Last summer, four City of Glasgow College students from the HND Make-up Artistry for TV, Film & Theatre course have gained invaluable industry experience on the set of Dept. Q, a major Netflix production.

The unique opportunity came about through lecturer Kirsten Hunter, who was working on the show as a daily crowd make-up artist. With a close connection to the main cast make-up team, Kirsten reached out to explore whether students could be involved — and the production’s make-up designer was more than happy to welcome them.

During spring break 2024, four students joined the production on set: second-year students Adam French and Scarlett McKenna, along with now graduates Gracie Norris and Sandra Szcuchniak.

The students supported the professional make-up team by helping with cast hair and make-up checks between takes and assisting in the set-up and breakdown of the main cast make-up truck. Working alongside seasoned professionals on such a high-profile production offered the students a rare and exciting insight into the fast-paced world of television make-up.

Feedback from the make-up crew was overwhelmingly positive. “The team were so impressed with our students,” said Kirsten. “They described them as hard-working, talented and very keen — a real credit to the College.”

In fact, the make-up designer was so impressed with graduate Sandra Szcuchniak that she was offered a trainee position for the final four weeks of filming. Kirsten added, “I was back on set for the final day of filming and it was fantastic to see how Sandra had settled into her role — she was thriving.”

This experience highlights the strong industry connections and real-world opportunities available to City of Glasgow College students, preparing them for exciting futures in the creative industries.

HNC Applied Arts students at City of Glasgow College have once again impressed with their imaginative and eye-catching performance costumes, inspired by Insect Play by Karel Čapek.

This year’s project challenged students to create wearable sculptures that bring the world of insects to life, using everything from recycled fabrics and plastics to unconventional and found materials. Techniques such as appliqué, pleating and folding were used to transform these elements into bold, creative designs.

The annual showcase is a highlight of the course and was once again supported by the Incorporation of Bonnetmakers and Dyers of Glasgow, who generously donated three top prizes. Judging was carried out by artist Despoina Isaia, Incorporation representative Sheenah Chrichton, and our Associate Dean of Art, Craft and Design, Eddie Carr.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

• 1st Prize – Rebekah Hunter, for her stunning butterfly costume
• 2nd Prize – Luke Kerr, with a dramatic moth design
• 3rd Prize – Sami Howie, for a powerful ant-inspired piece
• Highly Commended – Sarah Graham, also for her interpretation of an ant

Winner Rebekah reflected: “I am absolutely blown away to have won this competition. I made the costume thinking that it was just an art project so to have won this competition against some other stunning & skilled pieces is absolutely crazy to me, it has given me such a boost. Thank you and well done to all the other entries.”

Textiles lecturer Susan Bryson praised the students for their creative thinking and sustainable approach: “This year's work shows how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. Our students have pushed boundaries, turning discarded materials into powerful, wearable art. It's been a joy to see them grow and succeed.”

The costumes were beautifully photographed by HND Photography students, who captured each piece with real flair and professionalism. This project continues to showcase the incredible creativity, collaboration, and talent within our college—and reflects our commitment to sustainability in the arts.

On Thursday, 5 June, students were given an unforgettable opportunity at the much-anticipated VTCT Skills Nail Services event, held in partnership with Glitterbels. The day celebrated creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning in the dynamic world of professional nail services.

Glitterbels, founded in 2017 by Annabel Maginnis, began at her mother’s kitchen table. Since then, it has transformed into a magical salon based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, featuring a state-of-the-art training academy, retail space—and even a life-sized unicorn that joins the team on tour! Annabel’s vision extended far beyond intricate nail designs and teaching masterclasses; she aimed to build a brand at the forefront of nail technology—and she has certainly succeeded.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees were treated to exclusive demonstrations delivered by the Glitterbels team, celebrated for their creativity and progressive approach. Their engaging presentations showcased the latest techniques and product innovations, capturing the attention of aspiring nail technicians, tutors, and industry figures alike. These sessions offered a unique insight into the future of the sector.

Learners also had the rare chance to interact directly with expert technicians—asking questions, receiving practical advice, and gaining a clearer understanding of how to refine and elevate their skills. For many, it was their first experience of a large-scale industry event, and the passion and professionalism on display made a lasting impact.

May Donald, Associate Dean of Hair, Beauty, Complementary and Spa Therapies, and Makeup Artistry, reflected:

“This event was a shining example of what can happen when education and industry come together with purpose and passion. Watching our students so engaged, inspired, and uplifted by the Glitterbels team was incredibly rewarding. The level of professionalism, creativity, and generosity shown has made a lasting impression—not only on skill development, but on ambition. We are proud to offer experiences like this that genuinely prepare learners for success in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.”

