Firsthand

WELCOME TO FIRSTHAND Higher education transforms lives and this is worth celebrating. This is why SMRS and The Student Room have created Firsthand. It’s a collection of real experiences from people who’ve attended universities and colleges across the UK. You’ll find personal stories here not statistics. Inspiration, not infographics. And example after example of how universities have had a positive impact on diversity, opportunity and real lives. So here’s to everything higher education can be – and everything it is.

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John - Glasgow Caledonian University

Former Scots Guardsman John has fought his way back from the depths of despair almost losing his family and his life to become a mental health nurse after graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University.

The 50-year-old, who suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after serving in Iraq, had a mental breakdown and ended up sleeping on the streets after being medically discharged from the Armed Forces with a severe back injury caused by a fall from a truck during training.

After leaving the Army, John drank himself into oblivion as he struggled to cope with life on Civvy Street after five years in the Scots Guards. He lost his confidence, couldn’t settle in a job and his marriage broke up. He even tried to take his own life but was stopped by police before he threw himself under a train.

However, he was eventually diagnosed with PTSD after seeking help from Combat Stress Scotland, a charity giving mental health support to veterans. John spoke about how the horrors he witnessed in Iraq while serving with the 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and the suicide of a comrade were major triggers for his PTSD.

He said: “In Iraq I witnessed terrible atrocities. I saw the aftermath of civilians, including children, being massacred just because they were Kurdish. I saw villages wiped out and mass graves. Those images have stayed with me all these years.

“I’ve also struggled to cope with the death of a close friend who took his own life during a tour of Northern Ireland. He was only a teenager but the whole nature of the job was just get on with it.”

It was during his PTSD treatment with Combat Stress Scotland that he found out he had many transferable skills he could use in civilian life.

John explained: “At the end of a six-week intensive treatment programme, I was asked by one of the occupational therapists what my plans were for the future.

“I didn’t really have any plans. We spoke about nursing and it was there and then that I decided, after all I’ve been through, I was going to be a mental health nurse.”

John then went to Glasgow Clyde College and completed an access to nursing course. He applied to three universities to study a BSc in Mental Health Nursing but chose GCU because of “all the energy and enthusiasm” of staff and students he met during an Open Day. He is now a registered mental health nurse after graduating in November.

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Kundai - University of Northampton

Acting graduate Kundai Kanyamaure credits her time at the University of Northampton with preparing her for a life treading the boards – and now she’s reaping the benefits.

“The Acting course was amazing,” said Kundai. “I would recommend it because of the teachers and mentors: I’ve learned a lot from them and even some people who came in temporarily to teach us. 

“It was hard work in a good way because the real acting world is a lot of work and it trains you and fully prepares you for it.” 

What the course perhaps didn’t prepare her for was that within a year of graduating, Kundai would be starring opposite stage and screen legend Jim Broadbent.

Kundai is appearing alongside Broadbent in Oscar-winning writer Martin McDonagh’s grim gothic tale, A Very Very Very Dark Matter, which runs until January 2019 at London’s Bridge Theatre.

Kundai, who plays the character Ogechi, couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to stage life, and rather than being overawed by the company she is keeping, she’s appreciative of the opportunity she has to learn from such an exceptional and experienced cast.

“Jim Broadbent is great to work with,” said Kundai, who grew up in Staines, but now lives in Wellingborough.

“He’s been very welcoming towards me and it’s just a very relaxed atmosphere being around him and the others. 

“He’s not given me any tips, I’ve just been watching and learning and from the get-go I already learnt how to bring words on a page to life when doing the initial play reading. 

“The whole cast is great, and honestly, it’s felt very calm and normal. Everyone is so lovely and so caring and what they all do well is helping me to feel comfortable.”

Kundai’s dream start to her career has been bolstered further by the fact she’s working alongside Oscar-winner McDonagh, who has spent plenty of time with the cast to ensure his creative vision is translated accurately from script to stage. 

“Martin has been sitting in the rehearsals from the very start, being there to guide and shape the motivations of the writing and everything. You can tell he’s a great writer because every actor really suited the character and even now we still discover new things about the play and how things are linked in scenes.”

Picture caption: The cast of A Very Very Very Dark Matter, with Kundai pictured standing on the right and Jim Broadbent seated. 

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Susan - University of Northampton

Susan Campbell has set her sights on a new career in fashion after graduating from university, aged 65.

At a time when most would be adjusting to a leisurely life of retirement, the pensioner has no intention of putting her feet up, and is instead pursuing a job in the industry.

