Nastaran Tavakoli

MA Arts and Education Practices

Nastaran came to BCU after studying at the University of Iran, for a new challenge and to push herself out of her comfort zone. She dreams of bringing art into every day life.

I’ve always been a curious and active person, someone who loves discovering new ideas and new people. After finishing my bachelor’s degree in Painting at the University of Art in Iran, I knew I wanted to push myself further, step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a bigger creative world, challenging myself both personally and artistically. That’s what led me to study abroad, and ultimately to BCU.

BCU stood out to me immediately. It felt open, multicultural and full of opportunities to grow. I knew this environment would broaden my horizons and connect me with people from all kinds of backgrounds. As an international student, that sense of community is really important to me.

Choosing postgraduate study was a deliberate decision. My undergraduate experience was about learning techniques and following structured lessons, but I wanted space to explore my ideas, develop my voice and research the topics that truly excite me. MA Arts and Education Practices was the perfect fit. I’ve always been passionate about art, but I also discovered how much I enjoy teaching and working with others. This course brings those two worlds together and helps me understand who I am, as both an artist and an educator.

I found my place quickly at university by joining events, meetings and workshops, which helped me meet new people and settle into student life. I also joined a social media group for Iranian students at BCU, where I’ve made close friends and built a small community that feels like home.

BCU has supported me every step of the way. My tutors are always there with guidance and constructive feedback, and the student services team has been invaluable whenever I’ve needed help. Workshops, career support, and access to incredible art facilities such as printmaking, photography and woodcutting workshops. The technicians are amazing too: supportive, patient and genuinely invested in our learning.

Since studying at BCU I’ve become more confident and independent. Living in a new country, communicating in a second language and navigating a completely different educational environment has made me stronger. I now have a clearer vision of the career I want to build.

I have faced some challenges, such as different cultural perspectives and learning to navigate multiple campuses, which was overwhelming at first. But by saying yes to more opportunities, I’ve slowly built stronger connections and found my rhythm.

If someone were considering my course, I’d say that you need creativity, openness and a willingness to communicate. This degree is for people who want to explore the relationship between art and education in a supportive, diverse environment where your ideas are valued and encouraged.

Looking ahead, my dream is to bring art into everyday life, to continue researching how creative practice can be redefined within communities and to run workshops that inspire others. I want my work to create spaces where people can experience art in meaningful, accessible ways.

To me, I AM BCU means being part of a community that celebrates creativity, diversity and growth. It’s about finding your voice, sharing your ideas and shaping the university experience with your own unique perspective. I feel valued here, not just as a student, but as an artist, a collaborator and a member of a global creative community.