Victoria Sowerby

MA Performance Product Design

Where are you from?

Durham

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Interesting course and I could still live at home during my Masters

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

I will always love the North East. The people are friendly and we're surrounded by beautiful countryside.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

I've never lived in Newcastle, always commuted from Durham but as Durham is pretty limited, I have always gone to Newcastle for shopping, nights out and cultural day trips

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

I'm from the area so never had to adapt but I know people who've moved from elsewhere and they always say the people are very friendly up North.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

My peers have been so wonderful. The staff and facilities have been brilliant too.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

The other girls on my MA, my tutor Sarah Morehead and the electronics engineer James Thomas, have all been hugely supportive.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

My fellow classmates, they're full of amazing innovative ideas and I hope we'll all be successful in the future.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The library served me well during intense thesis writing sessions.

What is the best thing about your course?

The opportunity to make innovative and progressive design contributions.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

Just to stay motivated and never give up. Also the importance of networking!

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

Ideally I want to work in sportswear. I want to utilise my experience in textiles, street wear and performance product design to create innovative fabrics that look aesthetically pleasing but add value to a garment and innovate the product.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

Just use all the facilities and make friends in other departments, you never know what collaborative projects it could lead to!

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I've made some amazing friends and advanced my skills in sportswear and product design. The academic requirement of the masters has also developed my research and written skills,