“University was amazing, I had so much fun and the course was fascinating, allowing me to really run with my creative ideas,” said Susan, who spent two years studying Textiles for Fashion at the University of Northampton.

“At first, I was like a rabbit in the headlights, adjusting to being on campus and getting used to learning at degree level, and of course, being the oldest person on the course,” she added.

“It was a little daunting, to know I would be studying alongside people who had only just left school, but I soon found out I had nothing at all to worry about. My course-mates didn’t treat me any differently, we were all in it together and we’d pop off to the canteen with each other, and became close.”

Susan also held her own when it came to the work, being just one of 11 students selected to showcase their final year collections on the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week in Shoreditch, the culture capital of London. 

Indeed, one of her designs – a Peaky Blinders-inspired outfit – drew plenty of praise on social media and was even featured on local BBC news.

“Just a few years ago I would never have dreamed that I would get the opportunity to design and make my own collection, and then see models wearing it on the catwalk,” said Susan. “It was an incredible experience and I loved every minute of the show and it’s given me a taste of what I want to do next, and that’s to work in the fashion industry.”

Susan, who comes from Countesthorpe, near Leicester, and is married to Duncan and has two grown-up children and a second grandchild on the way, is now contemplating life, post-graduation.

She said: “I’d like to work for a fashion company and get a feel of the industry. I don’t want to just stop now I’ve graduated. I might be 65, which is when most people are settling into retirement, but I want another crack at a more creative career.” 

Susan has always had a creative side, but had never pursued her passion professionally, instead undertaking a variety of admin roles throughout her working life.

“Although I enjoyed my jobs, I had always wanted to be more creative, and I remember I used to rush home from work and make clothes when I was younger,” said Susan.

When her children, Laura and Tom, were small, Susan attended evening classes at college, where she tried her hand at art and design, but then put her creative side on hold until she was 50.

“I enrolled on a botanical illustration course and loved it – I remember thinking ‘at last, I know what I want to do with myself, I want to be creative’,” she said.

She then went on to study an AS-Level in textiles at Leicester College, before completing a one-year HND course in fashion and textiles at Warwickshire & Hinckley College. From there, Susan progressed to the University of Northampton in 2016.

The University’s Head of Fashion, Dr Julie King, said: “Susan is proof that age is no barrier and that fashion is for everyone. We are excited to see what the future holds for her and are sure she will inspire others to pursue their dreams.”

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Jemima - Bangor University

It all started with a seizure. One moment you’re fine. The next, you’re waking up. On the ground. Covered in Sweat. Confused and tired and agitated. At the time, it felt like the end of the world, but that seizure changed my life - for the better. Let me explain…

I’m an undergraduate studying Forestry at Bangor University. Having just completed my second year of study, I was going into my placement year, where I would take a year out from studying to get real-world experience in the Forestry sector. I managed to land my dream placement, securing a paid job as a ranger with Wyre Forest District Council. I was all set and ready to start in September, until 4 days before I was due to begin, I had my first seizure and was admitted into hospital. I couldn’t take up the placement.

After various meetings with specialists and my University, it was decided that I would take time away from studying, and take the year out to rest. I tried resting, but I only managed 2 weeks. The boredom hit. I found myself missing the deadlines and stress of university life.

That was until an email dropped into my inbox. It was from the University’s B-Enterprising team advertising an upcoming business competition for young people in Wales. It was simple. For a chance to go to a national showcase event and win some epic prizes, all you had to do was come up with a business idea. So I entered. I’m no business woman, but I do have a passion for trees and increasing environmental awareness in young people. Before I knew it, I had got myself a place in the final and an invitation to the national showcase event. B-Enterprising, part of Bangor University Careers and Employability Service got in touch and offered me all the support I could possibly imagine: arranging for me to meet with experts in the psychology department to work on my sales pitch; getting a graphic designer to help with my logo; and all the moral support I could possibly need including having a friendly face in the audience on the day!

And so Tree Sparks was born - an idea for a social enterprise which wants to ignite conversation about trees, showing 15-19 year olds that jobs in the forestry and environmental sectors can be both viable and hugely rewarding.

Even though I don’t know much about running a business, the judges at the competition could see that I had passion for my idea, and this is what led to me winning two awards and securing £1,000 in funding.

