University of Wales Trinity Saint David reignites Welsh student's creative spark

Wales Online

03-05-2025

For one student from Aberdare in South Wales, choosing which university to attend was all about reigniting his passion for creativity.
Luke Cotter, who graduated last year with a BA in Fine Art, recalls the pivotal moment that made his decision clear – attending an open day at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), where a session by one of the course tutors sparked his desire to create again.
That spark, combined with the university's hands-on approach and excellent workshop facilities, confirmed his choice to study at UWTSD's Swansea College of Art.
'I chose UWTSD because, during the open day, there was a session by one of the lecturers that really did it for me. It reignited my passion for creating. The university's excellent workshops also stood out to me because I enjoy working with my hands,' Luke explains.
Courses that inspire creativity and success
(Image: UWTSD)
Reflecting on his time studying Fine Art at UWTSD, Luke highlights the freedom the course offers and how rewarding the ability to experiment with different forms of art has been.
Luke says: 'This course is fantastic. The freedom to create all year round and the inspiration from other artists around me have been a highlight. When I first started, I was painting castles, and now I'm creating large sculptures from second-hand wood. The studio gives you the space to push your creative boundaries.'
Luke's journey at UWTSD also opened doors for him to showcase his work to the public in some of Swansea's well-known venues, from the Vivian Gallery to Volcano Theatre, and be part of the local art scene.
'I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to display my work in venues such as the Elysium Gallery and the university's Alex Building. I also created awards for the Cellar Prizes in 2023 and even presented them at the National Eisteddfod of Wales - the opportunities here have been amazing.'
(Image: UWTSD)
While his time at university was filled with opportunities, it wasn't without challenges. Luke admits that writing academic essays was initially difficult, but with support from tutors, he was able to improve.
'The academic writing was a challenge at first, but the tutors walked me through what makes a good essay. There were also challenges working in groups for public shows, but in the end, it all came together perfectly.'
Adding a unique dimension
When asked if he would recommend UWTSD's Fine Art course, Luke's answer is clear: 'Of course. This course is open to everyone and gives you the freedom to create the work you've always wanted to make. The opportunities here are incredible.'
Luke studied through the medium of Welsh. For him, the opportunity to discuss and explore creative ideas in Welsh with fellow students added a unique dimension to his studies.
Gwenllian Beynon, a senior lecturer at Swansea College of Art, said: 'Since Luke started at Swansea College of Art, he has been enthusiastic about using the Welsh language in his studies.
"His creative development has incorporated his artistic knowledge and his knowledge of Wales and its art. His opinion about them is very strong, and tutorial discussions with Luke are always interesting.'
The start of the journey to success
(Image: UWTSD)
Luke's journey at UWTSD started when he visited one of its open days, which the university offers across its campus locations.
These provide the perfect opportunity to discover what UWTSD's courses and campuses offer and give prospective students a flavour of studying at the university.
'It's important to do the research into what is offered by universities,' says Andy Carr, UWTSD head of student recruitment and widening outreach.
'Each university has its own unique characteristics, and choosing the location and the experience offered to students can be just as important as which course to study.
(Image: University of Wales Trinity Saint David)
'Visiting open days is essential because it is the opportunity to see the university's facilities, the location, and to speak directly with academic staff and professional support services. That is a great help when weighing up what kind of experience is right for you and what career you want to have after graduating.
"At UWTSD, we have a wide choice of courses and campus locations, but what they all have in common is the emphasis placed on offering a good experience to our students.
"There are a number of open days organised for June and July, so this is the perfect opportunity to visit us."