Marie Slater is a Technical Manager within the department, responsible for leading a team of 8 technicians. Marie has worked at the university since 2005 with all levels of undergraduate, postgraduate and master’s students. She coordinates the technical team and manages all the practical aspects of varying specialisms, by liaising with academic staff and students, scheduling requests and activities.

Notably Marie was responsible for introducing QR Code technology to the department in 2015 together with the Technical Services Moodle area to enhance and support teaching and Just in Time (JIT) learning for students, particularly with different styles of learning and for international students where English is not their first language. Students can view videos on machinery & equipment via a QR code on a smart phone or alternatively, log onto Moodle via PC, Laptop, or tablet. Marie has also created a teaching aid called ‘How To’, originally a laminated step-by-step colourful resource, eventually becoming a digital downloadable resource.

Academic and professional qualifications

Marie initially graduated with a HND in Clothing Design and Technology from Manchester Metropolitan University. She spent over twenty years designing Childrenswear for Marks and Spencer and Mothercare after winning a competition, set by Mothercare that started her design career following university. She travelled throughout Europe with fashion buyers interpreting fashion trends and creating collections for the high street. Marie also worked in the Far East in Hong Kong, China and the Philippines putting design collections into work with overseas factories.

With support and opportunity from Technical Services, Marie has just completed the Apprenticeship degree BA (Hons) Business Management Professional in Fashion with Upper 2:1 and Distinction for CMI Chartered manager and will graduate in January 2022. The degree compliments her design background with Fashion Promotion, Sales & Marketing.