I had no excuse! I had time, money, and much needed support from my university to start my own business, and start making a change. Since the competition in March, I’ve managed to fit a lot in; (around hospital appointments) going to a boot camp for business weekend - organised by Big Ideas Wales, getting to the University finals of the Santander Entrepreneurship Awards, and most importantly, making connections with other young people and entrepreneurs.

Despite all these amazing opportunities on offer, there have been several times in the past couple of months when I have sat at my desk, wondering, what on earth am I doing; questioning whether I really am the right person to be starting this business, and whether I even can with my health problems. It’s so easy to get consumed by a downward spiral of self-doubt, no matter what your motivation or inspiration. And that is why having a support network behind you is so important - and University has been mine.

As a forestry student, I’m in the privileged position of being part of a small, close-knit group of fellow forestry students. They’ve a massive part of my support network. The Bangor Forestry Students’ Association has also been more than willing to help with my pursuit to try and get more young people into Forestry, helping with even my most unusual requests. They’ve gone above and beyond in helping me overcome the health barriers I face. And they give me the confidence to take my idea and learning to an international level. In July, I have been selected as one of the International student delegates for the COFO 24 conference in Rome - none of this would be possible without the support of BFSA and my fellow course mates.

If didn’t have a seizure in September, then Tree Sparks would not exist. The B-Enterprising team, careers service, my academic department and student family at University have all been with me every step of the way. I cannot wait to continue working with them next year, and to see where Tree Sparks will take me next!

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Channette – London Met University 

Mum of one Channette, 36, was born in Tottenham and raised in Islington – after GCSEs she attended college for a short while studying media and performing arts. It was followed by a few years working in retail before she started working for Haringey Council, Camden Council, Islington Council and Hackney Council over a period of 15 years.

“I worked in the parking departments in local government,” Channette says. “I dealt with all of the correspondence for the Parking Enforcement team. It was quite a tough job, and although I found a creative side when writing replies for each complaint, I just wasn’t passionate about it.”

Then in 2013 Channette’s friend was tragically killed after being hit by a car. “It was a wake-up call,” She says. “It hit me really hard and I had to take time away from work after suffering depression. As I began to come to terms with the loss of my friend I was taking the time to reassess my life and I knew I needed to make a change.”

Over the next 18 months Channette applied for a number of media jobs without luck. “I was getting rejection after rejection and I just thought why not do it for myself? I started a blog, founded a YouTube channel and started getting involved in media presenting and production at a Community radio station Reprezent Radio.”

Despite gaining a wealth of practical experience Channette was still receiving rejection letters, so turned her attention back to education. “To be honest, I was shocked that I got in as I didn’t really have much in the way of qualifications. But I had knowledge of editing, writing and radio production to go alongside my work experience and London Met took that into account.”

Channette started a BA in Journalism, Film and Television Studies at London Met in 2016. “It’s been great learning the theory and meeting industry professionals at talks and events. What I quickly realised is that a qualification helps, but you really need work experience to make you stand out.”

“In my second year I took the work related learning module and applied for a placement via the BBC’s Creative Diversity Network scheme and got in. I spent two weeks working with the Newsnight team which was an incredible experience. I learnt so much in my time there.”

Shortly after her placement finished Channette discovered that she was one of six candidates, from 1000 applicants, to be accepted on to the BBC’s ‘Where it begins’ scheme, an eight week summer placement with BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra & Asian Networks at  New Broadcasting House in London.

“I can’t wait to get started, I know I’m going to learn so much and it’s my dream that I will have my own radio show on the BBC one day”.

“London Met has helped me take big steps towards my dream career. When I leave here I’ll have a degree but also loads of work experience which will give me the edge in the jobs market.

“Before London Met I knew what I wanted my career to be, I just wasn’t sure how to get there. I’ve got the talent and drive, but sometimes you just need someone to show the way.”

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Leyla – University of Hertfordshire

At the start of University I had terrible anxiety, I almost dropped out of because I feared everything and everyone around me. There were moments that I did not have the confidence, the motivation or the courage to overcome this illness and wanted to stay at home to avoid these issues. I realised that I needed help and advice.

On one occasion, I was participating in a group discussion with my year group tutor Michael Wright and I felt out of my comfort zone and wanted to leave, but Michael said ‘he will always be here for us if we needed anything’. Those words gave me the courage to speak to him after class, I explained my issues and how I felt, at that point I burst into tears but he did not react apart from continuing to smile. Michael reassured me that it is normal to feel this way and the best way to confront my fears were to express them through art. He said this would allow me to grow into an artist. I thank him every day for his leadership and support, because it was him who helped me become who I am.

