I chose to study at Coventry University because of the University’s excellent reputation for Industrial and Transport design – the degree I studied was unique in the UK.

The University has some fantastic design facilities. I decided to take a gap year before coming to Coventry. I secured work experience in a superyacht design studio, which fuelled my passion for yacht design prior to starting my degree.

In my third year I had the opportunity to apply for a ‘professional enhancement’ placement, thanks to Coventry’s contacts in the industry. I learnt a great deal within the working environment. I currently have various designs in production on a range of yachts and I am continuing to promote my final year superyacht design project at shows and events around the world.

The University provided me with a great chance to learn key skills. Despite some long hours and lack of sleep, I can honestly say it was worth it!

When I came to a Coventry University open day, I got a really good feeling about the place. I think it’s really important to find a university that you can picture yourself living at for three years, and I like how everything at Coventry is within walking distance and that there are modern and historical aspects to the city – it’s very inspiring.  The atmosphere in the classroom is also really encouraging; everyone on the course wants to do well and our lecturers push us to do the best we can.

The course has also developed my social skills, I’ve become a social secretary for two societies in the University and it’s encouraged me to do sports and activities I never imagined myself taking part in! It really highlights how important it is to grow as an individual and gain independence away from home – which only happens when you open yourself up to change and enjoy your university life.

Coventry is an amazing environment for students, which I sometimes take for granted and I know I’ll miss it when I graduate.

I was writing and performing on the Midlands acoustic music scene and wanted to continue to do that while I was studying, which choosing my degree at Coventry enabled me to do. The university has excellent facilities and offered a course that suited me perfectly – giving me a chance to work on my writing and enhance my compositions. I would never have had the opportunity to write for a string quartet, wind section or brass band otherwise! As well as all the facilities of the University, the city offers a great music scene with loads of nights for musicians to go to and play to new audiences. The city is very lucky to have a library of fantastic musicians and a really high quality of music – my fellow students were really talented musicians. The professional practice element of the course gave me some really practical business skills too and I learnt how to market myself, as well as getting a qualification behind me that will be important if I choose to teach or go onto further study. I had the opportunity to record my first album while I was at Coventry and I’ve since headlined sell out shows and played at a number of local folk festivals as well as the prestigious troubadour – Earls Court.

As an international student, I’ve learnt a lot on my degree programme that helps me socially as well as academically – I’ve definitely been able to groom my personality!

What attracted me to the course in the first place was the course profile and the way I applied, the process was really efficient and the response was very helpful. There’s lots of great things about the degree, but in particular, the studio is really well equipped with the latest machinery and technology and I get to learn new techniques every day. The University has a really great atmosphere too, it’s really friendly and the staff are always very helpful.

The city feels really safe and the campus is well located with good transport links. The standard at the University is high and I would love to do my masters after gaining some industry experience - it’s great to make your hobby your profession with the help of a really good degree!

I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the communications industry, but wasn’t sure which area - my chosen degree at Coventry was one of the few courses that would give me a broad understanding of everything from PR to TV and film.

The University has so many brilliant facilities to help students get the most from their degree and not just in the classroom. Whilst studying, we were given the opportunity to start a radio station for the University which was supported with money donated by the University – and it’s still up and running today!

It was an opportunity to get involved in lots of different skills and to meet some new friends, who you stay in touch with long after University. I’ve also kept in touch with my course tutors, who have been a real inspiration and become good friends.

Coventry University taught me to go above and beyond what is expected and my degree gave me the start to what is now a successful freelance career in producing and directing; I’ve recently produced and directed series 6 of the X factor, as well as working on previous series’, plus “I’m a Celebrity…”, “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Big Brother” to name a few.

As an aspiring journalist, I couldn’t ask for anything more than a mix of practice and theory in the context of today’s media, and that’s exactly what I have on my degree at Coventry!

Getting involved in actually writing articles and interviewing people on the course is really interesting, you get to be part of everything and you always get a choice of assignments so you can study the things you are interested in.

