Film by Gareth Johnson MA Documentary Film Graduate, LCC
Text by Sarah Craske, MA Art & Science Graduate, CSM
Filmmaker Gareth Johnson – Graduate from the MA Documentary Film course at London College of Communication made a short film with Sarah Craske – MA Art & Science course at Central Saint Martins about her practice. We have taken the opportunity to publish the film here and interview Sarah about her experiences of being a postgraduate student at UAL.
Why you decided to do the course?
I had been aware of the MA Art & Science course at Central Saint Martins, from its inception. I had been looking for postgraduate course exploring the cross discipline site that is ‘Art & Science’, my work and research naturally having arrived at that intersection a few years ago. It was the first course of its kind (I believe in Europe, if not globally), so I wanted to be part of that pioneering educational pathway, which by its very nature clearly supported risk and innovation.
What was your experience of being a postgraduate student at UAL?
I had taken over a 10 year gap between my BA and MA studies, so I was nervous about returning to education. However, UAL helped my return from the outset. Firstly they spread this particular MA over 2 years, allowing you to both work and study, at the same time. I also believe this allows for a greater engagement with the subject. Furthermore, I received a Vice Chancellor Scholarship, which significantly helped with the course fees.
The opportunities and experiences on offer for students is extensive, you simply can’t make the most of them all in the time you are there. I was lucky enough to have opportunities offered through the course, the Postgraduate Community programme, as well as through the UAL Chair Project which was running during my time as a student. These ranged from site visits to significant scientific national collections that usually have restricted public access, or research sites in various fields of science, as well as weekly updates of awards, residences and exhibitions to apply for from the Postgraduate newsletter. The Chair for Arts, Design & Science was Professor Rob Kesseler, who regularly arranged experiences for postgraduate students across all courses. These gave a keen insight into the various communities within the science industry, that wouldn’t have been possible without him. These included access to state of the art microscopy and 3D technologies, participation in international conferences, as well as behind the scenes engagement in labs at the John Innes Centre, or at Kew.
Any tips for students on how to make the most out of UAL?
To get the most out of your experience in UAL, I would try not to get overwhelmed with all that is on offer. Be strategic with what you engage with, there will be plenty that relates to your own practice and don’t worry about the rest if you can help it. Try to stay focused.
Stay determined. There are a lot of facilities and experts available to all students. If you want access to these facilities and technicians, make personal contact with the relevant technicians by taking their contact details and booking time with them. There are many students, and if you don’t make the effort to engage personally with expert technicians, other students who do will naturally take priority. If you would like access to facilities that are not normally available to your course but are relevant to your own research pathway, negotiate and keep negotiating until they let you in!
Sign up to the Postgraduate Community Newsletter, and keep an eye out on all the opportunities that are available.
What will you be doing after the course?
I was very lucky to be nominated for the Nova Award by my tutor Nathan Cohen for my collaborative work with microbiologist Dr Simon Park (Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at University of Surrey – Biological Hermeneutics).
The award sponsor MullenLowe said: “This year saw us host the 6th annual MullenLowe Nova Awards in conjunction with Central Saint Martins, one of the world’s leading arts and design colleges. The awards recognise and showcase the freshest new creative talent and aim to spot the next creative stars of the future by recognising and celebrating the innovators and risk takers.
I was lucky enough to win this award of £6000.00 which is enabling me to continue my practice beyond the course, for which I am obviously very grateful.
Visit Sarah Craske’s website