Art and design graduates celebrated in school's 200th year

The midway point of summer graduation shone a spotlight on some of LJMU’s most creative talent as students from Liverpool School of Art and Design graduated from their programmes in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Art in Science, Exhibition Studies, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Illustration, History of Art and Museum Studies, Fashion Design and Fashion Communication.

It was an extra special celebration this summer as LJMU is also marking 200 years since the establishment of its art school, making it the oldest school of art in England outside of London.

Among those graduating this week were eight award-winning students from the school, recognised for their hard work, ingenuity or overcoming adversity to finish their studies. They were each given School Director’s prizes at the end of year Degree Show that took place at the John Lennon Art & Design Building last month, showcasing the students’ final year projects.

School Director’s prize winners reflect on their time at LJMU and look to their future

Architecture winner: Lola Scholey-Conduit

“A highlight of my time at LJMU would be my tutors and my friends. I think because I did architecture, and it’s a studio environment, getting to know everyone was really easy and so was working with everyone. And whenever I needed any help with anything the students’ union were amazing.

“I didn’t see the award coming at all, I was literally shaking to go up and get it at the degree show, but it was such an honour and I’m really, really proud of myself.

“I’ve found a job in Manchester. I’m going to be an architectural assistant at the place that I really wanted so it has all worked out.”

Interior Architecture winner: James Williams

“My time at LJMU was an incredible experience that helped shape both my personal and professional development. Over four years, I gained confidence in my own creativity, discovered skills I didn’t know I had, and formed strong friendships that will last a lifetime. The supportive studio environment and variety of design projects helped me grow as a designer and define my own approach to interior architecture.

“The highlight of my time at LJMU was being awarded multiple prizes at the 2025 Degree Show. Receiving the Director’s Award for Interior Architecture in front of my peers and family was a moment I’ll always be proud of and felt like a fitting end to years of dedication and hard work.

“I am hoping to return to LJMU to complete my master’s after gaining experience some within an architectural practice, and the professional and placement awards I received have already opened valuable opportunities and helped me take my first steps into the industry.”

MA Architecture winner: Shirley See Bui Syn

“My two years at LJMU have been incredibly rewarding. From the supportive tutors to the collaborative studio environment, I’ve grown both personally and professionally.

“Receiving a Degree Show prize was a huge honour and a wonderful recognition of all the hard work during my Architecture master’s final year. It really means a lot to me.

“I’m currently exploring opportunities in architecture firms that focus on sustainable design and innovation, and I hope to begin my Part 3 journey in the near future." 

Fine Art winner: Cole Morris

“My time at LJMU has been great, it made me feel more independent and confident because I developed more as an adult, living away from home, discovering a new city and making new friends. It’s not easy being neurodiverse, having to learn and take in new information, at the same time as living in the city but being here with people who are the same as you and having understanding tutors really helps.

“I was shocked at getting an award, but it made me feel that my work has an impact and it’s given me a drive to still develop my practice.

“I would like to do an MA in Film Making or Animation in the future. And I plan to continue working as an artist and build up my work, looking for further opportunities and projects in art, film and theatre. I already have two commissions that I’m working on at the moment. Shadow puppetry is the way!”

Graphic Design and Illustration winner: Olivia Vaughan

“Initially I never thought I’d go to university, I didn’t think I was clever enough. I went as a mature student. Returning to education wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

“Receiving an award at the Degree Show solidified that and it validated all the hard work I’d put in. I couldn’t have done it without my amazing tutors throughout the three years.

“At the Degree Show I was introduced to a designer from a marketing and design agency in Liverpool. That connection led to me securing a graphic design internship, which is an amazing first step towards my creative career. I am excited for what the future holds.”

History of Art and Museum Studies winner: Dagmara Firlej

“The past four years at LJMU have been truly incredible, allowing me not only to pursue my life-long passion for the History of Art, but also to immerse myself in a supportive and encouraging environment created by our wonderful lecturers, and to make invaluable connections and friendships. I am grateful for all the fantastic opportunities provided by LJMU which enabled me to gain hands-on experience through various internships, placements, and bursary awards.

“As a mature student of a foreign background, I am especially proud of being awarded a runner-up for the Dissertation Prize, the Director’s Prize for sustained outstanding achievement in all aspects of study and the Degree Show prize. These awards confirm that my decision to join the university at the age of 45 was right and give me confidence for my future academic endeavours.