As well as the course content, which is really engaging, one of the things that attracted me to Coventry was the Coventry Conversations series and the opportunities that they provide to hear some really remarkable speakers. Because I am a European student, I have benefited from lots of support from the University, including funding and part time work opportunities.

The University really invests a lot in its students and its campus; one of my favourite places to be is the start up café and their smell of Fairtrade coffee, it’s the best place to crash in between lectures!

This is a wonderful and fulfilling opportunity to study something that you’re really passionate about, and with the experience from my course, I’m ready to hit the ground running in any newsroom right now!

I chose Coventry because it’s an exciting city with lots of opportunities. Before coming here, I heard good things about this University and I was offered a scholarship.

My favourite thing about the Media Production course is that it’s really practical. I wanted to make short movies and edit them to learn and gain experience so that I can take my interests further.

There are only 60 or 70 people on my course so it’s easy to make friends within our group. The teachers are easy to talk to as well.

I think new students should join the Student’s Union – it’s a great way to meet people and join societies and clubs. The Herbert Art Gallery is a really nice place to visit, it’s traditional and it’s got great heritage.

Where other people go out to socialise, I go out to dance. I was part of a drama society in Romania for three years and I organised many theatre events and a film festival for teenagers. I like the events management side of that work and I’d quite like to do that once I’ve done a masters in media production.

Theatre and Professional Practice was a brilliant foundation for my Masters degree in Performance Practice and Research at Central School Of Speech And Drama.

The course structure was an in-depth, coherent and exciting fusion of practical and theoretical elements of live theatre and performance. Drawing on all aspects of theatre, - performing, devising, collaborating, stage management and lighting, the course invited me to explore, challenge and expand on my knowledge of theatre. The large amount of practical studio-based lessons included workshops from leading theatre practitioners and creative classes led by experienced members of staff. The course introduced ways of analysing performance within theoretical frameworks, in a non-threatening and supportive manner. This analytical approach to theatre and performance allowed me to challenge what I thought performance was, and is now something that I have continued to develop in my Masters degree.

The experienced staff members supported and tutored me throughout my final autobiographical, site specific performance and written dissertation. Their friendly and knowledgeable approach to teaching encouraged me to explore and create performance work that I was passionate about.  My experiences of Theatre and Professional Practice, especially my work in the third year has underpinned my developing practice-based research that I am under taking in my Masters degree.

My current practice-based research draws on the Feldenkrais method, phenomenology and neuroscience, it challenges the notion of what it is to be, or have a body in a performance context. The performance was a site-specific, interdisciplinary collaboration with a play write and Candoco Dance Company (a contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled dancers) exploring the body stories of each performer within the changing atmospheres of a church.

I am currently an artist associate with Candoco’s moving bodies project, a project that supports emerging artists. Without the continual support, passion and openness of the theatre practitioners and staff on the Theatre and Professional Practice course I would not have studied for my practice-based research Masters degree.

POP is a breakthrough branding exercise for Toyota that is designed to capture the attention and imagination of the youth.

It is an exciting electric vehicle that is different in conception from any other.

POP is a car for charity; it is sold as a unique edition under a different registered charity each year, promoting the chosen charity across the world.

All profits from POP go directly to the charity. It is except from tax, which maximises the profits for charity and the cost benefits for the consumer.

The global art scene influences the entire design ethos of pop; its incredible eye-catching geometric surfacing challenges the notion of automotive form.

Designed for longevity and cheapness of manufacture, it signals the end of today’s throwaway society and creates a template of sustainability that gives back to society.

Many people around the world are fascinated by Ducati motorcycles, whether they are avid bike enthusiasts or casual observers.

If Ducati were to make a vehicle other than a motorcyle what might it be like?

This project aims to explore Ducati’s character and design language in an original design for a Ducati performance vehicle.

In 2025, how will our generation experience the thrill of driving? Absolut provide the world with the purest and finest alcohol. With the same ideals applied to the manufacture of their vodka, they have created the first completely bio-ethanol powered race series in conjunction with Volvo Cars.

