The world really can be your oyster on this course! We have an amazing and enviable range of digital equipment and facilities including luxurious computer suites, laser cutters and engravers, digital textile printers, a digital embroiderer and water jet cutter. Our non-digital equipment is equally impressive with full facilities for dyeing, screen printing, stitch, metalwork and much more. In addition to this, you will have your own personal space in our lively, light and airy studio accommodating all three years of the course. The programmes set out to enable you to develop your own art/design practice with a growing awareness and understanding of the issues and skills related to your chosen disciplines. The pathways share a common first year that provides you with an intensive taught period introducing ideas, practices, materials and techniques via a structured set of projects, workshops and study visits. Towards the end of the first year you choose which of the programmes is most appropriate for you to pursue in the 2nd and 3rd year. The Applied Arts pathway focuses on concepts and issues, which are realised through a variety of approaches and materials. Out multi-disciplinary programme provides the framework for students to develop dynamic and innovative ideas. The central philosophy is to foster, yet challenge the creativity of those, who are well motivated and versatile and who will enjoy experimenting with a range of materials. Your journey on this course will lead you towards a clear artistic expression of ideas as an artist, designer/maker or designer.

Our students graduate from our programme pathways with both specialist and wide ranging skills, providing considerable employment potential within their chosen fields and beyond. The many transferrable skills they acquire enhance their employability, often in surprising and unexpected areas. We have had huge art and design employment successes over the years, far too many to mention here, but the most recent well known employers include: Jimmy Choo Monsoon Marks and Spencer John Lewis Laura Ashley Lush Cosmetics Top Shop Oliver Bonas Tom Cody Keeler Gordon Paperchase Mamas and Papas The Art Cottage Matthew Williamson Amanda Kelly Henry Holland Digitech Jac Jac Liberty’s of London Toast Mothercare Acorn Conceptual Textile Studio We take part in many national and international competitions, giving students from all pathways the opportunity to showcase their work widely, achieving many awards. They also exhibit annually at New Designers, London and Indigo, Paris, and an exciting new addition is The India National Garment Fair in New Delhi, leading to a variety of career opportunities. Our successes are diverse and far-reaching and include UK Business Woman of the Year, Drawing Prize at Welsh Artist of the Year, and winner of One Year On at New Designers. Our graduates work for companies all over the world including Europe, Asia and America. Apart from postgraduate study in the UK and abroad, graduates undertake PGCE courses. Areas of employment include fashion and interior textile studios and companies covering all aspects – children’s wear, men’s and women’s wear, accessories, wallpapers and textiles for the home, hotels and other public /corporate spaces. Applied artists set up their own studios, work for art and craft galleries, curatorial work in galleries and museums, or work in community arts and art therapy