Thanks to Glitterbels’ generosity, each student received a goody bag packed with quality products to support their continued learning. Excitement also ran high with the chance to win brilliant prizes, including an exclusive elite training experience with the Glitterbels team—an opportunity that could be a true turning point in one aspiring technician’s career.

A heartfelt thank you to VTCT Skills and Glitterbels for delivering such a meaningful and memorable experience.

City of Glasgow College is thrilled to congratulate Fiona Wales, lecturer in Complementary Therapies, on her recent election as a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health — a prestigious honour recognising her outstanding contribution to the field.

Fiona, who also owns the award-winning Healtherapy business, has been a dedicated champion of Complementary Therapies for over a decade. Since relocating Healtherapy from Orkney to Helensburgh in 2021, she has continued to offer an impressive range of more than 55 therapies, making her one of the most widely qualified therapists in the country.

Her commitment to advancing public understanding and credibility of Complementary Therapies is reflected in this distinguished fellowship, which acknowledges her efforts to make integrative therapies accessible and affordable. Fiona’s role as a lecturer at City of Glasgow College has also been instrumental in shaping the next generation of therapists, ensuring the continuation of high standards and integrity within the industry.

Curriculum Head for Beauty and Complementary Therapies, Alison Bell, commented:
“Myself and the team are incredibly proud of Fiona’s achievement. Her passion and leadership in complementary therapies are a real asset to the Complementary Therapies department, the college, and the wider industry.”

Fiona added, “I am delighted to be elected to such an esteemed group. This recognition highlights the importance and value of credible complementary therapies and supports my lifelong goal to promote the validity of our profession.”

The entire City of Glasgow College community is proud of Fiona’s achievement and looks forward to seeing her continue to inspire students and the wider healthcare community.

Interested in exploring the world of complementary therapies?

Whether you’re looking to improve your own wellbeing or start a rewarding career, City of Glasgow College offers a variety of courses designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference.

Visit our website or contact us today to find out how you can get involved and join this exciting field.

Two BA Design Practice students from City of Glasgow College, Phoebe McArthur, and Georgia Porteous, recently returned from an inspiring creative journey in Helmond, Netherlands, where they embraced new letterpress printing techniques, new perspectives, and the beauty of imperfection at the renowned print studio Mizdruk.

After completing her HND in Applied Arts, Phoebe was drawn to the BA Design Practice course for its hands-on approach and focus on pushing creative boundaries.

"It felt like the right next step to prepare me for my future career," she explains.

When it came to choosing a placement, Phoebe was eager to challenge her tendency to over-plan and sought out Mizdruk—a studio known for its playful, experimental approach to letter press printmaking. Mizdruk, run by letterpress printing specialist Jan-Willem, encourages artists to 'Ink it, don’t think it,' celebrating mistakes as creative opportunities.

"This was a challenge for me," Phoebe admits. "But visiting Mizdruk was an eye-opening experience. It helped me embrace the unexpected and loosen up my process—something that will stay with me long after college."

Working on both letterpress and large-scale silkscreen printing, Phoebe created personal pieces she’ll treasure forever, supported by Jan-Willem’s warm, encouraging guidance.

"Learning from Jan-Willem has inspired me not to restrict myself or fixate on perfection. It’s changed me not just as a designer, but as a person."

Georgia’s creative journey took a few detours before finding its rhythm. After completing her HND in Graphic Design—where she discovered a love for printmaking—she spent a year at Edinburgh Napier but felt disconnected from the digital-heavy focus.

"I really missed the hands-on techniques and creative freedom I enjoyed before," Georgia says. "When I saw a friend’s work from the BA course on Instagram, it reminded me what I was missing. I applied and never looked back."

From the moment international placements were mentioned, Georgia knew she wanted to explore print studios in cities that had inspired her travels—Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Having followed Mizdruk’s work on Instagram, she reached out to Jan-Willem, who offered her a placement. She also secured a spot at GWA Amsterdam, giving her the chance to work in two outstanding studios.

"Both studios had incredible letterpress collections," Georgia shares. "At GWA, I also got to try cyanotype printing for the first time, which I loved."

At Mizdruk, Georgia found herself immersed in a studio where creative freedom ruled.

