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Graduates return to Uni to build the future

13/10/2021

Two graduates have returned to the University of Wolverhampton to create state-of-the-art facilities for the next generation of students.

Work is currently under way on a £5m new Screen School to build skills in the digital arts and media industries in the Alan Turing Building at the City Campus in Wolverhampton.

The University is also investing £3m in refurbishing existing Pharmacy facilities in the Wulfruna Building.

The ambitious project is being carried out by Willmott Dixon Interiors, and the team features University of Wolverhampton School of Architecture and Built Environment graduates Steve Quarless and Jessica Pugh.

Steve is the Senior Build Manager on site and studied a MSc (Master’s degree) in Construction Project Management 15 years ago.

He said: “I think the Screen School is going to be really great when the work is completed. There will be a lot more equipment available for the students to use and the facilities themselves look like they will be amazing. I think it will improve the campus experience no end – the students will have an excellent facility to use.

“The specification of the equipment that is being installed means that they will have the opportunity to be at the cutting edge of the screen and filming industry.

“Gaining my qualification at the University has helped me in terms of the skills I gained and it is very good gauge of the type of person you are and where you want to go. It has definitely benefitted my career.”

Jessica studied for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Building Studies and graduated in 2019.  She works as an Estimator at Willmott Dixon Interiors and priced the building works on the project.

Jessica said: “I had a good experience at the University and learned a lot about law and contracts which was my area of specialism.  You can’t do this work without the relevant qualifications and my qualification really helped me with soft skills too.

“It’s nice to come back to somewhere you know, there’s a great synergy there.”

Tim Steele, Pro Vice Chancellor Global Opportunities, said: “We are committed to providing an excellent learning experience for our students and our new facilities at the Wolverhampton Screen School and the Pharmacy refurbishment are both exciting additions to our vibrant City Campus.

“We want to provide our students with the latest technology and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure they gain the skills and knowledge they need to enter interesting and challenging careers when they graduate.”

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Courses including Computer Games Design, Film and Television Production, Animation, Multimedia Journalism, and Media will be taught in the new Wolverhampton Screen School.  

Existing space within the University’s Alan Turing Building at the Wolverhampton City Campus is being transformed to create state-of-the-art teaching facilities and equipment.  

The new School will co-locate students from different disciplines in one space to create a ‘production house’ environment to enable them to work with peers on joint projects and develop a new and diverse talent pipeline for the creative industries.  

Improvements to the Pharmacy facilities include an extension of the existing practice suite offering a flexible working space for students. A new dispensary will be created alongside a new study area for Postgraduate students, two new meeting rooms and a new reception area.  There will also be a new multi-purpose flexible teaching space which will be able to accommodate up to 120 students. 

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.  

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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