My name is Augustus Nweke, I am 51 years old, I studied Fine Art at University Centre South Essex from 2016 until 2020 and this is my story.

I first studied Access to Higher Education and went on to do my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Before studying I worked as a security officer.

I chose to study at University Centre South Essex because it was the closest to me and I could identify with their adult education program easily.

My foundation course prepared me for the next level. It wasn’t a difficult decision to make when I decided to further my studies because I received world-class preparation. I would like to thank Dr Cherry, Andy, Matt and a host of other very supportive staff who helped me. I gained valuable collaborative, organisational and leadership skills whilst studying. At the University Centre you get all the support you need to succeed.

The university centre provided me with the basic equipment and studio assistance in printing, wood work and the sculpture studios. My method of painting now involves both printing and painting which I developed interest in during my Access course year. Now my painting style is deeply rooted in printing.

After leaving the University Centre I did my Master’s degree in Art specialising in painting and my works have been exhibited in some high profile group exhibitions.
I  now work at Stansted airport while pursuing my career in the arts.

As an artist I organise and curate exhibitions, I am interested in critical practice and I paint. 

At Stansted I work to protect civil aviation against unwanted treats and acts of terrorism including protecting the airport facility against illegal and unlawful entry or destruction of property. 

In the future I want to do my practice-based Doctorate research starting in 2023.

I would recommend studying at University Centre South Essex because it understands the needs of adult students. They are flexible, supportive and welcoming. All the staff are interested to see you succeed.

My time at the centre improved my self-confidence and made me believe in myself and my ability. It helped me to become focused and enabled me to set goals.

For more information on the Fine Art programme, visit: www.southessex.ac.uk/course/fine-art-ba-hons
 

Artist, Ferne Worsley is 52 and is from Westcliff. She is a proud mother of one.

She studied an Access to Art & Design course at South Essex Colleges Group and then progressed to BA (Hons) in Fine Art at University Centre South Essex and this is her story.

I went to art college when I was 18, but the course wasn't really right for me so I didn't end up graduating from it properly. Then I decided I wanted to work, so I went out and got various jobs, I went to evening classes because I still loved doing art, so I did painting and drawing.

I was working in a creative job as a picture editor, so I worked on magazines, researching photos etc. I was always sad that I didn't carry on with art,  but I  started doing life drawing classes and got talking to one of the other participants who had just done an Access course at South Essex Colleges Group and suggested that I do it. I applied and I realised that I could get a grant for it and that I would not have to repay it if I went on to do a degree. I absolutely loved Access and part of the course taught you how to apply for a degree course.

After I talked to my husband, I applied to do a degree in Fine Art, my three years of study with tutors Matt, Andy and Maria were the best time in my life.

It was the staff being so helpful that made a difference. Juggling studying with being a mum was quite difficult because the course is quite demanding. There's a lot of written work but  I really loved it and the staff were accommodating with deadlines and stuff like that.

Although the financial side was quite difficult,  I did manage to get a maintenance award which really helped. There is a lot of support available if you're on a low income.

The best thing about doing the degree was realising that I could have a new career at 46. I thought: ‘I can really do this’, and that comprehension was life changing.

Whist on my degree, I was volunteering at various places because I was thinking of the future and did a post degree course (the equivalent to an Masters) with TOMA.

 Following the MA, I opened up a the Blokhouse Studios with some other graduates to provide graduates and artists with a studio space. A local philanthropist gave us a little pot of funding to have that initial deposit to start up in a new premises and that is how the Blokhouse started.

Our aim is to provide recent graduates like ourselves with a stepping stone after leaving university. A lot of graduates don't know what to do next and need options and studio space. Our heart was with University Centre South Essex as that’s where we were from and we were quite passionate in wanting others like us to have the same opportunity.

The studios welcome visits by the public and we have workshops for collectives such as Metal, Brentwood Change Makers and the Focal Point Gallery. We are opening out to other artists like early career artists who would like to do workshops in here, including studio artists.

Currently there are seven graduates from UCSE and 12 artists in total. Our aspiration is to give graduates an opportunity to find a career in the arts, locally and beyond. We want to be a springboard for them so we can connect them to the artist network. We prioritize those on low income or those facing barriers such as a mental health barrier, a physical health barrier or a financial barrier. We are applying for funding so that we can make the studio spaces and facilities as affordable as we can. The project costs quite a lot of money, so to raise money, we have events including art auctions, where we ask artists to donate work and raffles. I would like this place to be a success and each time I walk in to the Blokhouse I get a really nice feeling that I've done something good, it's rewarding.

For those thinking of going back to education I would say  just do it. Go and chat to the course leaders at the UCSE, you really can make it work with your schedule.