A student from The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus has secured a place at one of the world’s leading postgraduate art and design institutions.

Rebecca Williams, 25, from South Tyneside, who has just completed the School’s Access to HE Diploma (Art & Design) course, has been offered a place on the MA Contemporary Art programme at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London.

Being accepted to join one of the most competitive art programmes globally is a significant achievement for Rebecca who graduated from Newcastle University with a History degree in 2023.

After university, Rebecca had planned to pursue an academic career before deciding to take some time out to work part‑time and moving back home. During this period she decided she wanted to return to her longstanding passion for art.

“I’ve always had art in my blood and thought it was a shame to leave it behind,” she said. “I saw The Northern School of Art’s Access course advertised on social media and decided to get in touch. I nearly didn’t get on because I applied late, but by chance a place became available. I have been commuting from Sunderland to Middlesbrough and it has been completely worth it.”

Rebecca describes her experience on the Access course as transformative. “The course is absolutely brilliant and so diverse. I’ve explored photography, textiles and printmaking, things I’d never tried before. The community is really supportive, and we all share the same ambitions. It feels like we’re aspiring artists together.”

She credits much of her success to the encouragement of her tutor, Andrea Goodwill. “Andrea is fantastic and makes time for everyone. Without her encouragement, I wouldn’t have applied to the Royal College of Art. She pushed me to dream bigger.”

Rebecca’s academic background continues to inspire her artistic practice. Drawing on her studies in early modern and Irish history, she creates work that explores the relationship between visual culture, identity and politics. Her recent projects include collage work using found news imagery, examining how contemporary audiences engage with visual information.

“The course has shown me how to combine creative practice with an intellectual foundation,” she explained. “People assume I’m switching fields, but I see it as expanding through creativity.”

As part of her application to the RCA, Rebecca submitted a portfolio alongside a two-minute video and written statement. She also included work developed through a museum-based project focused on environmental and rural themes.

Rebecca received news of her offer while having lunch with classmates in The Northern School of Art’s Art Café. “When I saw the email with ‘offer letter’ at the bottom, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “It’s a huge jump – from an Access course to the same institution where Tracey Emin and Barbara Hepworth studied. It’s daunting, but exciting.”

Shortly afterwards, she also received an offer for MA Photography at the RCA, underlining the strength of her application. In the same week, she was selected to exhibit one of her collages at Ormesby Hall as part of the National Trust’s Future Creatives exhibition.

Andrea Goodwill, Cluster Leader for Access to HE, Foundation Diploma & Art Clubs, praised Rebecca’s achievement: “Rebecca is an outstanding example of what can happen when talent, curiosity and commitment come together. Watching her grow in confidence and ambition has been a joy. Gaining a place at the Royal College of Art is an exceptional achievement and we are immensely proud of her.”

Looking ahead, Rebecca is excited to move to London and immerse herself in a vibrant artistic community.

“For me, it’s about being in the centre of the art world,” she said. “I’m looking forward to engaging with other artists, challenging myself and keeping on climbing the ladder. This is the leap I need to keep moving forward.”

Rebecca’s work will be on show as part of The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus Summer Show from 18-23 June 2026. She also shares her work on Instagram at @bcky_art

Further information about The Northern School of Art’s Access to HE Diploma (Art & Design), a one‑year course for adults aged 19+ preparing for university‑level study, is available on the School’s website here