I am now more confident than ever and with the help of others at the University, I pushed pass this fear and started a new chapter in my life studying BA Fine Arts. I had the most amazing three years with the most amazing group leader, Michael Wright. Studying at University was like my second home. I spend every day and every hour on campus, from partaking in afternoon life drawing classes to getting involved with student activities such as talks, workshops and competition. My fellow graduates and I succeeded in finding ourselves as independent artists and it was difficult to say good bye to the University of Hertfordshire as those three years flew by so quickly.

As a 21 year old graduate I am now studying and working within the film industry. However, I am continuing my passion for art and wish to see myself as a full-time artist in the future. My experiences at the University of Hertfordshire impacted me and I am truly thankful to my tutor and my friends and everyone I met during my journey. If there is one advice I can give current students, it is to enjoy every moment you have at University, because you will miss it afterwards.

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Helen - University of Sunderland

Before University I studied A Levels and spent a little bit of time working abroad in Tunisia. I have always loved Science, it explains everything in the world around us (or tries too), so studying a science-based course at University was always my first choice. I soon discovered that my passion would lie in working with people (in particular, teaching), and that working in a lab, testing samples as a biomedical scientist was not for me!

I really enjoyed the small classes for the subject enhancement aspects of the BSc Science Education course. I genuinely formed some life-long friendships, and keep in touch with almost all of the other students in my year. The support from the Programme Leaders was also exceptional, and I always felt that there was someone to speak to if I had any problems. Due to having a disability I was given small extensions on some assignments, which really helped during my Teaching Practice when assignments were due alongside teaching for the first time.

I would recommend university - I really loved my time there! You should consider the course really carefully, and don’t be afraid to think about switching courses if your first choice just isn’t for you! Make sure you join some of the Students’ Union clubs and societies; I was secretary of the Ski and Snowboard Club, as well as a member of lots of other societies where I learned the basics of canoeing, Jiu-jitsu, and even scuba diving!

I now work at Southmoor Academy, working on the Senior Leadership Team as the Assistant Principal for Teaching, Learning and Assessment. Studying at University gave me the skills and qualifications to enable me to be successful in my chosen career, as well as creating an environment where I made some life-long friends.

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Gary - University of Sunderland

Gary Waller had been in the army, worked for Nissan and as a taxi driver before he made the decision to study at University in his late 40s. After landing a place on a Business and Financial Management BA course through Clearing, he graduated with a First-Class degree, and now works as Logistics Manager at Liebherr Sunderland Works Ltd. Let’s hear about his inspiring story.

“I decided to attend university to prove something to myself. I left school with few qualifications, but I also wanted to improve my job prospects. I served for seven years in the Royal Engineers as a Plant Operator, then 12 years at Nissan working on the production line, and 10 years working as a taxi driver, but I always had bigger ambitions.

While at University I applied for a part time job at Liebherr through the University’s Careers and Employability Service. Effectively I started to work for Liebherr while I was in my second year at University, and now I’m the Logistics Manager. I would advise any student to attend an Open Day. It’s your chance to speak to lecturers and current students, and also find out more about the University’s facilities, and about the city.”

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Mignon – London Metropolitan University 

Mignon Cristofoli is a “forty-something” mature student and mother of two studying Science at London Met. 

Mignon’s background is in finance, initially in her native South Africa and then in London, and as an entrepreneur running her own skin care company. Her passion for helping people with severe skin conditions (she suffered from severe acne) fuelled a passion to learn more about the science behind the treatments available.

She was accepted onto the BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science at London Met four years ago only intending to complete the foundation year. Four years later, she has just completed her course – predicted a first – and is planning to study for a PhD.

While studying at London Met, she had the opportunity to undertake work related learning at UCL’s world renowned Skin Research Group which further fuelled her passion for science.

Although further studies need to be done, Mignon hopes that her final year project could represent an exciting new development in improving the permeation of topical applications. “I moved to London from South Africa in 1997. I’d studied Law and Finance in Johannesburg and so when I moved to London I jumped straight into a finance job in the City. 

“I enjoyed my work, but I felt something was missing. Around the same time I started to develop extremely bad acne which had a huge impact on my wellbeing and forced me to reassess what was important to me. 

“So, near the end of 2004 I launched Mignon Skincare a natural range of unisex skincare products that helped to deal with problem skin effectively and without the use of harsh ingredients. Setting up my own business was tough. I didn’t have a huge budget, but I had a lot of determination.”

“After a year, or so, the business really started to gain momentum, my hard work was gradually starting to pay off.

