Abstract

How important are friendships and peer support in UK Art & Design Higher Education and what can tutors and course teams do to support these relationships? In 2025, I completed my MA in Academic Practice at UAL, where my Major Project focused on mediating conversations and supporting connections between students, especially those from different cohorts. With an interest in participatory practices, I facilitated textiles-based workshops using the cyanotype process to print onto fabric pieces. In this lightning talk, I will share key findings and reflections from the project, alongside emerging areas of interest for my future practice and research.

Session and activities

I am a Lecturer in Fashion Textiles at London College of Fashion, UAL, where I teach print workshops and act as Pastoral Tutor for BA Print students across all year groups. My role involves supporting student progress and wellbeing, alongside curriculum development that promotes inclusivity.