�鶹��

"I was able to have some amazing experiences as a result of my time at �鶹��, both from things that I expected and pursued and from opportunities that I would never have predicted before starting at �鶹��."

A joint honours degree in Sports Science and French has led Glenn Swain (2022) to his role of Lead Academy Coach within the Futsal department of the Bloomsbury Football Foundation.

"My degree played a huge role in shaping my career, not just in terms of academic knowledge but also through the practical experiences and networking opportunities it provided."

A lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at �鶹�� and a post-doctoral researcher for World Rugby, Seren also works as a Physiotherapist and is the lead medic for Rygbi Gogledd Cymru Women’s and Girls and Welsh Rugby Union Under 18s teams.

“I started in �鶹�� in 1960 at the School of Engineering Science, led by Prof. Gavin, that at the time was one of a select few such departments in UK"

Dr Stan Jones OBE’s PhD in Electronic Engineering at �鶹�� led the way to a long and successful career in the industry.

"We both keep UCNW and our stay in �鶹�� very high in our life memories as they were key for our careers, professional development, and undoubtedly also for our personal and family lives."

Having received awards from the British Council, Salvador Sánchez-Colón and his wife María Elena were able to come from Mexico to study their MSc in Ecology at �鶹�� in the mid-1980s. Here Salvador tells us about their time in �鶹�� and a career including work at Mexico’s Ministry of the Environment and a number of UN agencies.

"As a disabled person from a council estate, despite growing up in a university city, I didn't even think I would get into university"

Although she never thought she’d get into University, Erin Pritchard (Geography, 2008) has gone on to gain a PhD and is now a lecturer in Disability Studies and is a consultant for Walt Disney studios.

"I had just turned thirty when a nagging doubt started to surface about the path I was following. Something had to change."

A distance learning course from �鶹�� helped Joe Gray (Forestry, 2016) move into the environmental sector.

"Growing up in an urban Northern town, seeing the mountains, lakes and forests of north Wales was enough to know I’d found where I wanted to spend the next three years"

Although studying a degree in Mathematics, Iqbal Hussain's time working on the student newspaper led him to follow his passion for words not numbers. 

"I look back at it with only fondness, remembering who I was before and who I am today."

Sif Brookes (Psychology, 2014) shares why their years at �鶹�� were transformative.

"I loved the course, especially enjoying the evolutionary psychology module, and the amazing people I met"

Ashleigh Smith made the most of her time as a student and now works in her dream area.

“I am extremely proud to say that my first ever showreels and pilot were recorded at Menai Bridge”

Wildlife presenter, scuba diver and shark expert Tom “The Blowfish” Hird is the world’s only heavy metal marine biologist!

"Entrepreneurs can be graduates too"

Toby Dixon, a self-made multi-millionaire and now private equity fund founder, came to �鶹�� to study Business Studies and Marketing

"�鶹�� opened a world of opportunities for me"

Ellinor Shore (Biomedical Science, 2020) pursued her science career after gaining her BSc in �鶹��.

"I was so lucky and blessed to be part of a vibrant academic community"

Maria-Sosanna Vasileiou (Applied Linguistics for TEFL MA, 2021) is enjoying her dream job teaching English to young children in Greece.

“My time at �鶹�� gave me such enormous confidence, independence and a belief in my abilities” 

A degree in History with Journalism (2006) at �鶹�� led Jamie Smith to fulfil his lifelong dream of writing and publishing a novel.

"The �鶹�� PhD gowns are also much nicer than my York ones!"

After graduating from �鶹��, Richard Williams found his niche through studying at various institutions.

Alumnus Dr Alan Crofts, a Biochemistry undergraduate at �鶹��, went onto seek adventure after leaving the University in 1990.

"I am grateful for the experiences and life-long friends I gained while at �鶹��"

Lauren Evans (Philosophy and Religion, 2017) immersed herself in student life at �鶹��.

"Probably few alumni can claim still to be working on their PhD research topic 50 years after gaining the degree"

From �鶹�� to Swaziland, Prof. Julian Evans (Forestry, 1968, Forestry PhD, 1972 and Forestry DSc, 1988) tells us about his 50 years’ research in Forestry.

"If any mature students are considering returning to university then �鶹�� is the place to be, as they say it’s never too late to learn"

Despite being in his 60s, Adrian came to �鶹�� to study his MA and fully immersed himself in student life.

 "I wanted to give myself the best possible shot at becoming a writer, and �鶹�� seemed like a good place to start."

Zoe's decision to stay in �鶹�� to study her MA at the University set her on the path to becoming a published author.

"I wanted to be a better therapist is all; but I think the Masters helped shape a broader person and, for that, I will be eternally grateful."

Following his MSc in Counselling at �鶹��, James Donaldson took part in the BBC's 'Reunion Hotel'. 

I think pretty well all my tutors and professors were eccentric in their own way!

Poet Clive Donovan (Arts, 1969) shares his memories of his time as a student in �鶹�� in the late 1960s.

"Going back to university wasn't an easy choice, but coming to �鶹�� was definitely the right one."

The Covid pandemic inspired Christian M (PGCE in Physics with Outdoor Education, 2022) to change his career path and he's not looking back!

“�鶹�� helped shape my entrepreneurial spirit” 

Tasmin Lofthouse (Psychology, 2014) set up her own marketing agency after discovering her passion for Consumer Psychology at �鶹��.