With taxation schemes favouring electric power trains, the Absolut Racing series provides non-professional racers with an opportunity to recapture the sensual experience of the classic engine of the 2000’s. Forget just getting from A to B. The naughtiest Volvos are coming. Absolutely Responsible. Absolutely Exhilarating. ABSOLUT RACING.

It was my aim to design a home multi gym product that would break the mould of traditional design. A home gym product that really looks like it belongs in the home. The design is aimed primarily at females and is efficient through it's practicality and discrete appearance.

In it's inactive state the design appears to be a practical item of furniture but retract it's components and it becomes the home multi gym that would fit into any living and bedroom.

The Emergency Department is an unfortunate yet integral part of modern day society. Extensive waiting periods are frequently associated with the department, annually affecting millions of people who require the urgent medical services provided.

Research has revealed that the optimum approach to improving this situation is to provide patients with more suitable information related to waiting times. This provision of knowledge removes the element of uncertainty from the already distressing situation in which patients find themselves, increasing receptiveness to the situation. Intelligent design has the ability to facilitate this change.

A 4x4/Off-Road vehicle which has a reduced impact on the environment whilst maintaining characteristics associated with this type of vehicle, reducing the stigma 4x4's receive and making it a justified way to travel in both rural and urban environments.

The design will be:

• Sustainable
• Made with bio-materials
• Fuelled with bio materials

It is a vehicle to be used for future cities/disaster scenarios.

I am designing a product aimed at providing a solution to opening twist lid bottles (eg. 2ltr type) for people with limited or no use of one hand. this product will provide the grip to break the seal and help open a variety of bottles. as this problem can effect people of all ages the product will stray away from the 'little white box' look often followed by other aid products. Making this product durable and multi-function will also be addressed in this project.

The Ben concept is a Virgin branded electric city car with big personality. Ben is a new symbol of British design, a sensorial approach to vehicle design which bonds user and vehicle on an emotional level.

In a world of virtual connectivity and sanitised digital living it is more important than ever to engage the user on an emotional level.

Visit Rob Thornham's online portfolio; 
http://designemotion.carbonmade.com/

A stylish, eco-conscious and imaginative small world toy for 4 - 7 year olds, which utilises pre-existing external technology to help bring MicroMotopolis and its Inventurers to life! The toy aims to build digital tribes of kids and parents alike, so that playful exploration of stories can happen across the carpet, across the internet and across the ages!

The toy products are a hybrid of natural materials and modern manufacturing techniques, with an emphasis on stylish pattern, colour and texture. The visual design style is 'Swiss Family Robinson meets The Jetsons' PopLuxe inspired Googie architecture with sets themed around holiday destinations.

I started the degree at 60, with experience in integrated community dance but little formal training in contemporary dance other than a foundation course. The design of the course was welcoming and supportive for a mature student. The quality of studio space and technical support and training in lighting ,sound  film making and editing was terrific. The course provides  a core dance training and you are encouraged and supported to explore your own special interests as well as to work with established professional artists. I was able to explore my interests in writing about dance through selecting courses that were intellectually demanding .

Staff supported me to develop a programme of open dance jams where non-disabled and disabled dancers could network, share skills and present dance work in progress. This led to employment and performance opportunities with local companies and helped me decide on the subject for my PhD which will look at dance artists with disabilities and the audience for their work.

I have a theatre background so really enjoyed the opportunity to work with student artists from different departments. For my final project I worked with a Final Year Theatre student to curate a two day event involving work from over 25 artists from across the west Midlands at Coventry Artspace. The experience of working with established artists in film, sculpture, fine art, music dance , theatre and performance art was mind blowing. It gave us the experience of working outside the University and of developing a non-university audience of over 150 people from across the West Midlands.

Rebecca Mobbs was bought up in Norfolk and relocated to Coventry 3 years ago to study BA Hons Fashion. She has since decided to specialise in fashion photography and styling, with which all her work has been centred upon the politics of recycling. 