"Jan-Willem’s way of working is so loose and playful—it was refreshing. Plus, being there with Phoebe and Lola made it feel less daunting. Jan was so welcoming, always encouraging us to have fun with the process."

For Georgia, the experience was a turning point.

"Travelling to a new city alone and working in these amazing spaces gave me a new confidence. I learned not to be so precious about my work and to see the beauty in imperfections."

Both students agree that the experience has reshaped their creative practices and outlooks.

"It’s been invaluable," Georgia reflects. "I’d recommend an international internship to any design student—it’s an experience that nurtures creative growth like no other."

Phoebe agrees: "If you get the chance—go for it. You will make memories, meet amazing people, and be inspired by new cultures and ways of working. Mizdruk was unforgettable."

Lola Paterson, BA Design Practice lecturer said:

"The past three days with MIZDRUK have been nothing short of extraordinary creativity in its purest form! A huge thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for giving us all a phenomenal space to unleash our wildest artistic visions. Your creative letterpress studio has been an absolute playground for inspiration, and we could not have asked for a better place to go completely and wonderfully crazy!

“Congratulations to Georgia and Phoebe for successfully implementing an outstanding work placement! This accomplishment highlights their exceptional commitment to the BA Design Practice program and serves as a testament to their dedication and drive.

We extend our immense gratitude to Jan Wilhem Van der Looij, esteemed specialist of Mizdruk, for his invaluable support and the time he invested in establishing a partnership with our BA Design Practice program. His efforts have been instrumental in creating pathways for our students to gain practical experience.

Our degree modules include 40-hour work placements for students in their third and fourth year of the hons program. We are excited to continue building on our partnership with Mizdruk fostering innovative collaborations that enhance our students’ learning and professional growth.”

Scott Bannister, an S2 pupil at Eastwood High School, was named the winner of the National Secondary Schools Jewellery Design Competition, run annually by the Craft & Design department at City of Glasgow College. His thought-provoking design – a rhino delicately balanced on its own horn – powerfully symbolises the fragility of the species and the existential threats it faces due to poaching and habitat loss.

Scott’s winning piece was selected from more than 800 entries submitted by secondary school pupils across Scotland. The judging panel included Sandra Gunn, Chair of Craft Scotland and Trustee of the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, alongside leading jewellers Maeve Gillies and Ebba Goring.

The design was brought to life using CAD technology and cast in AgAIN Silver – a sustainable material reclaimed from discarded NHS X-rays – by VIPA Designs Ltd. The pendant is now available to purchase via Edinburgh Zoo’s online shop, with all proceeds supporting the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and its vital conservation efforts.

Scott, accompanied by his family, teacher, and representatives from City of Glasgow College, presented the first pendant to the Zoo during a special visit. A photo of the presentation, taken at the Zoo, captures the moment the young designer shared his creation with the RZSS team.

Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head of Craft & Design at City of Glasgow College, said: “Scott’s design is not only visually stunning but carries a deeply meaningful message about the precarious future of endangered species. At City of Glasgow College, we believe in the power of design to spark conversation and inspire change, and this project is a brilliant example of young talent doing just that. We’re incredibly proud to see Scott’s idea come to life and support such an important cause through creativity.”

Chris O’ Connor, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland retail operations manager, commented: “Congratulations to Scott who has done an amazing job in creating a stunning and unique piece of jewellery, which is sure to get people thinking about the perilous state of nature and what needs to be done to help it. We are very proud and grateful to be able to make his pendant available for purchase in our online shop, with all proceeds going towards the conservation of animals.” 

The National Secondary Schools Jewellery Design Competition is part of City of Glasgow College’s wider commitment to nurturing young creative talent and raising awareness of global issues through innovative design.

City of Glasgow College proudly joined the celebrations for Glasgow’s 850th anniversary with a joyful and inspiring event: Glasgow 850: A Celebration of Craft and Design. Held in the College’s Ralph Cowan Gallery at City Campus, the exhibition celebrated the exceptional creativity and talent of our Craft and Design students, whose works paid tribute to the city’s enduring spirit and cultural richness.

The exhibition showcased a vibrant and diverse collection of jewellery, applied arts, textiles, and design projects—each offering a unique and imaginative response to Glasgow’s remarkable history and evolving identity. From exquisite craftsmanship to bold, contemporary statements, the pieces reflected the city’s past, celebrated its present, and envisioned its future with skill, sensitivity, and flair.