"The journey to study at �鶹�� was a thrilling one"

James Otai (MSc. Environmental and Business Management, 2020) chose �鶹�� to further his education to help him develop his social enterprise work in Uganda.

"As an undergraduate, I must confess I spent more time talking about writing than actually doing it!"

A love of creative writing and career in teaching and publishing has led to a two-book deal for Jacquie Bloese (English Literature and French, 1993). 

“�鶹�� provided lots of opportunities for me” 

After spotting a gap in the market for online luxury gifts, Michelle Daniel (French & Business Studies, 2009) went on to co-found of an online gifting company.

 "I’d often tinker with the script in my room on Ffriddoedd Site"

From Main Arts to Penguin Random House: How �鶹�� made Tom Hindle (English, 2014) an author.

“I learned to dive in winter, in a home-made wetsuit..."

From �鶹�� to Phuket, Pete Atkinson's (Zoology with Marine Zoology, 1978) photographic career has taken him around the world.

"I applied for a Commonwealth Scholarship, passed the interview and was given a scholarship to go to the UK"

Prof. Akello was given a warm welcome on his arrival at �鶹�� as an international student in 1974

“My nursing placement in Pokhara helped me become a better Nurse and helped prepare me for working through the COVID-19 pandemic” 

As part of her degree in Nursing, Chloe Roberts (Nursing, 2020) did an overseas placement in Pokhara, Nepal.

"I still look fondly at my times studying in the fens of Anglesey and the bogs of Snowdonia"

�鶹�� provided the perfect environment for Chris Dennis (Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology, 2011) to pursue his interest in nature.

“My first date with my wife Chris was in the cafe at the end of �鶹�� Pier!” 

Studying Agricultural Botany at �鶹�� started David Scarisbrick's (Agricultural Botany, 1965) career in the field.

"�鶹�� helped me establish a foundation for lifelong learning and learn the need for a keen work ethic"

The University's soccer club played a big part in Ian Gray's (Economics, 1973) student experience at �鶹��.

"The course made me feel younger than I was at the time, and I relished the challenge"

In his fifties, Peter Montgomery (Sociology with Social Policy, 2002) returned to education to study at �鶹��.

"I guided the team to the wooden spoon in the UW Championship!"

Pete Curle (Chemistry, Biochemistry and Soil Science, 1968) shares his sporting memories as a student.

"... leaving �鶹�� and moving to London was the most difficult decision I ever had to make and I still think about my time at university and living in Snowdonia every day." 

Forty years after leaving �鶹��, Tony Vickers-Byrne (English and Drama 1981 and PGCE 1982) still feels the strong pull of North Wales.

"I knew �鶹�� was the place for me and I was not going anywhere else!"

Amelie Edwards' (Medieval and Early Modern History, 2012) time in the �鶹�� English Dramatic Society as a student led her on the path to writing and acting.

"�鶹�� opened up so many opportunities to me"

Pippa Joyner (French, 1996) has become a published author with stories inspired by her time in �鶹��.

“I am ever grateful to the University and the City for my experience and the knowledge that I use to this day”

Graeme Patterson (Botany with Marine Botany, 1978) shares his memories of student life in the 1970s.

"I set up my business in my spare time whilst studying at �鶹��"

Gaz Thomas (MEng Electronic Engineering, 2004) took advantage of �鶹��'s support to set up his business during his postgraduate studies.

“My 4 years at �鶹�� were the best 4 years of my educational life”

Sara Rawoot (Psychology with Neuropsychology, 2019) is closer to fulfilling her dreams after completing her degree at �鶹��.

"My 3 years there were the making of me, and the experience moulded me into the person I am now"

Graham Newman (Mathematics, 1976) shares his memories of his time at University.

�鶹�� Alumna's Psychology Degree takes her to Facebook HQ

You’ll find �鶹�� graduates working at every major company across the globe. Facebook, the world’s largest social media company, is home to Susie Thompson, a 2004 Psychology graduate who has found her dream job in California.

During the annual alumni reunion held on 18 November 2024 on the terrace of the BIBF Headquarters in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Duaa AlMasqati was announced as the �鶹�� / BIBF Alumnus of the Year 2024.

Hasan Sater (Banking and Finance, 2012) was named the �鶹�� / BIBF Alumnus of the Year 2023

Frankie Hobro (Marine Environmental Protection MSc, 2002) was named Alumnus of the Year 2019 during the School of Ocean Sciences’ graduation ceremony.

Congratulations to Yingying Liu who has been named as �鶹��’s China Alumnus of the Year 2019. 

In July 2018, Gwilym Rees-Jones (Maths, 1963) was presented with �鶹��'s Alumnus of the Year award. The Alumnus of the Year award highlights the achievements of our alumni, acknowledging those who have excelled in their chosen career and remain engaged with their University

Prof. Andrew Edwards, Dean of the College Arts, Humanities and Business, presented Michelle Han (MBA, 2004) with the China Alumnus of the Year 2018 award at during an alumni reunion in Shanghai.

Mohamed Al-Mahroos (Banking and Finance, 2012) was named �鶹�� / BIBF Alumnus of the Year in September 2018.

Mohamed came to �鶹�� to complete his BA Hons in Business Studies and Finance in the 2010-2011 academic year and earned an upper second class degree.