Emily Jardine

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, or anything you think is relevant?
I’m a 23-year-old Masters’ Degree student in Creative and Professional Practice (specialising in Textiles) at Newcastle College University Centre. My background includes a passion for nature and the outdoors, which are a big influence in my art practice. I explore a range of mediums, including screen printing, photography, digital art and lino printing; I also run a small business selling prints and screenprints on the side, and I work as a social media manager for my course.

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree at Newcastle College University Centre?
I chose to study at Newcastle College because it was the first place I’ve ever studied where I had teachers that truly believed in me and my abilities, and always pushed me to be better.

What was it about this course that made you want to study a Masters’ Degree at Newcastle College University Centre?
The unique combination of creative practice and professional development in this course really stood out to me. I appreciated the flexibility to explore my own artistic projects while gaining practical skills relevant to the industry. The course aligns perfectly with my goals to deepen my expertise in textiles and gain insights that will support my creative business. My work has made incredible strides each year I’ve spent at this school, so when the opportunity arose to push myself even further, I didn’t hesitate! The chance to build on the progress I’d already made and to elevate my skills in such a supportive and resource-rich environment was too good to pass up.

What benefits do you think there are in studying a postgraduate degree at Newcastle College University Centre?
Studying here has provided access to top-notch equipment and studios, but it’s more than just the facilities. The networking opportunities, industry-led projects and tailored guidance have been invaluable. The tutors here offer mentorship rooted in real-world experience, which helps to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

What are the facilities like at the University Centre for your course, and more broadly as a student?
The facilities are fantastic, especially for creative disciplines! We have access to high-quality studios, printmaking equipment, digital labs and workshop spaces that allow us to experiment with a range of mediums. Having these resources has made it easy to bring my ideas to life without the need to outsource tools or materials. I don’t know what I would do or where I would be now without these facilities.

What do you enjoy the most about your postgraduate degree?
I love the creative freedom the course offers and the encouragement to develop my own style and voice. But overall, I love the people I’ve met, I’ve made friends for life and found mentors who will bend over backwards to support me. It’s a rare experience to be part of a community that is equally passionate about art and innovation as I am!

What inspires you?
Nature is a huge inspiration for me, particularly the intricate details and colours found in the natural world. I find that observing my surroundings helps me capture authenticity in my work, whether through textiles, photography or printmaking.

Tell us about how you have worked with industry whilst studying your degree (i.e., talks / live briefs / projects).
I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by incredible brands and businesswomen, including Surphacephelia and Jo Shippen, who have guided me to grow professionally and creatively. Their mentorship encouraged me to take initiative and source my own creative briefs, like my work with Dark Turtle. Over the years, I’ve also had the chance to attend inspiring talks by industry leaders and innovators, including Burberry and Trend Bible, which have expanded my understanding of the industry and fuelled my ambition.

How do you think learning from industry-experienced tutors has benefitted you?
Our tutors’ firsthand industry experience brings a wealth of knowledge that goes beyond textbooks. They offer practical advice, share personal stories and provide guidance on navigating both the creative and business aspects of the art world. Their mentorship has prepared me for the realities of working in a creative industry, including client relations and managing a creative practice.

How would you describe the staff at the University Centre?
The staff at the University Centre are supportive, approachable and passionate about helping students succeed. They treat each of us as individuals, offering personalised advice and genuinely caring about our personal and professional growth. This level of support has made a big difference in my confidence and skill development – they're truly some of the best people I’ll ever meet.

Have you overcome any challenges either before or whilst studying for your degree?

Honestly, ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ became a big part of my attitude towards university...until, eventually, it wasn’t fake anymore!

What kinds of support have you received during your studies?
The University Centre offers various forms of support, from academic tutoring to mental health services, which are always available whenever you need them and whatever the reason.

What has been the highlight of your time studying at Newcastle College University Centre?
One of the highlights was preparing for my first market stall, which allowed me to showcase and sell my work publicly. The encouragement I received from both tutors and classmates made this milestone even more rewarding, and now I’ve grown to love sharing my work.

What’s Newcastle like as a student city, in your experience?
Newcastle is a fantastic student city, with a friendly atmosphere, affordable living and a strong creative community. There are always cultural events, galleries and pop-up markets happening, so there’s never a lack of inspiration or things to do outside of studying. It’s really easy to get around and you’ll never run out of places to go, things to do or great football to watch!

In what ways do you think your degree at Newcastle College University Centre has prepared you for employment?
The course has given me both creative skills and practical experience with professional projects. Working on live briefs and gaining feedback from industry professionals has prepared me for client interactions, deadlines and maintaining a creative business. I feel well-equipped for a range of roles in the creative industry.

What are your plans for after your graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue developing my small business, expand my portfolio and explore more opportunities in textile and print design. I’d also like to collaborate with other artists and potentially work on projects that highlight environmental themes, as sustainability is a large part of my work and it’s incredibly important to me to take responsibility for representing nature through creativity as the next generation of artists.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about studying a postgraduate degree at Newcastle College University Centre?
My advice would be to embrace all the opportunities to network, experiment and learn from industry professionals. The resources and support are incredible, but you also have to be proactive, work hard and make the most of what’s offered to grow creatively and professionally. Why wouldn’t you take the opportunity to further your work with both hands at a place like this?

Describe your student experience in three words.
Motivating, empowering, inspiring.

What are your top five tips for studying at Newcastle College?

1. Take advantage of all the facilities – squeeze every last drop you can out of them while you have the opportunity.

2. Network with peers and attend as many industry talks as possible – as my gran says, a smile goes a long way!

3. Never count yourself out – other people might do that, but if you always believe in yourself then you can’t go wrong.

4. Document everything in the creative process – it'll come back to help you in the end.

5. Don’t be scared – studying your Masters’ might be daunting, but this is your opportunity to become the creative you want to be, so get out there and seize the moment!

How have the skills you gained at Newcastle College University Centre helped you in your professional career?
The confidence that Newcastle College University Centre has imbued in me over the last year is immeasurable - I’m a different person now from when I first started, I can’t thank everyone involved enough!