Changing the world through design
Having decided he to wanted to make a positive impact on the world around him, Leo Cheung switched engineering for landscape architecture, and has just become one of the winners of the ProLandscaper’s 30 Under 30 Award. Leo graduated from his MA in Landscape Architecture from University of Gloucestershire in 2019, following a conversion from his engineering and business management background from Hong Kong University of Science and Tehcnology. And for Leo, the best part…
A positive attitude reaps rewards
From directing the video for Lewis Capaldi’s number one single Someone You Loved, to working with ITV and Google, alumnus Phil Beastall is looking forward to his latest role after 15 years of industry experience. Phil has just become Creative Director for Squashed Robot in Cheltenham, a creative content agency working in video, photography, animation and design. Phil’s own creative journey has flourished, with highlights including his Christmas film ‘Love is a Gift’ being watched…
Finding a voice through art
Since studying her art foundation course at University of Gloucestershire, Mina Stefanovic has gone on to see her work exhibited at galleries including the Tate Modern and Wellcome Gallery in London. And for her, the course was a ‘logical next step’. “I had heard many wonderful things about it,” she said, “and I remember being excited to start.” Mina chose the course as it was a chance to develop her portfolio, and decide what she…
Volunteering supports experience
Having wanted to get into the working world of sport, studying at postgraduate level was the natural choice for Tom Shaw. And today he is putting his experience into practice as a sports physiotherapist at Bristol Rovers FC. The University of Gloucestershire was local to Tom, who lived in the Forest of Dean. Having studied at the University of Worcester, and then working as a further education lecturer teaching level three diploma in sport and…
University inspired new experiences
From university to the battlefield, Kyle Brecknell is writing his own story serving his country since graduating in history. Originally from Birmingham, Kyle (pictured with his father) already had family living in Gloucestershire and had visited the county regularly and knew the campus. “After visiting the university during an applicant day, I knew that I had made the right decision in applying for UOG. And so, I joined the university in autumn of 2015, and…
Kizzie believes communication is key
Kizzie Nicholson, Founder and Director of Social Fireworks Ltd, has seen her career go from strength to strength since graduating with a degree in Marketing, Advertising & Communications in 2010. Having completed a placement at Microsoft, she went on to work in a London-based advertising agency and has since managed social media for many global brands. In 2022, she won Digital Business Of The Year, was a finalist for PR & Marketing Woman of the…
Helping young people living with cancer
Tim Lowe first came to study at St Paul’s College in 1972, intent on becoming a teacher. Today, he has seen the charity he co-founded in 2006 help provide free real hair wigs to thousands of children and young people, as well as undertaking vital research into childhood cancer. Tim studied at the college, which is a predecessor of the University of Gloucestershire, until 1975, and was Student President for his final year, which was…
Teaching graduate wins education award
From starting his studies at the Park campus in Cheltenham, Andrew Rogers’ career has led him to be named as Australian Teacher of the Year at the 2021 Australian Education Awards. He won the Secondary School Teacher of the Year (Non-Government) title at a virtual awards ceremony that recognised the schools and individuals driving positive change across the Australian education landscape. Andrew studied a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Religious Education between September…
“If you can dream it, you can make it”
When Bradley Warren finished college, he wanted to go to a university where he could be the best version of himself. The personalised support and wider community, with a wide variety of Students’ Union societies, led him to study Digital Marketing at the University of Gloucestershire. And it’s been a busy few months for Bradley since graduating in 2021. Reflecting on the last few years, Bradley feels that his time at university has benefitted him…
Return to education reaps rewards for next generation
Taking his qualifications to the next level brought Gareth Reynolds back into education, and he is now helping the next generation of learners reach their potential. Gareth needed to gain a MSc for both a work project but also to support his own aspirations and enhance his practice. Like many mature students, he also had a young family and a significant commute to juggle around his studies. He said: “Being aware of the commitment I…
Finding joy in the written word
Daniel Sluman is a 35-year-old poet and disability rights activist. He co-edited the first major UK Disability poetry anthology Stairs and Whispers: D/deaf and Disabled Poets Write Back, and he has published three poetry collections with Nine Arches Press. His most recent collection, single window was released in September 2021 and is shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize. After finishing his Diploma in Music Production at Northampton, Daniel started working for a temping agency in the civil service “I was…
Taking teaching outside
Taking learning out of the classroom is second nature for education graduate Emma Green, who launched Wild and Green Outdoor Learning in January 2021. She now delivers outdoor learning sessions to children in and around Gloucestershire, for groups including pre schools, Brownies and Scouts, and home educated children, as well as delivering training for teachers and curriculum days for schools based around risk, resilience, and skills for life. Emma started her Education degree in 2011….