A highlight of the exhibition was a special collection of commemorative art medals, created by students to mark the city’s 850th celebrations. The excitement reached its peak during the preview evening, when the Lord Provost unveiled the winning medal design. In a moment that added a truly memorable touch to the occasion, the Lord Provost selected winners from our HND Year 1 Jewellery student, Claire Fairley, @clairefairleyglassdesign. 

Commendations were also awarded to Alice Best @swirled_silver and Amber Haddow @ambeeeer4444 for their outstanding entries. These beautifully crafted bronze art medals will now become part of Glasgow’s permanent collection, housed at the historic City Chambers.

Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head for Craft & Design, expressed her pride:

“This exhibition showcases the extraordinary talent across our department and demonstrates how craft and design can powerfully connect with place, history, and identity. We are proud to celebrate this important milestone for Glasgow with such a thoughtful and inspiring collection from our students.”

Glasgow 850: A Celebration of Craft and Design is a heartfelt tribute to a city that continues to inspire creativity, innovation, and pride across generations.

The exhibition is open until Friday 16th May—don’t miss the chance to experience this stunning celebration of Glasgow’s creative spirit.

Craftex 2025 is just around the corner, and excitement is building for this inspiring celebration of Scotland’s next generation of makers, creators, and innovators. Organised in partnership with the Trades House of Glasgow, Craftex is one of the country’s most cherished platforms for showcasing student creativity and craftsmanship in all its forms.

This year, the Trades House in Glasgow will once again provide the beautiful setting for the event. Set-up takes place on Wednesday 6 June from 8am to midday, followed by the much-anticipated Awards Ceremony on Friday 7 June at 6.30pm. Exhibits can be collected or dismantled on Sunday 8 June, with alternative uplift available on Monday 9 June if required.

We warmly encourage students from across all creative and vocational disciplines to take part in Craftex 2025. Whether your passion is in Art, Graphics, Cake Decoration, Ceramics, Floristry, Fashion (including upcycling, bridalwear, or costume design), Furniture Craft, Hairdressing, Make-up, Jewellery, Musical Instruments, Photography, Stone Masonry—or many others—there’s a space for your work to shine.

Inclusive categories are also available for special educational needs individual and team entries, ensuring that everyone has a chance to take part.

Students at all levels—advanced (HN, SCQF Level 6/7 and above) and non-advanced (NC, NPA, NQ, SCQF Level 5 and below)—are encouraged to get involved. Lecturing staff are asked to support students by checking category entry limits, assisting with labelling, and encouraging participation.

This year, students have the freedom to express themselves fully, as there is no set theme. For photography or poster entries, Craftex will provide hook and loop Velcro fixings for display.

Craftex is a springboard for emerging talent, offering valuable exposure to the public, industry professionals and potential employers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, gain recognition and for some, sell their work.

For more information on how to enter, students can contact their college coordinator, or get in touch directly with Scott Harvey, Furniture and Creative Industries, City of Glasgow College.

As well as welcoming student entries, Craftex warmly invites visitors to come and experience the exhibition and Awards Ceremony.

Whether you’re connected to the Colleges or simply someone who enjoys art, design, and craftsmanship, Craftex offers a unique window into the future of Scottish creativity. It’s an opportunity to see first-hand the imagination, skill, and innovation that students from across Scotland are bringing to their craft.

We would love for you to join us at the Trades House of Glasgow and be inspired by the remarkable talent on show at Craftex 2025.

As the Multiply Project concludes, City of Glasgow College reflects on its tremendous impact. This UK-wide project distributed over £559 million to thousands of partners, to provide numeracy classes to learners. At City of Glasgow College, the Widening Access and Communities team worked with over 400 learners across two academic years, to build their numeracy skills, boost confidence and open doors to new opportunities.

At City of Glasgow College, our Widening Access and Communities team have been proud to play a key role in delivering Multiply, bringing a creative, hands-on approach to the initiative. Instead of focusing solely on traditional maths, Multiply integrated numeracy into everyday activities such as budgeting for meals, measuring fabric for sewing, and applying numeracy in mental health and wellbeing. This approach made maths more relevant and accessible to learners, ensuring they could directly apply these skills to their lives.

The success of Multiply is rooted in its innovative teaching methods. Learners didn’t only solve abstract problems—they used numeracy in real-world scenarios, from grocery budgeting to calculating recipe ingredients. One learner shared, ‘I never thought I’d feel confident using numbers, but embedding numeracy into our mental health classes has shown me how to use these skills for my wellbeing. It’s made everything feel more manageable.’