Rebecca is currently gaining experience by freelancing for local businesses and for other students throughout Design and Visual arts. She is also setting up her own business recycling fashion and found objects.

Website: www.wix.com/mobbsre/becksyy
Email: becksyloumobbs_fashion@hotmail.co.uk
Facebook: Becksy Lou RE-Design and RE-Love/Becksy Lou Styling.

Daniel Simcox graduated from the School of Art and Design, Coventry University with an MA in Media Arts  (now, Contemporary Arts Practice) in 2009 and is now working as a practicing artist, where his work is currently being displayed at The Photographers Gallery, London as part of ‘Fresh Faced and Wild Eyed 2010’, and being featured in Design Week and Dazed and Confused magazines.

After completing his BA in Graphic Design in 2008, Daniel decided to expand and enlarge his focus of study to include time based media and moving image, by studying on the MA Media Arts. Expanding on previous skills Daniel has developed and explored work in digital and analogue reactivity, video, film and projection. Daniel went on to display his final MA project which was included as a part of exhibitions ‘Kinopixel: Fragments/Out-takes’ and ‘A Thing About Machines’ at the Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry.

Daniel’s work responds to his surroundings and inspiration comes from obsolete media which has become, or is becoming, lost. Recently Daniel has based works around analogue media such as 35mm transparencies, VHS-C videotapes, 16mm film and disposable cameras.

‘Whilst studying at the School of Art and Design at Coventry University I was encouraged to explore the diverse areas of contemporary art and design practice and this has presented me with the opportunity to find what really interests me and discover the way that I want to work as a creative practitioner. This experience has undoubtedly been of benefit by widening both my outlook and horizons.’

I chose the course because Coventry had a good reputation in the field of vehicle design.

The course allowed me to work independently and it’s quite practical – which I like.

There were three projects to complete on my 15-month study programme. I particularly liked the final one because it’s open to your own brief – it’s very creative and there are no boundaries or restrictions. We are given the chance to showcase this final piece of work in the Coventry Transport Museum where industry professionals are invited to visit.

The Vehicle Interiors course I took was new for 2008, so it was a steep learning curve for us all. I found each module interesting and relevant to what I want go on to do in the future.

I’d like to work for a car company developing vehicle interiors. I know the economic climate isn’t great at present, but I still aim to start applying for posts soon. In the meantime I’m working on building up my portfolio.

I’ve only been doing the course for 2 months but it feels like home. I did the Media Production course here too. I enjoyed studying so much and the help from the staff is brilliant. Support is great. I stayed on because of the relationships built up with staff.

I chose Global media and communication because I wanted to expand my knowledge of the world media. Since I had done a media production course on my BA, I wanted a more theoretical aspect of the global media. 

The best things about the course is its exploration of media beyond country borders, the help that lectures provide, the wider range of modules that are included in the course and the students of all backgrounds that you meet.

I did work experience at a local film company(Creative Day film company)on my BA, with the help of the university. I have also completed a lot of projects which include filming in New York and Italy.

I want to work in Birmingham or London after my master’s course in a multi-media broadcast company or a film company. I would like to set up my own multi-media consultancy/broadcast company in Uganda in the near future.

If the chance comes for further education, I will grab it with both hands, but as an international student, it’s hard to think about it because of the cost.

The best thing about Coventry is the opportunities offered to students. I did a work placement with one of the best film companies in Coventry which I got through the School of Art & Design, arranged with help from the staff . If I had to give advice to new students, it would be; take all the opportunities given to you and use it in the best way that you can.

Opportunities are available but you have to take them and act on the advice given.

I am a 40-year-old married mother of two have been studying at the Coventry School of Art and Design as a full-time PhD student since June 2005. Prior to this I worked as a primary school teacher.

In January 2006 I took up a post as a full-time research assistant within the University and I've been continuing my studies part-time.

