The building is quite poorly designed for creativity. The layout is confusing but you do eventually get used to it. The main issue is that- because most courses don't have a permanent space, there are too few rehearsal rooms, departments that often collaborate are separated across floors- you feel quite lonely on campus. There is very little sense of camaraderie, you have to compete for space, you barely see anyone on site, and there are two small indoor social areas (a weird hallway, and the bar) . They did recently respond to complaints about social areas by getting rid of a staircase that broke on of them up, but that has made little difference. Most courses work alongside visiting practitioners (usually directors), who seem to be very poorly briefed. They have very little awareness on the course requirements of students, and as they are not teachers it is hit and miss as to whether they can provide an enriching educational experience for the students they work alongside. The location is fantastic. Not the most expensive place to find accommodation, not too near the centre or too far out. The school is directly outside of a underground station and surrounded by supermarkets and pubs and parks. Across the road is the Hampstead Theatre which often has better wifi, and offered regular discounted tickets.

• Facilities 3.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 3.0
• Campus look and feel 1.0
• Student life 3.0
• Students' union 4.0

All 3 years work from one large room. Lots of light, could be bigger but not overwhelmingly cramped as long as you get along with your class. Looks out onto a nice roof terrace that few people utilise so it's a great spot to take a break from work without needing to take the long walk down and out of the department. You rarely see tutors, it is not a hands on course and tutors function mostly to tell you what your learning objectives are and to check in every week or so. Mostly, the learning will be up to you which some love and some find frustrating. There isn't a very good student/teacher relationship (although I imagine this changes year to year). Nothing is supplied for you, you have to buy all equipment. However, they do now recycle a large amount of material. I got a great placement but it was entirely organised by me. Being in London gives you a great chance to find these for yourself. I have heard of tutors connecting students up with placements but they are not much more connected than we are. At the end of the 3rd year there is a term called Future Planning, dedicated to the development of your portfolio and preparation for an exhibition. This is the most all departments see of each other and is quite exciting. It also gives professionals the opertunity to scout new designers.

• Course content 2.0
• Work placements and internships 4.0
• Lecturers and teaching quality 1.0
• Career prospects 4.0
• Tutor contact time 1.0
• Subject facilities 3.0