Raluca Farcas

Illustration BA (Hons)

After falling in love with the University during a study abroad trip, Raluca made the decision to transfer to BCU to study BA (Hons) Illustration. The transfer led to some amazing opportunities, including an internship with Moonpig and a contract to illustrate a children’s book. Raluca is now studying MA Visual Communication and working towards her goal of becoming a successful Illustrator.

“I always wanted to go to university, and I can say that my path to BCU was quite a special one. I started my studies at Universitatea de Artă și Design din Cluj-Napoca in Romania. In my second year, I signed up for a study abroad program, which brought me to BCU for a semester and then to Belgium for my second semester. I instantly fell in love with BCU - the course, the teachers, my friends and the UK in general - so I decided to transfer to BCU for my third and final year.

When I joined, I felt really welcome. Having come from quite a small country, it was nice to see there were people from all over the world at BCU, so I never felt like the one odd out. I actually fit in perfectly, and my friends and tutors were always happy to explain things to me - they never treated me any differently. I’ve made tons of friends and even became part of two societies: the Anime Society and the Creative Society!

The Illustration course is very good at letting students find their own path. You can do anything you want, as long as you’re serious about it. From traditional drawing, to animation or even embroidery, it is amazing how easy it is to just be yourself at BCU! The best part about the course was the wide range of briefs and competitions that we were given. There was always someone that could help you with anything that you wanted to learn.

I’m happy to say I did most of the things I wanted to do at BCU. I took part in a lot of competition briefs and won some incredible opportunities, such as an internship with Moonpig and a children’s book contract. I also took part in all the activities I could and finished with a First Class Honours degree. I feel very proud of everything I did because I know how much effort I put into everything I do! I think by the time I finish my Master’s in Visual Communication, I want to be on my way to becoming a successful illustrator. I cannot wait to work on various exciting and challenging projects!

I am BCU and I’m super proud of it! Since becoming a student here, I’m more open minded, professional and happier. I feel like I know what I’m doing now. BCU has changed my life and will always be a part of me.”