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Will Thatcher
My name is Will Thatcher, I am 28 years old and I studied BA Graphic Design and Illustration at South Essex College until July 2023 after graduating with a first class, and this is my story.
I wasn’t a big fan of school when I was younger, so I did a Business Admin apprenticeship in London. I then stayed at that company for another four years working in IT but decided it wasn’t for me. I have always been passionate about art and design, so I came to South Essex college to pursue a more creative career. I first enrolled on the Access to HE Art & Design course for a year, which helped me solidify my choice of graphic design.
I have just finished a six-month internship as a Graphic Designer at West Ham United FC organised through the college. It was part-time, so I was lucky enough to be able to do this alongside my studies and continued this a few months after graduation. Working at a Premier League club was an unforgettable experience, and I learnt so much from it. I am very grateful to those involved, and I still can’t believe it happened.
I have just landed a job as a Graphic Designer at IMG | Seven League. They are a consultancy and digital marketing agency working with major sports brands such as the NFL, Premier League and NBA to increase fan engagement and attract new audiences.
My job involves working within the design team to come up with creative concepts for both client and internal briefs, such as social media campaigns, and producing exciting graphics to be used by the clients. Sport is super visual, and I get to work with different clients, each with unique identities, so no job is the same.
Having to give up my job to study full-time meant I knew I had to make myself as employable as possible. The great thing about Graphic design is that you can combine it with any passion. I am obsessed with sports, so this became the focus of most of my work, leading me to be selected for my West Ham internship. I also reached out to various football clubs for freelance work and developed passion projects. It was great for my portfolio and ultimately secured my current job. My advice to anyone studying for a creative degree is to push yourself and focus on a specific area/industry you would like to work in. It will make you stand out from the crowd.
I chose to study at South Essex because they offer a variety of courses on my doorstep. It allowed me to study while living at home, close to my family and friends. I also loved how diverse the college is, and I have made friends from all different backgrounds and ages. Enrolling on the Access to HE Art & Design course enabled me to try many mediums before making my choice.
Studying on my course allowed me to gain insights into the industry from my experienced lecturers and guest speakers. I learned design principles and essential skills such as Adobe Illustrator and printing methods.
The best thing about doing higher education was that I had the freedom, time, and space necessary to develop my knowledge and skills while under the guidance of my lecturers. It also gave me a lot of focus, which I may have struggled with if I had self-taught myself outside of my job.
I had no graphic design or media option at school, so everything was new, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I now consider myself skilled in them, but like everyone, I am still learning new things every day. We also learned how to present more effectively in crits to my peers and open myself up to feedback. Responding to feedback is a crucial skill in the creative industry, and the course provides a supportive and encouraging environment to help develop this.
The college provides access to Apple Macs with an Adobe Creative Cloud, which I previously had never used before. Although they are not absolutely necessary, it was good to learn how to use this industry-standard equipment and software. There are also brilliant printing facilities.
I would recommend South Essex College because it is a good option for anyone living locally who wants a supportive environment to learn at their own pace. A smaller number of students on each course also allows more interaction with your lecturer. You would rarely get this at larger institutions, and I don't think I would be at the same level I am elsewhere.
Coming here has massively helped me with my confidence. Before I came here, I wasn’t sure where life was going, but I realised it was the best decision I've made. Like anyone, I still have days of self-doubt, but these are much rarer now due to the strides I'm making and the encouragement of others.
My greatest achievement so far has been breaking into the industry of my choice at an agency where I am able to work with dream clients. I always knew I wanted to work for major brands. I still have to pinch myself.
I want to continue working in sports and have ambitions to be a creative director one day, as I enjoy motivating others and hearing other perspectives and ideas.
Success stories
The course has prepared me for the workplace in many ways, not only by developing my technical skills but also by helping me build confidence.
My name is Jay Hayden, and I studied BA (Hons) Photography at the University Centre South Essex (UCSE) and I am currently working as a freelance photographer.
I chose to study at UCSE because of how accessible it was and how welcoming the environment felt. Compared to other colleges and universities I visited, the staff made the campus feel homely and supportive, which really stood out to me.
I studied at the Luker Road Campus in Southend-on-Sea, where I completed my BA (Hons) Photography. Although photography had been a passion of mine for a few years, I hadn’t had access to professional facilities such as a studio, darkroom, or print space. I knew that if I wanted to succeed, I had to fully commit and push myself to improve.
During my time on the course, I gained access to industry-standard equipment and facilities, which made a huge difference to my development. Working in a studio environment was completely new to me at first, but over time I built confidence and now feel very comfortable in that setting. This experience has also helped me secure work outside of university in studio-based roles.
Since studying, I’ve had many exciting opportunities. My work has been displayed in exhibitions, galleries, and art shops, and I’ve successfully sold prints through my Etsy shop. I’ve also photographed a wide range of events, including dance shows, pet photography sessions, weddings, parties, and hen dos. One of my proudest achievements has been being awarded ‘Photographer of the Year’.
The course has prepared me for the workplace in many ways, not only by developing my technical skills but also by helping me build confidence. I’ve learned how to communicate effectively with clients and how to promote myself and my work professionally, skills that are essential when working freelance.
One of my favourite memories from my time at college is the brief delivery days, where tutors introduced new projects and shared different artists and photographers to explore. These sessions gave me a huge amount of inspiration and helped shape my own creative style. In fact, one of my greatest achievements so far has been discovering my niche and developing a strong, personal style through my work.