“While I am happy in my Executive Officer role in the Civil Service, I am also planning to continue higher education and from September I will be studying MA Cities at LJMU. Encouraged by my results and the awards I have received, I am hoping to develop my research into a PhD and to remain an active member and a contributor to the world of art.”

Fashion Design winner: Millie Wakefield

“My time at LJMU has honestly been life changing. The Fashion Design course has pushed me creatively, technically, and personally. I’ve developed so many new skills and built confidence I never thought I’d have. I’m proud to graduate with a First-Class degree and of what we’ve all achieved as a year group. I’ve made some of my best friends along the way, which has made it all the more special.

“Being awarded the Director’s Prize at the Degree Show was an amazing honour. It feels like the perfect way to celebrate these last few years of hard work, and it means so much to have my projects recognised in that way. My work this semester has focused on tailoring, with my recent project diving into concept-driven design and exploring the cultural roots of fashion. Alongside that, I also have a passion for streetwear, combining traditional techniques with more contemporary influences. A huge thank you to all the tutors who made this possible - their support, advice, and endless patience have helped shape me into the designer I am today.

“I’m now hoping to start my career as a menswear designer, with a focus on tailoring and continuing to develop my own approach to design. It’s exciting to take this next step, but I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads.

“I want to thank LJMU for this chapter of my life. It's been a truly unforgettable journey."

Fashion Communication winner: Charlotte Pratt

“Studying Fashion Communication has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to explore the fashion industry, from branding and styling to media and visual storytelling. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how fashion speaks to audiences and shapes culture, and I’ve loved the opportunity to express my own ideas through both practical and theoretical work.

“Receiving the Director's Prize for Fashion Communication has been an incredibly meaningful moment in my journey. I’m truly grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received along the way from my tutors and peers.

“As a new graduate, I’m excited to begin gaining hands-on experience in the fashion industry. I plan to build on the strong foundation I’ve developed through my Fashion Communication degree by exploring opportunities within this fast-paced industry.”

Student who designed LJMU’s Mowgli Dog Show branding dreams of designing children’s book covers

Another award-winning student from Liverpool School of Art and Design is Charlotte Wood, who studied Graphic Design and Illustration, and was commissioned by LJMU to design t-shirts and dog bandanas for the university’s presence at this year’s Mowgli Dog Show. Charlotte also sketched people’s dogs across the weekend event, providing bespoke keepsakes for the attendees while gaining invaluable experience to support her future career.

Reflecting on her time at LJMU, Charlotte says: “A highlight of university was the fact we got to explore both subject areas; graphics and illustration, before we picked between the two. I think it really allowed me to realise that illustration was where my strengths lay and from there, I was able to develop even more of an interest and my skills even further. I think the tutors on my course really helped with me having more confidence in my own work, which prior to university I was severely lacking.

“For my final major project, I wrote and illustrated an entire children’s book from scratch; something I never thought I would have the time or skill to do but I did it. And winning the Narrative Prize at the Degree Show as a result of that was very much a memorable highlight."

On being commissioned by the university for the Dog Show, Charlotte said: “It was a massive honour and genuinely one of the most fun opportunities I’ve had so far. It was nerve wracking at first as even though I had lots and lots of experience illustrating dogs during projects, and for my line of greetings cards, I’d never explored branding or even had a professional commission this big before. It was a fantastic learning opportunity for something I think I’d quite like to do again in the future at other events.”

Looking to the future, she adds: “After graduation I’ll probably keep drawing dogs for a while, but my main focus will be trying to break into the book publishing industry, specifically book covers and children’s books. If you would like to see my work, it’s @illusbychar on Instagram.”

200 years of the Liverpool School of Art and Design

Our School of Art and Design traces its origins back to the foundation of the Mechanics' School of Art in 1825.

From its enlightened attitudes towards women in education - they were admitted as students from 1832, and the first female tutor was appointed in 1858 - to its innovative foundation courses in the 1960s which helped expand access to education, the School of Art and Design has often been at the forefront of art education.

Now housed in the John Lennon Art and Design Building – Lennon was a student at the school in the 1950s - the school continues to innovate in areas such as 3D printing and the intersection between art and science. Extensive links with practising artists and designers help today’s students, the artists, architects, illustrators and designers of the future, secure invaluable industry insights, connections that would no doubt be celebrated by the school’s nineteenth century founders.

Find out more about the Liverpool School of Art and Design.