Student experiences in Art and Design

Undergraduate

Our Art and Design degrees will help you make the most out of your higher education experience; connecting you with industry professionals through opportunities to visit conventions and events, as well as a programme of inspirational guest lecturers.

You’ll get the opportunity to develop strong teamworking and communication skills through working on collaborative projects. You’ll also be able to develop a memorable portfolio of creative work by entering national design competitions and working on live creative briefs from big brands. There’s also the chance to exhibit and market your work at different events, including our annual Art and Design Showcase, which attracts big names from across the sector every year.

Our main campus is in Stoke-on-Trent, a city bathed in ceramic heritage and full of artistic muse and inspiration, ideally located within the heart of Staffordshire – the Creative County. With a culture and history that embodies the art of making, where better to perfect your craft?

 

Take part in the Art and Design Showcase

The annual Art and Design Showcase features the creative work of over 200 students graduating from our BA (Hons) Art & Design and Media, Performance & Communication courses, as well as our highly regarded MA Ceramics degree.

Hundreds of visitors usually attend the event each year, including industry professionals, University VIPs, students’ friend and family, local school children and the general public.

Our students

The course offers a great experience throughout multiple design disciplines, with lecturers who've worked in industry and run successful design businesses. They offer the best educational experience and want to share their knowledge to give the best learning opportunities. It didn’t feel like just going to university it just felt like home!

Ross Mountford

3D Designer Maker

The guest speakers are a bonus, as you’re able to listen to actual artists and get ideas in relation to materials and use them in your own way within your work. A highlight speaker for me was Raisa Kabir -  although I wasn’t a textile artist, I become more interested in the use of different fabrics and materials, as well as embroidery, after hearing her talk.

Tamzin Brereton

Art and Design Foundation

Staffs was an experience unlike any other. As animation software is expensive, they’ve made sure there are a good number of computers for students. The staff are incredible too. They’ve been there when I’ve asked for help and offered alternative solutions. I don’t think I would have advanced as an animator or artist if they weren’t supporting me and pushing me to try new things. I owe a lot to them for that and will forever be grateful. 

Kalina Kolchevska

Animation

The course allows you to explore every avenue as an artist and really work out what it is that you enjoy. It also provides you with skills that will stay with you as you continue your artistic journey: how to document your design processes, how to visualise and present your ideas. It provides you with an essential base to build on as a creative practitioner. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Rachel Clay

3D Designer Maker

Art and Design Degree Show 2022

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Explore the work of the students who exhibited at this year's Art and Design Degree Show.

Breaking boundaries - Fine Art Degree Show 2022

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Fine Art student, Hannah talks about her practice which explored breaking the boundaries of tradition picture frames and letting her work breathe in a wider exhibition space.

A bold splash of colour - Fashion Degree Show 2022

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Fashion Degree Show, Eve explains how her love of illustration were incorporated into her final-year designs, inspired by queer and feminist art.

Is the Internet our friend? - Art Foundation Degree Show 2022

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Art Foundation student Alina, talks about her relationship with the internet and its affect on her mental health.

Greek myths and colourful cocktails - Illustration Degree Show 2022

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Illustration students Amy and Charlotte talk about their final-year work which explored everything from Greek myths and deforestation to colourful cocktail recipes.

Photography Showcase 2021 - Vicki

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Photography student, Vicki takes us through her final-year project which forms part of the 2021 Art and Design Showcase.

Foundation Art and Design Showcase 2021 - Jioni

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Our Foundation Art and Design lets you sample lots of different practices, work in our studios and get familiar with campus life at Staffs before moving onto your main degree.

Graphic Design Showcase 2021 - James

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Graphic Design graduate James, talks about his Fibrosis Sans typeface and desire to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis.

Surface Pattern and Textile Design Showcase 2021

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Lauryn Edwards introduces the work of the final-year Surface Pattern and Textile Design students at our Art and Design Showcase 2021.

Fashion - Designing for the Future

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Fashion students Chloe and Masuma talk about their work on industry briefs tackling 21st century issues of fast fashion and sustainability.

Daby Obiechafu - Fine Art

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Fine Artist, Daby talks about creative field trips, inspiring artist talks and the confidence a Fine Art degree has given her.

Art and Design Showcase

Our friendly enquiries team are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your course, life at Staffordshire University and much more.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021