What it meant to me to do a PhD by Published Work
Dr James Derounian – a National Teaching Fellow – and academic at De Montfort University explains his adventures in completing a PhD by published work At the start of my 2020 doctoral thesis, I quoted the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, (1843): “Life can only be understood backwards; but must be lived forwards”! I am grateful to the Education Department and colleagues/ supervisors – Paul Vare, Jenny Fryman and Alex Masardo who ‘held my hand’ on…
Sweet taste of success for Lisa
Now running her own online pick and mix shop and corporate gifts business, Lisa Organ is enjoying the sweet taste of success as an entrepreneur. Lisa joined the university in 2016 to study Business Management (Enterprise) and spent a placement year as a project manager in the in IT sector as well as setting up her own business selling sweet treats. After undertaking part in graduate schemes for three years, she’s taken the plunge and…
Changing direction with international study
A meeting at an education fair in Kolkata, India, not only gave Subhankar Chakraborty a new direction, but an entirely new career. Studying in the UK was always at the top of Subhankar’s list of priorities. A chemical engineer, who was working for an oil refinery, he gained his GMAT & TOEFL qualifications and met the team from the University of Gloucestershire at the education fair. “Being a little away from the city of London,…
Dedication has turned the dream into reality
Turning her passion into her career, and forging a new path have been at the heart of artist Jasmine Moreton’s journey. And she has now been commissioned as a BBC New Creative, with her audio work appearing on radio. When she began her Fine Art degree in 2014, she says she was a terrified-looking fresher stepping into what looked very much like Hogwarts (FCH campus), but today she is realising her dream and working as…
University built firm foundations for a career in international business
Since leaving the University of Gloucestershire, Daniel Jeffery’s career in business has gone from strength to strength. And this year the company he works for – Concilium Search Ltd – received a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category this year. Daniel has been a part of the company from the outset. Today he is a Senior Partner at Concilium, which now joins just over 7,000 UK enterprises which have received this…
Lockdown Led to Debut Book
Janet Winifred Jones has just published her first book, and here she tells her story in her own words: I graduated from St Mary’s College* in 1956 – My name back then was Janet Winifred Yates. It is now Janet Winifred Jones. My pen-name is Janet Preen-Jones. At the age of 84 I have finally published my first book. Although a writer all my life, I have never found the time to complete a project…
Art Foundation led to global success
With many of his works touring and in permanent collections around the world, millions of people continue to enjoy Luke Jerram’s sculptures, installations and live art projects. Having started working internationally in 1997, Luke has created a number of extraordinary projects and is well-known for his innovative and large scale public artworks. His current touring exhibitions making their way around the world include Gaia and Museum of the Moon, and in the UK In Memoriam,…
Studying together paved the way for twins in the publishing world
Having both studied the same course at university together, twins Paula and Karen Baker’s careers have led them on a similar journey, and today they work in very different kinds of publishing. Paula worked as a freelance picture editor for magazines including Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar, and now works for the Financial Times on their luxury magazine, How to Spend It. Karen is Deputy Head of Publicity at a book publisher, Octopus Publishing….
