The Tom Fund

The Tom Fund supports BA Design finalist students in developing their final projects, with a specific remit of helping them overcome financial hurdles to realise their vision for their graduation work.

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The fund was set up by the Wagstaff family in honour of their son Tom, a student on the programme who died in 2016.

"The Tom Fund enabled the realisation of my installation. With the right materials I was able to proceed with my plans to create a fully working and immersive experience, and it allowed me to develop the final outcome to a higher standard."

Elaine Xu, Class of 2018

How The Tom Fund works

The awards enable BA Design students to creatively explore specific facets and concepts in their final major projects that they otherwise might not, due to cost barriers. Students apply individually or in groups at any time during the academic year.

Each application is assessed by The Tom Fund Committee comprising the Wagstaff family, Tom’s friends from the programme and Department of Design staff.

An application form and guidelines for applicants can be found on The Tom Fund website. 

Donate to The Tom Fund

Your donations to The Tom Fund will keep it running so that BA Design students can continue to benefit from the support it offers. The awards are critical in helping young designers experiment, develop their practice and expand their ideas to their fullest potential, regardless of their background. 

 

More information on the projects that were funded so far and how students used the funds.