“Between 2008 and 2013 my business took a back seat while I raised my two kids. Over this time I started to feel as though selling a skin care product – as excellent as it is – developed by someone else wasn’t enough for me. But what could I do? I hadn’t studied science since I was a teenager, so knew it would be a long journey.

“In summer 2014 I picked up the phone to London Met University to enquire about their BSc Sciences Extended Degree. I was thrilled to hear that I would be accepted on to the course. It was amazing to be given the chance of pursuing my dream.

“It was my intention to complete the foundation course and then look elsewhere, but I soon became fascinated by the work. My enthusiasm was further fuelled when I was given the chance to undertake work related learning with UCL’s world-renowned Skin Research Group, led by Dr Majella Lane, after meeting Dr Bruno Sil Dos Santos at a London Met lecture.

“I’ve now finished my undergraduate and I’m hoping to pursue a PhD in order to further explore the work I was doing as my final year project.” 

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Amelie – London Metropolitan University

Diplomacy and International Relations graduate Amelie Gericke has gone on to achieve impressive things since graduating from University in 2015.

Amelie now works for the UK Government, as Private Secretary to the Executive Director of Government Communication in the Prime Minister's Office and Cabinet Office.

“My time at London Met was exciting,” says Amelie. “I am very grateful to have learned so much about different cultures and backgrounds due to the students coming from all over the world - essential for working in International Relations.

“I really appreciated that my lecturers were so dedicated and accessible.”  

Amelie participated in an exchange year at San Francisco State University, where she studied International Relations and Affairs.

Amelie has some advice for potential students “Ask questions. I asked a lot of questions at University and the lecturers were always keen to help me. You could ask as long as you read the material - which is a fair call I think. I feel that if you put a lot of effort into your studies, you got out a lot out!

“You can get anywhere if you are really keen. I didn't even know the Government Communications Service existed or was part of the Cabinet Office when I applied, but I basically I tried my luck everywhere that sounded interesting.”

After working as an Executive Assistant in the Cabinet Office for nine months, Amelie was elevated to her current role in Whitehall.

“I only got promoted recently so I am still learning a lot,” she says. “But I really enjoy that every day is different and my problem solving and communication skills are being tested all the time.”

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Giorgia Bacco – London Metropolitan University

Giorgia Bacco studied marketing at London Metropolitan University and used both the knowledge she gained on her course and the help of the University’s, specialist business incubator, the Accelerator, to propel her business idea into a reality.

“I learned that it [setting up your own business] is not easy and you should be ready to accept any challenge,” said Giorgia.

“You have to look at many different details, not just the bigger idea and that there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Believe in what you do and believe in your idea!”

Giorgia won London Metropolitan University’s Big Idea Challenge in 2014, with her business, Dottore London, a gynaecologist in the Capital aimed at Italian women.

“When we opened in October 2014, we started with 18 patients and two doctors. Today, we have over 100 patients and many more doctors! We are constantly growing and recently took on some investors,” she continues.

Giorgia moved to London to study marketing at London Met. It was during her time as a student that she learned about market research and how to understand if there is a niche for her business idea. She launched Dottore London after winning the Big Idea Challenge and holding down a full-time job as a senior marketing executive and caring for her seven-month-old daughter, Sophia.

Dottore London was launched in response to many Italian women flying home to Italy to see their gynaecologist rather than make a booking with a British specialist. The problem was partly due to cost and partly due to the language barrier.

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Sue - Teesside University

I came to University because I wanted to become a fashion designer and learn skills that would benefit my career choice. I knew that going to university would allow me to do this. I wanted to learn more about computer-aided design (CAD) software as well as developing my patterning skills. 

The careers service is a good service for students looking for work relevant to their field. The Students’ Union was also really helpful and guided a group of us with our professional skills project where we had to set up a stall to sell products.

I particularly love the library as it has range of fashion history, art, design and technical drawing books. It’s such a good place to read and has a friendly and comfortable environment. I enjoyed doing my research on the quiet floor, looking out the huge windows and enjoying the view.

I’ve met a lot of different people and have been involved in various workshops and presentation events at the University. The shops and clubs in Middlesbrough are a great asset, it gives students a choice of places to meet up with friends and a place to shop for products needed for design projects.

I was later introduced to Teesside Launchpad, an enterprise start up pod that offers mentoring, workshops and financial support for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Launchpad has given me valuable experience and I’ve met a lot of new friends who have similar interests.