Coaching life since leaving university
Lottie Weeks graduated in 2012 and with a BSc in Sport & Exercise Studies. Here, she shares her experiences since then, and how she is working with the next generation of women in sport. “Growing up, I was incredibly fortunate to have an inspirational PE teacher who provided me with a strong appreciation for the value of good coaching in sport. In particular, I realised how important it is that young girls have role models…
It’s OK not to know exactly what you want to do
Caitlin Kirwan spent her placement working for BMW UK Group in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, and today she is an internal communications manager for PayPal. But when she joined the University of Gloucestershire in 2010 to study Events Management, she wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to do, and the variety of the course really appealed to her. Her 12 month placement was at BMW UK Group, a major sponsor…
Course is developing portfolio
Katie Kear studied her first degree at the University of Gloucestershire and liked the atmosphere, the campus and the tutors so much that she decided to stay for her MA in Illustration. “The tutors are really easy to talk to and are always there to help,” she said. “I also really enjoy the comradery between students – there’s always someone willing to help or to talk things through with, which helps with generating ideas. “This…
Award-winning photographer praised a broad approach
Former student, Felicity Hammond, has earned a number of high-profile accolades since graduating. She has been a nominee for the Saatchi New Sensations Prize and she won the RCA Metro Prize for her work ‘Restore to Factory Settings’. In 2016, she was showcased as part of the British Journal of Photography’s International Photography Awards. Her work has been exhibited widely, including stints at the South Kiosk Gallery at Unseen in Amsterdam, at the Saatchi Gallery…
Top tips for starting a new job remotely
Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter, is a creative copywriter at Hallam. She graduated from University of Gloucestershire 12 years ago, and offers her advice for new graduates who may be struggling to adapt to this new remote working world I started my new job at Hallam around four months ago, in between this year’s two lockdowns. To say it’s been strange is an understatement – it’s probably the weirdest new job experience I’ve ever had! Permanent working from…
Graduating in a pandemic
This post comes from Rhiannon Carter, who graduated as part of the class of 2020. In this post, which can be found on the university’s history blog, she discusses her experiences of studying History at the University of Gloucestershire, how this was affected by the pandemic, but also how it helped her obtain a job in the Ministry of Justice. Attempting to finish my final year when the lockdown first came into force was probably…
Embracing a new direction
Despite fighting for his life with Covid-19 in March, Gareth Franks was able to recover enough to complete his debut novel, and scoop the number one spot on Amazon’s Hot New Releases for its genre. And although being seriously ill has meant he’s had to delay his PGCE, he is now looking forward to returning the University of Gloucestershire to start in 2021. Gareth contracted Covid-19 in March and spent several days in critical care….
Flying high after college life
St Paul’s – My Story All of our alumni have a tale to tell, but in his 90th birthday year, John H Evans will be reliving his memories in his latest book which is due out in time for Christmas. Having completed his National Service in the Royal Airforce, John’s mother suggested a career in teaching. John was successful in his application for a place at St Paul’s College in Cheltenham, an outstanding institution for…
Follow your creative dreams
Internationally renowned sculptor Paul Day’s work is enjoyed by millions every day. From his statue The Meeting Place in St Pancras station, to the Battle of Britain memorial in Victoria Embankment (pictured-photography by Paul Day), his sculptures are an integral part of the landscape around the world. Paul studied at the Gloucestershire College of Art, a predecessor college of the University of Gloucestershire, and left in 1991. He studied at Pittville campus for two and…
From student to lecturer
After choosing to study at the University of Gloucestershire, Jack James, who now teaches Professional Policing, is now working alongside many of his former lecturers. “I chose to study at UoG as I wanted to experience campus life, whilst also having the option to drive ten minutes outside of Cheltenham or Gloucester, to make the most of the countryside and activities on offer in a county like Gloucestershire,” he said. “I also knew that the…
Facing the pandemic together
