Welcome to our world

Welcome to the School of Arts! Whether you’re studying Art History, Drama and Theatre, Film, Media Studies, or Music and Audio Technology, this is the start of a new chapter for you. Being a university student is not just about academic studies: it’s also a time for building friendships, making discoveries and gaining experiences that provide a foundation for the rest of your life. 

Many of you have taken exams in uncertain circumstances and have had to adapt rapidly to new ways of working. Passing your exams and gaining a place at university is a real achievement, and the start of three, four (or sometimes six) years of study, which will be a journey of learning and creativity. 

We like to think of ourselves as a supportive, close-knit community, and look forward to welcoming you into our Arts family. All of us within the School are excited to meet you, and look forward to embarking with you on your journey. 

Dr Tamar Jeffers McDonald
Head of the School

The academic year is split into terms during which the student is expected to engage with study. The period between each of the terms is a vacation period. The University will be closed over the Christmas period.

Welcome Week: 20 – 24 September 2021

Autumn Term: 27 September - 17 December 2021

Spring Term: 17 January - 8 April 2022

Summer Term: 9 May - 17 June 2022

In case you haven't already, it is important that you activate your IT account as soon as possible so you are able to attend any online events that may be taking place during Welcome Week. 

You will be using Microsoft Teams for Welcome Week and during term time. Please see the following Microsoft Teams guide to find out how to use this on your own device.

Here's advice from our Student Experience team about what you can do now to prepare for your first term at University from exploring modules to useful apps and resources.  

All new first year students have the opportunity to sign up to our Academic Peer Mentoring (APM) scheme. APM partners you with experienced students to support your learning and transition to university life. This is a great way to meet students from other year groups, who are also studying similar courses/subjects/disciplines to you - they can give you expert advice, as they were in your shoes only a year or two ago! 

APM is run by the Divisional Student Experience team, in conjunction with Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS). Both teams will be hosting a variety of events throughout the year for APM mentors and mentees.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in getting involved with, please sign up via the Moodle page.

Check out events, competitions, updates and resources on the Arts and Humanities Student Success Moodle page here.

The School of Arts offers the latest resources, including live performance spaces, film production studios, recording studies, sound and lighting facilities, and a large collection of periodicals, photographs and prints.