I have worked on my personal statement and now uploaded to the Postgraduate application portal
As a mature student I started my BA Photography Degree, not knowing whether I would achieve a First or even pass the course. I have always challenged myself and tried to continually improve my abilities in whatever I have done. As an example, I have always been scared of heights, and I still am, I cannot go up a ladder more than five rungs, but I can fly a hang glider. During the degree I have been able to attain marks that would predict a 2.1 or first, which has encouraged me to continue my education as far as I can. My Undergraduate studies in Photography have developed into an excitement about learning and increasing my knowledge in more general arts. The work I have produced has become less linked to traditional photography and more to mixed media art and printing, and this is the area I am very excited to be able explore and expand at postgraduate level.
During my time so far at the University of Northampton, I have had chance to make use of the Photographic Studios and the print room, and this has allowed me to interact not only with other photography students and staff but also others within the art and printing departments. This interaction has shown me that doing the fine art MA here is the right thing for me to do. The broad range of experience of the staff and the facilities available will enable me to explore my ideas and develop my body of work further. I am very keen to continue my research into Anthropocene and human interaction with the planet, and use a combination of photography, screen, intaglio and installation to advance this and the university has all the facilities to enable me to do this.
Having spoken to various members of the fine art staff, I understand also that the course has a very varied cohort and students with a very broad range of subject matter and practice from painting to sculpture and printing amongst many others. Being able to learn with others practising a broad range of specialisms will, facilitate an excellent opportunity to widen knowledge, influences, and ideas.
In my previous working experience, I have worked in high pressure environments, working in teams, and adhering to strict deadlines. This has helped me transition back into academic life successfully and achieve the success I have at undergraduate level. The other skills learnt being a board member and director such as, communication, time management and presentation skills will also be invaluable in my ambition to succeed at postgraduate level. Being a mature student with varied life experiences both personal and working has ensured I am more focused on being successful academically. I have become an active member of university life as president of the Photographic Society, Course Representative and organising an overseas trip to the āUnseen and Unboundā exhibitions in Holland, for my fellow students.
I have become very interested in mentoring and lecturing whilst doing my degree and I am hoping that continuing my education with postgraduate study and potentially a PhD will enhance my ability to further this option. I have previous experience in training, which was in software deployment, which I enjoyed greatly. Expanding into Fine Art will give me a broader knowledge which will assist me in achieving this aspiration.
I am excited to be able to have the opportunity to continue my artistic and personal development through moving to postgraduate level education. This will give me the opportunity to achieve a higher level of skills than I previously thought possible but which I now know I can achieve through a place on a Masters Course. The course will help me to enlarge my body of work and develop my artistic practice. This in turn will lead me on to a path to a PhD and then give something back in passing my experiences on through mentoring or lecturing.