From road races to stadium concerts, St John Ambulance volunteers have been a reassuring sight at events, and training generations of first aiders, for more than 130 years. And with alumnus Martin Houghton-Brown at the helm, thousands of volunteers have been providing vital support to the NHS during the Coronavirus pandemic. Martin, who started Teacher Training at St Paul’s and St Mary’s College in 1989, has been Chief Executive of St John since 2018. During…
Supporting a green recovery
Marketing graduate Charlie Brunyate is focusing on the future and supporting a green economic recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic. Charlie chose the University of Gloucestershire as he grew up in the area, and wanted to study Marketing as he’d enjoyed it at A-Level. “Having been to visit Park campus,” he said, “it felt comfortable and a great location I was familiar with, as well as having a good reputation for their Marketing course – especially…
Shaping a career in the arts
Sarah Bowden had travelled the world with her family before thinking about art school in the 1990s. She moved to Cheltenham to attend the Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education, the predecessor of the University of Gloucestershire. And she found the environment inspiring. “When I was given a tour of Pittville with a friend who was looking to do a painting degree,” she said, “it was packed with students creating amazing artwork, it was…
Leaving less of a footprint
Tolga Aktas, Biologist, Writer and Environmental Photojournalist, has just finished his degree at the University of Gloucestershire. Here, he explores sustainable approaches in the working world in his own words. When I first looked at studying at the University of Gloucestershire’s website profile for my BSc in Animal Biology degree back in 2016, I had no idea how many career paths you could take after graduating. I’ve since learnt there are actually loads! From Biologist to Ecologist;…
Unearthing the past
Abigail Sparkes graduated from the University of Gloucestershire in 2017, and her dissertation was based on fairy belief in the seventeenth century, a topic that she had covered in her second year. She talked about her experiences on the University of Gloucestershire’s History Blog: “From this project, I also wrote an article which was published in History Today in December 2018, so I am very thankful that I chose this module during my time as an undergraduate! “As my MA…
Award winning alumnus revisiting the past
A Masters by Research is helping Oliver Brown take his studies to the next level and uncover the secrets of the past. Oliver studied BA History and loved his time at the University of Gloucestershire so much that he started a Masters last year. “The backing I received by all of the lecturers was invaluable,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to receive an award from the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society (BGAS) for my…
How history helped Harris start a new career
After graduating from the University of Gloucestershire in 2018, Harris Jones has put his studies into practice for his professional career. After finishing his BA (Hons) in History, he moved back to Leeds and joined a Graduate Scheme to train as a Chartered Accountant. “Working in accountancy may seem like a vast contrast to what I studied at university,” he said, “however a lot of what I have achieved now is due to the University…
Helping rhinos is second nature for Richie
Having graduated from Animal Biology at the University of Gloucestershire, Richie Fourie is now working with rhinos after taking his studies to the next level. Richie is studying an MSc by Research and based in South Africa. “I loved the course as an undergraduate and the lecturers were absolutely brilliant in their teaching style and willingness to help us, so when I was offered a spot on an MSc by Res working with them, I…
Seeds of business sown at university
Launching his own coffee business may seem a world away from Music and Media Management, but James Rhys says the skills he learned at university have proved vital in his new venture. James chose to study at the University of Gloucestershire in 2009, as he was far enough away to live independently, and close enough to friends and family in the valleys of South Wales. “I was also really impressed by The Park campus and…
Fresh challenges can reap rewards
With teaching as his calling, Tom Snowdon found that the University of Gloucestershire provided him with firm foundations for his career. Now nearly three years into his first head teacher role at Swanton Morley VC Primary School, Tom graduated with a BEd in 2007. His mum was a home economics teacher, but rather than specialise he was keen to teach primary, in part due to having a younger brother at the family home near Stratford….
