Robyn O'Neill
I loved every minute of it!
"The excellent facilities and staff along with the fact everything was so cheap compared to the rest of the UK." These are some of the attributes that attracted Robyn O'Neill to study in Sunderland.
Robyn, 26, came to Sunderland initially to study Foundation Art and Design. The vibrant social scene and the National Glass Centre's remarkable facilities gave Robyn no hesitation to stay in the city and complete a BA (Hons) Architectural Glass, Glass and Ceramics.
Since graduating, in 2007, Robyn went on to complete a PGCE at Liverpool John Moores University. Originally from Cheshire, Robyn then took up a post in the Middle East as a subject leader, for art and design, at an international school.
When asked what has helped Robyn most in her career, she said: "Learning to program kilns on the course enabled me to introduce this and set it up in the school where I now work. Also creating portfolios has really helped me as an art teacher."
"The highlight of the whole course for me was New Designers. I remember the Head Curator of the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) coming and looking at my work and taking notes. I was also featured in an art magazine about the use of inks and dyes in art. All very exciting!"
When Robyn was asked if she had any advice for new/current students, she said: "Sunderland is a great choice, especially studying at the National Glass Centre. Work your socks off but remember to play hard as well!"
