Hear from a current student
Hi, my name is Yuliia, I am originally from Lviv, Ukraine. I am currently in my final year (Level 6) of the BA (Hons) Fine Art course at the University of Staffordshire.
After arriving in the UK and finding myself in a completely new country and reality, I returned to art, which had been part of my life since childhood. At first, art was a personal refuge and a form of healing, and I believed it could only remain a hobby.
When researching universities, the University of Staffordshire stood out to me because of how broadly Fine Art is approached. The course focuses not only on making art, but also on curating, exhibition-making, research, and critical reflection. This holistic approach made me confident it was the right choice.
What impressed me most was the professionalism, kindness, and genuine care of everyone involved in our education. The atmosphere is very supportive and encouraging, and you feel trusted as an artist.
The technical staff play a crucial role as well. Everyone is committed to helping students realise their ideas and think through how to make ambitious projects work, both technically and conceptually.
I came to the course with a very classical understanding of art, while the focus here is firmly on contemporary practice. Immersing myself in this environment significantly expanded my understanding of what art can be. In many ways, the growth I experienced here in one year feels comparable to what might otherwise take a decade. Access to facilities such as the ceramics workshop, metal workshop, plaster workshop, 3D workshop/Smart Zone made it possible to realise ambitious and complex projects that would have been impossible elsewhere.
This course opened new horizons for me by helping me understand contemporary art deeply, define myself as an artist, and envision a realistic and meaningful future in the field.
If I were to give one piece of advice to students starting the course, it would be to believe in yourself. This is a place where your artistic voice will be supported and allowed to grow. Use every opportunity the university offers, including facilities, workshops, exhibitions, and conversations. You will find support here, and through that support, you will find your confidence, direction, and place within contemporary art and professional life.