Embrace new experiences to achieve your dream
Having always wanted to work with weddings, Lucy Hicks found what she was looking for at the University of Gloucestershire. After looking at a few different universities, she chose the Events Management course which included a Special Events module, focusing on weddings in particular. “I liked Cheltenham and The Park Campus, along with the accommodation,” she said. “The course seemed structured and the modules all seemed relevant to the ‘real world’ and interesting. I also…
A digital dream come true
From finding her dream job, to travelling the world and meeting her husband to be, Niki Lancaster’s university experience was life-changing. Attracted by the range of media courses on offer, Niki also loved the feel of life on campus. “It had the feeling of being big but not too big,” she said, “and everyone was really friendly and helpful during those early days of exploring opportunities. Cheltenham was a very welcoming place, with a safe…
Music career launched at university
Working with artists including Taylor Swift and Rita Ora, Jack David believes he wouldn’t be where he is today without going to university. Keen to work in the music business, he studied Music and Media Management at the University of Gloucestershire, graduating in 2013. He is now Senior Manager of International Marketing at Universal Music and travels the world with his artists, which David Guetta, Sir Paul McCartney, Emilie Sande, and many more. “It was…
In the business of psychology
Jamie Martin has turned his passion for psychology into a business. After studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate level at the University of Gloucestershire, Jamie returned to his home town of Swindon to work in recruitment. After six years of working in corporate sales and recruitment, he founded Correct Careers Coaching, which helps small businesses and individuals retain their staff as well as offering coaching and guidance for employees at all levels. He found that…
Trust fostered independent thinking
Joining the first cohort of the Product Design degree, Tom Jaggs and two of his fellow students set up design consultancy for his year in industry which is still going strong. After winning the New Designers Allermuir Associate Prize in 2018, he has worked as stage crew in three theatres, as well as working as an extra in Downton Abbey and 1917. Tom is in the Reserve Army and has been working in the family…
Performing Arts graduate in new ‘Secret Garden’ film
Isis Davis is a performing arts graduate and one of the cast in a major new feature film ‘The Secret Garden’ working with Julie Walters and Colin Firth (released 2020). “I was cast in the role of Martha in Heyday Films’ remake of ‘The Secret Garden’. It was the second time I have worked with the Director Marc Mundun who prior to the film, had directed me in Crazy Diamond; Electric Dreams on Channel 4. …
From Champions League to Wimbledon
Since graduating in 2018 Jordan Hollowday has been at the heart of sporting action around Europe. He joined an outside broadcast company shortly before graduation, joining the vision department after finishing his probation. Since then, the TV Production graduate has been leading on a number of projects, and he has worked on a mainstream BBC One cooking show, Champions League semi-final with BT Sport, and operating and managing the Telekart (a large touchscreen golf cart) at…
Apply your skills to any industry
Responsible for the safe and timely running of one of London’s busiest Underground lines, Michael Kelly not only gained vital skills at the University of Gloucestershire but also met the love of his life next door. Michael graduated in 2013 in Business Management with Human Resources Management, and found a place on the Transport for London Graduate Scheme. He spent two years working in a variety of roles before managing tube drivers on the Jubilee…
Support stood out from the crowd
From her first visit to the University of Gloucestershire, Alice Walder was struck by the different approach of our academics, and the warm welcome she received. “I came here for an Open Day, and in particular I found the Law lecturers to be interesting and happy to have a conversation with prospective students. This differed from my experience of other universities. I enjoyed the beautiful campuses and supportive lecturers during my time at the university.” Alice graduated in 2014, and having completed a Legal Practice Course the following year, she…
Sowing the seeds of success
Having left Portugal to further his studies, Tomas Simoes Coelho has returned to Lisbon to work for one of the country’s leading advertising agencies. The Film and Television Production graduate found that his time at the University of Gloucestershire not only enabled him to learn his trade, but gave him a range of wider skills. “When you are thrown at the professional world it can be very overwhelming, and you see and have to do…
Differentiate yourself with experience
When it came to choosing the right university, Business Management graduate Josh Dalton picked the University of Gloucestershire on the strength of its placements. On graduating in 2012, he joined the Hewlett-Packard procurement graduate scheme, working in a number of roles and organisations, and Josh now works at the world’s leading education company, Pearson. Josh is Manager – Global Procurement, at Pearson, an education management company which has more than 24,000 employees in 70 countries….