I would definitely recommend University. It offers a chance to learn new skills and improve existing ones. The course I was on, gave me an opportunity to explore the fashion world in great detail. I started the course with no computer skills and now I have a variety of CAD skills. I’ve also learnt how to turn my patterns into digital format, something I never thought I’d be able to do.

As a graduate I will now be qualified for a range of roles within the fashion industry and for that I have Teesside University to thank.

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Francesca - Teesside University

Born in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Francesca decided to move to the UK for university to pursue her passion for graphic design. Ever since she started her course, she’s been hooked on typography. 

In her final-year, Francesca became a member of the International Society of Typographic Designers in the 2018 awards for her outstanding quality of work.

She says: “The International Society of Typographic Designers is a society that I have always greatly admired, so I was very happy to be able to respond to their brief and gain feedback from them.” 

Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design and Illustration, Michael O’Malley, said: “We are incredibly proud of Francesca and what she has achieved throughout her time on her course. We encourage all design students to develop their own distinctive body of work throughout their time at University, and grasp every opportunity that comes their way. It has been wonderful to see how Francesca’s work has evolved over the past three years. To be recognised by the International Society of Typographic Designers is a tremendous accomplishment and I am sure that it will set Francesca up well for the future.”

So, with a bright career ahead of her, what are her plans after uni? “After I graduate, I want to find my footing in the industry and I hope to work in the print sector of design. I will look back on my time at University with great fondness. Nothing can replace the experience I have had.”

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William - University of Hertfordshire

After graduating, I was lucky enough to receive a place on FICO’s Graduate Scheme, which has allowed me to work on some really exciting projects. I was given this opportunity largely due to the broad skillset I built during University, where I was able to enrol onto a range of modules that not only interested me, but also prepared me for life after graduation.

I’m now a Software Engineer at FICO, where I’m responsible for developing new features into our products.

I studied BSc Computer Science, which gave me a really good set of base skills to be used across a range of disciplines in the IT Industry. Going into University, I was fortunate enough to know that I wanted to work on large scale enterprise software, which meant I was able to tailor my module choices to give me the skills required to get into Software Engineering.

The flexibility and variety of my course was invaluable, as it allowed me to get a strong understanding of a range of different technologies, knowledge which I still use today as a professional software engineer.

I was really impressed with the modular course structure, which enabled me to focus my learning towards what I was interested in and what would get me to the job I wanted. Alongside this, the breadth of modules offered as part of the course was wide and varied, which helped me develop as a more rounded graduate with a deep understanding of the core concepts and principles of Computer Science.

I also liked the placement year in industry. I would recommend the year in industry to anyone, it gave me so much experience, and I made some great contacts whom I still keep in touch with today.

I’m in contact with many of my friends that I met at the Uni. Most of my friends now work in central London with me which is great as we often meet up after work for drinks. It’s also really good to have a strong professional network to open up opportunities. The city is a lot smaller than people think, and knowing the right people will often help you out.

If I was advising someone starting Uni now I would say utilise your time wisely! You will likely have time where you aren’t doing anything, but don’t waste it. Learn new things, build your skillset and push to go further than you are taught. I had to work hard after University to get up to speed with some of the frameworks and tools my team were using, and in hindsight, I could’ve learnt some of these when I had more free time.

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David  – University of Hertfordshire

The atmosphere at Hertfordshire was so welcoming and homely. It was also close to home which was important as I had become a father six months earlier.

Studying full-time and then working in the evenings and weekends to support my young family was really tough. However, I received great support from my tutors and it all paid off when I got a first class honours and was awarded the Sir Nigel Hawthorne Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Since graduating I’ve worked mainly in the West End appearing in Billy Elliot, From Here To Eternity, The Lion King, Wicked and Les Miserables to name, well, all of the shows. I also have experience on screen with a handful of feature film credits and two handfuls of short film credits to my name.

I’ve decided to take a break from musical theatre for a little while, partly to spend time with my family, and so helped set up the agency Cowley, Knox & Guy, so my day-to-day activities are geared towards finding work for other actors.

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Beth - University of Sunderland

Since her diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome at the age of two, Beth Terrance, a Health and Social Care student here at the University of Sunderland, had faced her fair share of stigma and discrimination.

It wasn't until beginning her studies that things began to change.

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Liam and Dan - Sheffield Hallam University

Liam and Dan set up their animation agency Cosmic Monocle with the aid of Sheffield Hallam. See how they have been working with an award-winning author on a video aiming to give young children a voice.

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