ART STUDENT TESTIMONIES

Studying my degree at Leeds City College has enabled me to develop as a person and in my career. Leeds City College has given me great support to succeed in my studies, my tutors guided me through university and I am so proud to leave with a BA (Hons) Degree in Art Enterprise. Being inspired by the support and teaching I received, I am now studying at the University Centre to complete my PGCE to become an art teacher myself.

Why did you choose to study at the University Centre at Leeds City College?

I felt comfortable coming back to Leeds City College as I already knew the tutors from my BTEC at Thomas Danby.

What did you enjoy most about studying at the University Centre at Leeds City College?

I loved the atmosphere. I found it easier to study and received a lot of support from my tutors. There was also a balance between academic and social activity and this helped me to grow as a person and as a student.

What work experience did you complete whilst at college and what did you gain from these experiences?

I produced work for the Deer Shed Festival. We had to work towards a live brief and it was great experience working within the creative industry. I had the opportunity to work with toddlers and the elderly, running art workshops. I also had a chance to curate exhibitions within my local community. These opportunities showed me the different routes there are within the art industry.

Where are you working now?

I am studying my PGCE at Leeds City College and I am doing my placement at Park Lane Campus.

What does your job involve?

Teaching art to students who are 16 and above.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to work in your industry?

Prepare yourself for a very intense year of studying, with excellent rewards throughout.

How do you apply the skills you learnt on the course in your job role?

The knowledge I have acquired in the art industry is vital in my job role, as I am not only teaching students art but teaching them employability skills as well.

What advice would you give to someone who is unsure about what degree to choose/whether a degree is for them?

I would advise them to make an appointment and come down to the University Centre and speak to the students. Their knowledge and experiences are invaluable and they will get a better sense of what courses are on offer and if it is right for them.

Throughout my time studying within the University Centre at Leeds City College I have not only grown and developed my creative practice as an artist, but I have learnt a great deal about the steps that will help in becoming a working artist in the world outside of university.

Not only has this degree strengthened my making skills, but by having regular artist talks and guest speakers within classes it has helped to develop my understanding of how being an artist, or a person involved within a creative industry or business, really works, and how I can push to achieve these things post graduation.

This unique course provides students with knowledge of the surrounding art world and opens doors to the different opportunities that are in and around the Leeds area for students and aspiring artists to get involved in. Every tutor has time for you both as a student and an artist, giving guidance and advice, allowing you to develop your own styles and ideas within your practice.

I am currently volunteering for a Leeds based art walk/event called Come Find Us, which runs on the first Friday of every month. I met the founder of CFU through my degree. This opportunity has allowed me to take part in setting up the events as well as having an active role on the evenings themselves and in doing so I am continuing to meet many more likeminded people and learning invaluable things which is helping me to further develop myself as a practising artist.