Jessica Edwards

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, or anything you think is relevant?   

After I finished studying at sixth form, I came to Newcastle College to study the the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. I was doing a lot of photography as part of the course and I was inspired by Drag make-up at that time - unfortunately, the pandemic then happened so my course was cut short. 

I decided to enrol in a 10-week part-time make-up course at the College and I loved it! I studied my Level 2 and then Level 3 and progressed to a full degree in Advanced Techniques in Media and Semi-Permanent Make-Up. I am now studying the BA (Hons) Advanced Principles in Media Make-Up (Top-Up) and loving it! 

What was it about this course that made you want to study a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?  

I thought I could combine what I was doing with my art with make-up, it was a natural progression for me. I was comfortable here and I knew the staff and campus, so I decided to stay. 

It’s also the only course like it in the region so the convenience of staying in Newcastle was ideal for me. 

What benefits do you think there are in studying at Newcastle College University Centre?  

I have had a lot of help and support whilst I’ve studied at the University Centre. Kat has been my tutor for a few years now and she’s really helpful and always there to chat if I have any problems. I have previously had a mentor and worked with the counselling team; they’ve been so helpful. I have annual checkups to check my progress and help with my ADHD. 

What are the facilities like at the University Centre for your course, and more broadly as a student?  

They’re brilliant! We use industry-standard clinical rooms when doing the semi-permanent make-up part of the course which is just like industry. 

Outside of classes we like to use the HE Hub and the Turnbull Suite. The HE Hub is great for grabbing a bite to eat or a drink after lessons and downstairs in the Turnbull Suite is a nice collaborative space. My friends and I go there after classes to do some work… or usually have a chat!  

There are support coaches there all the time too if you need any help with your work - they’re all really nice and approachable. 

What do you enjoy the most about your degree?  

I love that we get to learn new techniques! For example, I did do a bit of sculpting and pottery stuff before this course but obviously, it's in a different way to having to work with plaster and clay! 

What inspires you?  

I’m quite into films and SFX make-up. I'm doing my dissertation on the old Universal Monster characters which is going to be fun! I plan to incorporate that with what I'm doing at the moment by making a mask inspired by the Creature of the Black Lagoon. 

Tell us about how you have worked with industry whilst studying your degree (i.e. talks / live briefs / projects).  

As part of my degree, we have been learning lots of different techniques and have had so much industry insight from guest speakers. 

We’ve had Michael come to speak to us - he works in the TV industry. He previously worked as the Head Make-Up Artist on The Dumping Ground and taught us about installing wigs and prosthetic make-up which was so fascinating.  

We've also had Steffi Berghmans come to speak to us, she’s a sculptor from Krylon. She does a lot of prosthetics and has taught us a lot about Krylon’s techniques. We were shown different ways to sculpt and add texture which is really helpful for our course.  

Also, we've had Ellis come in from the TV show ‘Glow Up.’ He's got a more sort of relaxed approach and uses a lot of social media. He was very honest about how you have to back yourself in the industry, so hearing from him was really insightful!  

How do you think learning from industry-experienced tutors has benefitted you?  

Kat is amazing, she's had her own studios before teaching and has a wealth of knowledge from all different parts of the industry. She's worked in retail so she has taught us about the customer experience part of the job and how that can be different from working on a set where it needs to be efficient because you have another 10 people to get into make-up.  

She's got loads of experience with the tattooing as well. We've done microblading lip blush, eyeliner, powder brows and medical tattooing, like reconstructive work and scar camouflage. I've never done anything like that, it’s just really interesting as well. 

How would you describe the staff at the University Centre?  

We get on so well with the staff at the University Centre.  Tina literally remembers everyone's face and Dougie, who's still quite new, is really great. Everyone's just very nice and approachable. 

What kinds of support have you received during your studies?  

This year I've been in touch with the Academic Coaches to help with my writing as it’s been a bit of a jump at Level 4, it's like a different type of writing to master. It's easy to arrange a session and they’re very helpful. 

What are your plans after you graduate?  

I’m hoping to get into the film industry. There’s going to be a lot more films being made in the North East in the next few years so I’m hoping I can stay up here rather than move down to London. 

Describe your student experience in three words.  

Creativity, connections, and communication. 

What are your top tips for studying at Newcastle College?  

1.Go to Student Services as early as you can to get your bursary and student finance sorted. 

2. Go and explore campus and use the study spaces like Parson TEN and the Turnbull Suite. 

3. Don't forget your lanyard.

4. Be sociable and go to student events!