Rachel Heeley

Rachel Heeley is a Senior Lecturer and Interim Head of Department for Creative Industries at Staffordshire University, with a career spanning both academic leadership and creative practice. She holds an MSc in Fashion Management (Distinction, 2016) and a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education (2008), complementing her First-Class BA (Hons) Fashion Design (2004). As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2019), she focuses on curriculum development and interdisciplinary learning strategies.

• Rachel supervises Masters students in Arts and Creative Technologies
• Currently pursuing a PhD in Global Education at Coventry University (2022-present), investigating dyslexia support in coursework-based programs
• Serves as External Examiner at University of Hertfordshire and Glasgow Caledonian University

Her research explores:

• Creative education accessibility for dyslexic learners
• Interdisciplinary approaches in design practice
• Fashion imagery evolution through digital media
• Sustainable wardrobe practices
• Nursing identity through uniform design
• Curriculum innovation in creative industries

Recent publications demonstrate her expertise in fashion communication, healthcare design, and educational innovation. Rachel combines academic work with industry experience from her eponymous fashion label and events management career, maintaining active roles in course accreditation and educational research.