Our bespoke numeracy courses were designed to meet the diverse needs of our learners. Classes included subjects like textiles, cookery, and personal finance, all of which connected numeracy to areas of personal interest. This creative approach made learning both meaningful and engaging.

Nicola MacTaggart, Curriculum Head for Widening Access and Community at City of Glasgow College, shared, ‘It has been a joy to be part of Multiply, delivering maths and numeracy in ways that directly relate to our learners’ lives. The project has allowed us to embed numeracy into classes like finances, cooking, wellbeing, and personal development, building confidence and essential skills.’

For many participants, Multiply marked their return to structured education after years away. The welcoming environment, coupled with engaging materials, helped learners overcome the anxiety often associated with maths, allowing them to feel supported and empowered.

Beyond numeracy, Multiply also fostered connections among learners. One participant from our sewing class noted, ‘I’ve learned so much—not just how to sew, but how to budget for materials and plan projects. It’s given me the confidence to start making things for myself. I feel more independent, and it’s helped me connect with others.’

The success of Multiply also relied on collaboration with key community partners such as the Marie Trust, Maryhill Integration Network, Simon Community, and The Barn. These partnerships enabled us to reach a wide range of learners, delivering the project in both College and community settings.

James Davies, Associate Dean - ESOL and Communities, reflected, ‘We’ve embedded numeracy into a range of subjects, making it accessible for everyone. Many of our learners had negative experiences with maths in school and never imagined they could achieve a numeracy qualification. Multiply has changed that.’

As the project concludes, we celebrate the accomplishments of our learners. They have achieved numeracy qualifications ranging from SCQF Levels 2-5, and also progressed to further education, with some advancing to SCQF Level 6 and HNC courses. One learner expressed, ‘Developing my skills in accountancy has given me confidence. I never thought I could pursue this career again, but Multiply helped me reconnect with my passion.’

City of Glasgow College is incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in Multiply and is excited about the ongoing impact it will have on our learners and their communities. The skills and confidence gained through this initiative will continue to benefit individuals long after the formal sessions end. To all the learners, educators, and community partners involved, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Together, we’ve made a real difference, and we look forward to the continued success of our participants.

City of Glasgow College is proud to be part of an inspiring international project tackling gender-based violence in higher education, working in collaboration with Instituto Federal do Ceará (IFCE) in Brazil and supported by the British Council.

The year-long initiative, Prevention of Gender Violence: Safe Space for All in HE (Brazil), is part of the British Council’s Partnerships programme. It’s focused on creating safer, more inclusive college and university campuses — starting with IFCE’s 33 campuses across the state of Ceará.

This collaborative project brings together students, staff, and experts from both the UK and Brazil to share knowledge, raise awareness, and develop practical ways to prevent gender violence and support those affected by it. The work is especially urgent in Brazil, which sadly ranks second in the world for violence against women and first for murders of trans people.

Lecturers Lee-Ann Clulow, Angela Kershaw, and Douglas Alexander from our Global Skills team are leading the charge for the College. They’re helping to deliver training, support staff and students, and build a strong framework for education, intervention, and reporting in Brazilian colleges.

Earlier last month, Lee-Ann and Angela travelled to Fortaleza, Brazil, where they joined students and staff for a packed programme of roadshows, workshops, and awareness events. They also helped launch engaging campus campaigns and clear signage showing where to get help and how to report any concerns.

The project is all about making support easy to access and helping people feel confident to speak up. It focuses on empowering students to understand what healthy relationships look like and how to spot early warning signs of coercive or controlling behaviour. At the same time, it helps staff feel more confident responding to disclosures, supporting survivors, and challenging inappropriate behaviour in a trauma-informed way. By encouraging openness, accountability, and care across campuses, the project is working to build a culture where prevention and support become a visible, everyday part of college life.

The initiative is built on a four-part approach: research and diagnostics; creation and delivery of learning materials; exchange visits like the one to Brazil; and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. A big emphasis is placed on visibility, with discreet toilet signage, pop-up stands and campus-wide messaging ensuring everyone knows where to turn for help.

Inclusion is at the heart of the programme. It recognises that gender violence affects people differently, especially those from marginalised communities — including people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and particularly trans individuals. By understanding these overlapping risks, the project aims to create spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and safe.

Lee-Ann Clulow, Global Skills lecturer emphasised:

“Being part of this project has been incredibly powerful. The openness and commitment shown by students and staff in Brazil to challenge gender-based violence and support each other was inspiring. It’s a privilege to contribute to creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.”