MA Academic Practice Case Study: Catherine Fuller

Catherine is BA (Hons) Fashion Contour Course Leader at London College of Fashion and Learning and Teaching Coordinator for the school of Fashion Design and Technology

Why did you want to do the course?

I had been teaching in fashion specialist areas and Study Abroad for over twenty years but did not have a formal teaching qualification. When I was appointed as a course leader it was a requirement that I obtained my PgCert. I really enjoyed all the PgCert units I completed and applied to continue my studies on the MA Academic Practice.

How did you find out about the course?

I looked on the UAL website and then went to an information session.

What steps did you take after finding out about the course?

I talked to the LCF Staff Development Coordinator, but also the Exchange team at the information session to see which electives would be the most appropriate for me. My course is funded as part of staff development at London College of Fashion.

What are the highlights of the course?

All the lecturers were inspiring, challenging and supportive! It was also great to meet colleagues from across UAL, as well as lecturers from other art colleges. There were lots of opportunities to exchange ideas as we built up some really good support networks within our groups.

What are the challenges of the course?

Trying to juggle working full time in a demanding role and blocking out enough time to complete assignments.

How has it affected your day-to-day role?

I feel much more confident in my own teaching ability and I have shared new ideas with members of my teaching team.

As a result of taking the Inclusivity unit I am piloting some ongoing interventions on my course and within my School at LCF. I hope that this research will form the basis of my dissertation next year. I implemented several small changes at the start of last academic year and I am working with student ambassadors on my course as we test out co-created approaches to inclusivity in learning and teaching.

How do you think the course will impact on your career?

It has made me more confident about my abilities as a teacher. I also now realise that there are several avenues of research that I would like to pursue, not just in teaching and learning, but also in my subject specialism.

Is there anything you wish you’d known?

How much I would enjoy doing the course! I wish I had done it years ago.