What I value most about further education is the knowledge I’ve gained. I’ve learned skills I would never have experienced otherwise, such as processing and scanning my own film, which has added another dimension to my photography.
I would highly recommend UCSE as it’s a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place to study, with access to the kind of equipment and support that really helps you grow and progress in your chosen field.
Looking ahead, my ambition is to become my own boss and continue building my freelance photography career, combining personal creative work with client-based projects. In the future, I would also love to become a photography tutor, sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their skills and confidence.
I would highly recommend South Essex Colleges Group and University Centre South Essex. The lecturers are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely make you feel seen, creating a positive and encouraging environment to learn and grow.
My name is Gabriel Buckley, and I am currently studying Creative Media & Promotion at University Centre South Essex (UCSE).
I chose to study at UCSE after seeing one of my close friends thrive on the same course. At the time, I felt stuck in a rut, but something about the course stood out to me in a way nothing else had before, it gave me a sense of direction and possibility.
Before coming to the University Centre, I spent a year studying Film Production in Lincoln and worked as a chef for five years. Although I initially thought film was my path, being fully immersed in it made me lose my passion, leaving me feeling uncertain about my future. After returning to Southend, I rediscovered my creativity through photography and videography, initially combining it with my work in the kitchen. This soon evolved into a passion for portrait and fashion work, which ultimately led me to this course.
My time at college has helped me grow significantly, both professionally and personally. It has given me the confidence to trust my abilities, approach new opportunities, and engage with industry professionals. I’ve learned that failure is part of the process, and it has strengthened my problem-solving skills and resilience. I have also improved my social skills, which has been invaluable when networking and collaborating.
Beyond preparing me for a career, university centre has helped shape my personal development. What started as a hobby has now become a clear career path. I’ve developed the ability to manage multiple projects at once, improving my workflow and multitasking skills across different creative disciplines.
Alongside my studies, I work as a freelance photographer and videographer, focusing on elevating brand promotion by enhancing portfolios and brand identity. I originally started this journey three years ago as a hobby, but over time I’ve built a growing client base and continue to push my work forward.
One of my favourite memories at college has been organising and taking part in shoots with other students and creatives. Collaborating with peers, working with models, and arranging test shoots, particularly with Matthew David Andrews, has been a highlight of my experience.
For me, the best thing about higher education is the sense of freedom it offers. It allows you to explore your interests in depth and shape your learning around your individual goals, creating a more personal and meaningful experience.
I would highly recommend South Essex Colleges Group and University Centre South Essex. The lecturers are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely make you feel seen, creating a positive and encouraging environment to learn and grow.
One of my proudest achievements so far is having my work published in multiple magazines, including Artells, ASBO, and Marikas. I have also submitted work to D&AD with Olivia Woolford, which was a particularly rewarding milestone in my creative journey.
Looking ahead, my ambition is to establish my own production house not just as a space for my own work, but as a platform to support and elevate other creatives. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others and contributing to a wider creative community.
The course helped me gain confidence in a range of different techniques and processes, and encouraged me to be professional at all times
My name is Rose Hibbert, and I am a 2024 graduate from BA (Hons) Costume Construction at University Centre South Essex.
I have been sewing for over 50 years. I initially started my career in fashion but later moved into the technology space. I was drawn to my degree with University Centre South Essex because I wanted to explore the creative side of my brain again. The course’s partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera was a massive selling point for me, as it added real credibility.
During my time on the degree, I used my costumes to communicate my thoughts on societal problems, such as the environment, mental health challenges exacerbated by Covid and the challenges women face working in male dominated environments.
My Escamilla costume, for which I won the RBO prize of Technical Ability, incorporated elements of recycling and tailoring while exploring the narrative of the battle of women working in a man’s world. Escamilla’s plight being not a battle fought in the bullring (as per Carmen's love match, Escamilo) but in the boardroom.
This story was of particular interest to me as I had a long career in Cyber Security in the city prior to starting the course and felt I had to battle every day to enable successful communication. My city 'costume' became a kind of battle shield. The costume's main influence was high fashion and designer wear, favoured by many CEOs in the financial sector.
The course helped me gain confidence in a range of different techniques and processes, and encouraged me to be professional at all times – especially with fittings and when dealing with designers.
I now have a company that alters bridalwear. The owner of the store invited me for an interview after reading my dissertation on how media has affected bridalwear. I’ve found the patience and persistence I learnt on the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course has served me well in my role, as it can be quite challenging when brides lose a substantial amount of weight prior to their dress completion.
The course has given me the credentials and confidence to make wedding dress alterations, which is a huge responsibility. I’m continuing to learn and I’m supported by the course tutors until this day.
I’m honoured to have my costumes on display as part of the 10th Anniversary Exhibition at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden. I loved every minute of the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course and learnt a lot about myself throughout the degree.
For anyone considering applying, I would say that you’re never too old to learn something new or to boost your confidence. Go and visit the exhibition – you might learn something new, not just about sewing, but about the world around you.
Join us and celebrate 10 years of exceptional craftsmanship at the UCSE BA (Hons) Costume Construction 10th Anniversary Exhibition.
Open to the public and hosted at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden, this inspiring exhibition showcases outstanding graduate work and achievements from the past decade.
Tuesday 10 March - Sunday 22 March
Linbury Foyer, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD
