MA Concept Art

University of Staffordshire

Overall great place, very friendly and helpful all around. As a committee member for a society there has been a few issues which could be improved involving the union (as we booked a room months in advance for the event however the day of the event we were informed we weren't allowed to use the space as they did not want to turn the heating on despite approving our request in advance) but other than small situations everything has been rather perfect. Most issues I have would be rather difficult to resolve however, sometimes it is frustrating to be unable to do work unless I am using the university computers due to the software being outdated when I downloaded the same software at home using the provided student services and licenses. I do accept it is difficult to fully update all pieces of software as students are still accessing the versions being provided but there has been times I have started work at home and been unable to open it at the university, making it difficult to work on my assignment unless I work exclusively at home or exclusively at the university. My only other major issue is how loud some of the ventilation can be. I have a very difficult time differentiating sound in my brain and the loud buzzing of some equipment has made it hard to understand what the lecturers are teaching. At most this may simply be distracting to some but for me personally it can make it harder to understand the information being taught if there is multiple locations of sounds (such as the class being taught, sounds of the computers being used, eternal equipment, others talking which the lecture is occurring, etc.). Once again these issues are most likely unable to be solved but I mention them just incase. Finally, some of my courses have put clear information out about AI use and its prohibition of it (for more modern AI developments such as generative for art). While AI is at a point where it is unavoidable, I deeply appreciate that the university is showing its stance on the matter for it is a comfort to know that despite being on a course which AI is attempting to 'improve' by taking the work myself and other artists ate using without compensation, the people behind the course and teaching it are not allowing the use of such AI for our development. I have heard from others than some lecturers are pushing for AI use to be more common in university (which honestly feels rather disappointing as what is the point in paying for this degree if it is not my work behind the grade?), but there has been many efforts to band together to show what stance the students personally have in hopes of not having our work devalued due to AI being used by others. My general experince at this university has taught me a lot and helped me meet others so I can improve as a person overall. There is very little to criticise due to how smoothly everything is ran, outside of small issues which are very difficult to 'resolve' or are commonly caused by my own personal situation which they cannot change. After being here for almost 2 years I feel like I have a solid grasp on what and who I wish to be in the future, thanks to the university's support after being stuck in life after college.

Great teachers that help with projects and teach us manually new skills. However, the time to complete a project is too short which stops us from using our full potential

Close accom and great acitivities and student social life however being in stoke on trent means not much to do but the stuff at the uni but overall great place to spent your time studying

I like the classroom and creative library, jason and clara are my favourite lecturers however the class is really loud and sometimes can be overwhelming, aside from that im enjoying the course so far and i have many friends

I think the facilities are fine and have everything we need in terms of the uni. I love the Cadman building especially because the old school feel it has to it and overall the uni is just right for me