Ellen Barnes

Why did you choose Northumbria School of Design, and what did you know about us before you applied?

I chose to study at Northumbria because I had heard about its great reputation and after attending an open day I instantly felt comfortable and knew this was where I wanted to study.

What do you most like about Newcastle, and how do you find the city?

I love Newcastle for its friendly people, vibrant nightlife and the fact it is only a short metro ride to the beach and countryside. The city is small enough to feel at home, but big enough not to get bored.

How do you find the cost of living in Newcastle?

I find the cost of living and accommodation in Newcastle very reasonable. There are lots of student offers and discounts available for eating out and activities in the city.

Did you find the Design School welcoming?

I found the Design School very welcoming and tutors and technicians immediately made you feel at ease. All staff and students are very friendly.

How do you find your tutors and the staff within the School?

The tutors and staff are very approachable and make it easy to talk to them whether it is regarding your work or a personal issue. They are passionate about what they do and that makes the work exciting for a student.

What are the facilities like?

The facilities on campus are great with a large sewing room, lots of studio space, technicians for support in pattern cutting and sewing and computers with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. There is also a good library with great resources.

What do you like most about the School of Design?

I like the open plan studios in the Design School. It is a lively environment where students can feed off each other’s creativity and get to know students from other courses and years.

Tell me a bit about your course?

The Fashion Design degree is a four-year course where you learn pattern cutting, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator skills and construction. There is a placement year in industry, which is invaluable experience, which you learn so much from. In your final year you produce a collection of five looks for a graduate fashion show, put together a portfolio and take part in national live competitions.

If you had to pick an object to represent your course, what would it be and why?

I would pick a tape measure to represent the course, as it is something used on a daily basis that you couldn’t be without!

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date during your time with us?

The most valuable lessons I have learnt so far are about being confident about your own work and believing in yourself. The course has helped me achieve this through doing presentations, placements in industry and critiques.

If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be?

Challenging, Rewarding, Exciting

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

My advice to potential students is that it’s a fantastic university with so many facilities and things to offer. The course is hard work but very rewarding and where you will make friends for life.

What are your plans now and for the future?

My plans now are to get ready for Newcastle fashion week and Graduate fashion week. I then plan to get a job within the fashion industry either in London or abroad.