Student Profiles

Aaron Paterson – BA (Hons) Design For Publishing year 3

Before moving to England I studied Fine Art at The Cooper Union in Manhattan, New York then moved to London to study for my foundation diploma. London felt too similar to New York though and I wanted to experience other elements of English culture, so I decided to move out of the capital for my degree.

I looked round several places before coming to an open day at NUCA and was really impressed. I like Norwich because it’s a quiet, cosy place to live and study and the courses are highly rated.

I chose Design For Publishing because my main interests are typography and editorial design for magazines and newspapers.

I’m really happy that I chose NUCA. Norwich has some amazing architecture and I love the local accent. It’s just like something out of a book and exactly how I imagined it would be.

I’m aiming to get a job in publishing when I graduate. I’ve already completed a work placement with an award winning local company and I’m hoping they’ll offer me a permanent post next year as I’d love to stay in Norwich.

Sayumphorn Janthasorn – BA (Hons) Photography year 1

After finishing school I worked at a local primary school in Thailand for a year, as I wanted to make sure I chose the right subject for my degree. I’ve always been into art but after borrowing a camera from a friend I got hooked on photography.

I decided I wanted to study in England as the educational standards are high and after looking at various options online I sent away for a NUCA prospectus. The Photography course has a really good reputation and once I decided NUCA was my first choice I sent some of my work to the tutors and they offered me a place.

I think Norwich is just the right size as there’s a lot going on but you can get to know your way round easily. The city has a good mixture of the old and new which really appeals to me. I’ve also really enjoyed meeting people from other parts of the UK, such as London, Manchester and Wales.

When I graduate I plan to work as a photographer for a local company or do some freelance photography work, as I’m hoping to stay in Norwich.

Justine Alford – BA (Hons) Illustration year 1

After leaving school I got a job designing promotional material for a company in Calcutta, but shortly afterwards I decided I wanted to study for a degree. I completed my Foundation Diploma at a college in England which had been recommended to me by an agent in India. I enjoyed the course but decided the place wasn’t right for me so I attended lots of open days around the country before opting for NUCA.

There’s a close knit community feel that you don’t get at larger universities and as a result the tutors always have time for you. My course is very flexible but the schedule of work set really helps keep me focussed. There’s a lot of interaction and we’re encouraged to discuss our ideas with each other, which helps generate creative solutions to the brief’s we’re given. I’ve also made lots of friends on other courses as we share studio space in the first year.

Norwich appealed to me because it has a bustling, vibrant city centre but the area I live in, which is a little way out of the centre, is quiet and peaceful.

When I graduate I hope to work in magazine publishing and would love to stay in the local area.

Elisabeth Heathfield – MA Fine Art year 1

I came to study for my MA at NUCA directly after completing my BA degree in Toronto, Canada. I knew I wanted to come to England but wasn’t sure which part of the country, so I looked all over before settling on Norwich.

Norwich’s rich history appealed to me and the city is well laid out so it’s easy to get everywhere. There’s also a great sense of community but you’re less than two hours away from London.

Norwich has everything you need and the university college has great links with the local arts community. NUCA has a really fresh feel and is growing all the time so the facilities are first class.

Because the campus is in the heart of the city I think NUCA enriches Norwich and has a positive influence on the whole city.

When I finish my MA I’m thinking of staying at NUCA to do a PhD as I feel the city encourages creativity.