Rebecca's UWTSD Experience
Name: Rebecca Davies
Course: MDes in Surface Pattern and Textiles
Previous Studies: Level 3 Foundation Year at Afan College, part of NPTC
Hometown: Briton Ferry, Swansea
Rebecca's MDes in Surface Pattern and Textiles Experience
What was your favourite thing about the Swansea campus?
Throughout the Swansea College of Art buildings, one of my favourite things was seeing students’ artwork on display. It was inspiring and gave you a glimpse into other programmes.
Within the Surface Pattern studio specifically, that all year groups share, the studio layout created a nurturing environment. Seeing the work of students throughout different stages of their education was incredibly motivating. It allowed me to visualise the skill level I could achieve and provided a clear path for my own development. This setup fostered a supportive atmosphere where we could learn from each other and see the progression possible within our field.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
I heard about UWTSD when one of their students came to visit my college to share her experiences. She showed us her sketchbook and the honest feedback she gave about the course stuck with me. Before then I hadn’t considered going to uni.
After this interest was sparked, I thought about studying in London, but after lots of research, decided that UWTSD would be the right place for me because of its supportive nature and ratio of tutors to students.
My interview solidified my decision to go after seeing the incredible studio space and meeting the tutors.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
I focused a lot of my time on the course, trying to find inspiration for my work, and Swansea was a great place for that with a rich art culture and plenty of inspiring scenery around us. I enjoyed day trips to gardens and wetlands around South Wales with friends which inspired a lot of my sketches and patterns. The architecture and artwork on buildings around Swansea is great too and I got a lot of ideas from that.
Because of the vibrant art scene there, it’s also a great place to find opportunities, showcase your work and connect with others from the creative industry, so I tried to do as much of this as possible.
What are you doing now, how did you get to where you are and how has your course helped you in your career?
I am currently working at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in their Bespoke Design team, and I secured this role through a paid internship opportunity provided by my course at UWTSD.
My course prepared me well for professional opportunities, emphasising the development of practical skills and providing real-world experiences. From learning about trends, to writing briefs and understanding design processes, this preparation, combined with the support from my lecturers, helped me succeed in the interview and transition smoothly into my current role. After my internship came to end, I secured a permanent role here.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
There was so much I loved about the course but one of the best things about it was the people! I always felt supported and encouraged by my tutors to push myself creatively. They always provided realistic feedback and challenged us to think critically about our design choices which prepares you for professional scenarios.
Within the studio space, you are surrounded by like-minded people and the non-competitive, supportive atmosphere fosters a sense of community and collaboration, which has been essential for my growth as a designer. There is even flexibility within the course to collaborate or cross over with other courses, which is a unique experience.
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
Yes, I would! What I learnt that day in college from the student who spoke to us about her experience of UWTSD, plus everything I discovered when doing my research, was all proven true.
The emphasis on practical skills, combined with giving students the opportunities to showcase work and engage with industry professionals is what sets it apart, as well as the supportive teaching staff, who can give you their time as classes are a comfortable size meaning you’re also not competing to use the facilities and equipment.
My experience at UWTSD provided me with the skills, confidence and connections, and I found this right on my doorstep!
