24th September 2019
As everyone has begun to settle in to the new Hi Tech & Digital Centre, we wanted to see how students were finding all the new facilities and spaces to work in. To get a good first impression, we spoke to two new Digital Media: Games and Interactive Media students, Ben Cude and Lucie Finch, to find out what life is like as a student in the Hi Tech & Digital Centre.
What made you choose to study here?
Ben said: “The Hi Tech & Digital Centre was a big selling point. When I decided what I was going to study, we were told about all the plans and what they want do with the new building and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Lucie said: “It’s cool that so much happens in this building. Even though I’m studying a Level 3 course, I am amongst degree level students and other businesses which makes it a lot more exciting and lets me see what I could be doing next.”
What is it about the course that you like?
Lucie said: “The course gives a lot of skills. I came for my interview and it showed there’s actually a lot more options within the course than you would first think. I’m really interested in product design and when deciding on an option, it was good to have the course explained to me that it gives you the option to try things out and learn about different parts of games and interactive media.
Ben continued: “The tutors know what each of us want to do and tailor the course for each of us so we are always focusing on something that is relevant.”
What’s your favourite thing about the Hi Tech & Digital Centre?
Lucie said: “My favourite tech is probably the new iMacs! The Hi Tech & Digital Centre is really clear and with it being so open, it is easy to find your way around. Having a bright new building is really refreshing to work in too.”
Ben said: “Everything is up to date and really useful to have readily available. We use the open spaces all the time, not just in lessons but in breaks too, which makes every part of the day flow and feel more relaxed.”
What are your plans for the future?
Ben said: “I’m thinking about a degree but really wanted to study this course to get a better idea of the specific path I want to take. These new facilities are really handy for us to experiment and make a decision out of the different areas of digital practises we’d like to carry on learning about.”
Lucie said: “I’m keen to carry on pursuing product design specifically at university level but just need to see what options are available in that field here.”
It’s great to see students taking full advantage of the facilities and the new Centre so soon after its opening and we look forward to seeing what all the students produce within their studies here and what journeys they take following their time at the College.
The Hi Tech & Digital Centre (HTDC) combines £8.3m from the Heart of the South West LEP’s Growth Deal funding from the Heart of the South West LEP, as well as funding support from European Regional Development Fund, Higher Education Funding Council for England, Garfield Weston Foundation, Torbay Council, South Devon College and private sector investment. It will be a flagship facility, alongside other Institutes of Technology developments in the country.