My research is concerned with the design and refurbishment of primary schools, with the aim of producing guidelines to ensure the needs of all user groups are met throughout the design process.

My supervisory team consists of an ergonomist and a geographer. The expertise of this cross-disciplinary team has been helpful in forming new approaches when examining the issues raised by my research. Both members of the team have been extremely supportive, offering advice on written work, career development and general issues as they have arisen.

Studying for my PhD at Coventry has given me life-changing opportunities. I have taken up a new career in research and have been given the confidence and skills necessary to present my work at international academic conferences and to write for publication.

As well as developing my research career I have been given the opportunity to teach at the university. This has been extremely enjoyable, intellectually stimulating and has given me with the experience necessary to pursue an academic career.

Working and studying at the University means I’ve also been able to meet a range of people from many backgrounds and cultures, and to gain an insight into the diversity of research interests catered for within the University.

Course:
Photography BA(Hons) degree

Title
'through the lens of a quarter plate camera'

Description of subject to be investigated
I am in love with the artefact. The alchemy in the darkroom, the temperamental nature of chemicals and the beautiful flaws and inconsistencies that are lost in digital reproduction. Particularly in our increasingly immersive digital environment, the desire to craft and to hold a physical print seems to be stronger than ever. In a world of infinite and free reproductions there is value in the unique object.

My work explores analogue methods and arcane processes, going back to the base chemicals to create my own emulsions. I am interested in going back to the early nineteenth century ways of working and embracing those methods in contemporary photographic practice.

Following these ideas of the artefact and combining old and new I will be focusing on the steampunk movement. The movement itself combines the DIY craft element of punk with strong aesthetics and influence from the Victorian era. Like me, they are working in archaic techniques and re-imagining it to create a warped world somewhere between the past and the future. I'm also producing traditional cartes de visite of performers with nouveau circus artists, another modernisation of a very old tradition.

Course
Photography BA(Hons) degree

Title Of Final Project
"Weep not by day"

Description of subject to be investigated
In this project, I will be creating and producing narrative/cinematic orientated images of women travelling home at night; with an overall aura of sadness and melancholia, in attempt to tell several separate stories through individual images.

The project is concerned heavily with the power of both female vulnerability; in exploring the delicacy of emotions, within the public domain and thus remains an attempt to romanticise the beauty that lies within that which can be referred to as melancholia. What I am aiming to do through this body of work is bring forth this secluded and precious area of emotions, in a way that is both empathetic as well as true to my vision as possible: working with a range of environments and settings, models and photographic perspectives, in order to make the project as successful as possible.

Within the project, I want to specifically explore the likes of young women; in the hope of demonstrating the relationship between youth, innocence and fragility-and these collective elements' place within urban, 21st century London.

Course
Photography BA(Hons) degree

Title of project:
Glitter, glamour and Burlesque

Description of subject to be investigated
My intention as a photographer has always been the exploration of the female form, and not the exploitation. This appeal with photographing the feminine physique combined with my intrigue for performance art led me to document Burlesque acts.

My current project delves into the act of Burlesque performance and the symbiotic relationship between performer and audience. Whether we applaud or disregard their acts of feminine power, we still identify their performances as embracing the female body.

Within this investigation I hope to alter the viewer’s perception on modern Burlesque performance by displaying these acts in an honest and unbiased way.

Course
Illustration and Animation BA(Hons) degree

About me
I am a third year student currently studying illustration and animation and I’m in a position where I can be able to work as a real professional freelance.  Majority of my time I enjoy drawing and creating about things around us and living life to its fullest even if it is just a small things.

Project Brief: Life in the Philippines
This project is about my personal experience about living in the Philippines which highlights the good and the bad experience before I went to UK, so this tribute on how proud I am to be a Filipino and to help people to understand our ethnicity background.

Title of work: Ati-Atihan
This image is a festival in Kalibo on the island of Panay (Visayas) where they have colourful parade to create a beautiful scenery almost like in Brazil carnival to honour St. Nino.  In my illustrations I wanted to capture a moment of that will last or to be reminded.

