Isabel Clapham

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds? Are there any experiences or events that led you to consider studying your course?

My interest in Graphic Design has been a consistent thread throughout my academic journey, starting throughout secondary school where I studied various forms of art and design including art, graphic design, and product design. My fascination with creative expression has naturally led me to graphic design, seeing it as a way to bring art into a more accessible and marketable form. 

Leeds University was the first university that I visited for an open day, and following this, I knew Leeds was the University for me. I particularly appreciate the campus environment, where it’s easy to overlook that you are just a short walk from the city centre. 

What aspects of the course do you enjoy the most? 

I personally enjoy the way that the course is mostly coursework based assessment. As someone who finds exams overwhelming, I prefer to see a project develop as a journey over time where I can keep building upon my ideas, using helpful feedback from my tutors along the way. I feel that this also reflects a professional environment, where you will be working on a project for an extended period of time.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study

I love that in my final year of study, we have been granted almost full creative freedom over our projects. We are encouraged to think completely out of the box however ambitious this idea might be!

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself? 

There are hundreds of societies for students at the university to get involved with, over my years studying I have engaged with the School Of Design society, the girls fitness society and the vertical fitness society. Within these societies I have taken part in weekly classes, socials, and events.

Did you take a work placement or study abroad year? If so, where did you go? how did you find this experience and what have you gained from it?

Last semester, I returned back to Leeds following my year in industry at bet365. My role at the company was a Junior UI/UX Designer. Throughout my placement I gained valuable real-world experience, including interpersonal skills and self-confidence. I also have secured a job role at the company to return when I graduate.

How do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed at Leeds will help with your career plans?

As previously mentioned, following my placement year I have been offered a job at the company after my graduation. Without the support from the university throughout the application process for the year in industry scheme, I feel it would have been much more difficult to secure a position at such a large-scale company.

What advice would you give to incoming students who are about to start their own university journey?

I would encourage new students to try and get as involved as possible at University, it is easy to be intimidated in a room full of new faces but the more you engage with your tutors and class at the school of design, the more you will gain out of the experience.