals. We are also lucky enough to have regular industry tutorials with inspirational professionals in the art and design field. These are invaluable in regard to gaining different opinions on our work from people who are currently at the centre of the industry.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?
Vibrant, fun and independent.

What do you think of the creative and cultural scene in Nottingham? Is Nottingham a good city for an Art & Design student?
There are a couple of galleries in Nottingham which is great for such a small city! My favourite is the Lakeside Gallery which hosts the Luminarium twice a year! There are also lots of independent shops and bars in the Lace market which are great for inspiration!

Where would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?
100% got to be Annies Burger Shack in the lace market, probably the best burgers I’ve ever had! Wollaton Hall is another great place to visit for some much needed fresh air and loads of cute deer to see! If you could give new students some advice, what would it be? Try and get involved in as many things as possible! There are so many great opportunities and experiences to be had here at
Nottingham Trent and everyone is super friendly and kind so if in doubt about anything just ask!

What do you think of the course staff?
The course staff have been amazing in supporting my
development during my time at Trent. They have provided me with some great opportunities, for example, lecturing and mentoring
which have really helped me define my career direction. In my experience, they have been excellent in pushing me to do the best I can whilst allowing me the freedom to develop my own voice as a designer.

Have you used any of the student support services or NTU’s Employability team? How have you found this experience?
I have used the employability team to check over my CV and portfolio and they have been great at giving advice about how to engage in life after NTU. They also give us lectures and workshops on how to increase our employability.

About the future...

What’s next for you after NTU? 

After NTU I hope to gain experience in the creative field specifically a research and development role surrounding sustainability and future thinking. After several years I hope to continue my studies to PHD level and redirect my career toward lecturing.

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?
Yes, they have been great in helping to refine my CV and portfolio and directing me to different job search engines.