Course
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Project description
My name is Aaron Sehmar and the project I chose to create is entitled 'Mystery and Imagination'. I decided that I wanted to create imagery based loosely on recognisable fairytales and popular stories. 

I used myself in a lot of my images so that I had full control over the final images, and because it changed the whole plot of the fairytales and stories I decided to look into.  I was heavily inspired by films such as 'Pan's Labyrinth' and I wanted to create photographs that seemed to be an amalgamation between film stills and fairytales.

Course
Automotive Design MDes/BA (Hons)

Project title
Chinese D- segment luxury limousine for China in 2020 (CQAC sponsored)

Project description
The brief was set by QOROS cars of Shanghai, the brief states that a D - Class luxury limousine be designed, incorporating styling queues established by the company.

The vehicle must differ from its German counter parts, and really emphasize on oriental style, giving it a powerful look, and creating confidence within the brand - to understanding where a luxury domestic car would fit into the market, a vehicle that changes perception of Chinese car design using infused styles.

Course
Automotive Design MDes/BA (Hons)

Project title
Fading Emotions (enhancing emotional attachment for sustained car ownership)

Project description
Has our love affair with the automobile diminished as it has become a disposable product in the modern world and how can we rekindle the emotional attachment and desire of beautiful iconic automobiles from the past?

The Rapture Concept seeks to bridge the gap of the lost love affair of motoring, it is designed to play on the drivers emotions. Evoking a sense of purpose and enjoyment, with the aim of lengthening the period of ownership indefinitely.

It is a vehicle created to be individual to each owner and in that purest individuality it desires to create its own unique form of attachment.

 

Course
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Project title
Performance and Technology

Project description
I am currently working towards producing a sculptural fashion garment for my Final Major Project of my Art and Design Diploma. As my project title is Performance and Technology, I have chosen to use projections to project a moving image onto the garment.

I plan to attach a live camera to the model or garment and project what the camera is filming onto the garment. I have been experimenting with projections and materials I could use to create a clear and interesting image.

I hope to construct a futuristic structure and incorporate EL wire for an added performance.

Course
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Project description
My final project is focused around narrative illustration and animation. For this, I am creating a short story book and a series of animations based on ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’.

I have looked into psychological issues to convey the idea of two worlds, and have created characters such as tall figures with screens for faces that can only communicate through displaying punctuation and emoticons, as well as monstrous creatures that signify my character’s psychological illness.

Project name: The Pitchfork Disney

Imagine your nightmare… Now multiply it by the number of stars in the universe.

Two siblings driven by a lifestyle of fantasy, chocolate and isolation are held back by their childhood memories.

In the aftermath of their parents’ disappearance, the Stray twins have created a new world of destruction to live in. They
discuss their dreams and fears sharing stories with each other.

What will happen when their independence and the world they know is turned upside down by the arrival of two bizarrely flamboyant strangers? Will they ever manage to escape their nightmares?

Project title: Identity and I

I invite the audience to witness me, myself and I. Experience a highly deep and intimate solo performance consisting of various movement practices and interdisciplinary concepts.

The theme is based around an autobiographical study, demonstrating my interests, personality and unique artistic studies. The piece, lasting around 20-30 minutes, will feature an expression of set and improvised movement revealing my physicality, strength and dynamics as a male dancer along with my own particular embodied style of moving. Do we ever know who we really are?

Project title: K2ollections

A water based Duet. Consisting of 4 episodes

1. A live performance in a swimming pool using site specific movements and imagery, performed by Vicky Adams and Abigail Soley.

2. An installation of various collections of water from across the world displayed in different ways such as photographs and bottles filled with various water types such as; sea, river and tap water.

3. A comedy duet with reference to stereotypical gestures used within a swimming pool surrounding, where the audience view from outside the space through the glass pains.

4. A film of the duet performing in many different water
landscapes across the country from the shower to Coventry fountain with inspiration of the water and the relationship between the body and water.