Graduate stories

We are proud of our alumni and love to hear what they go on to do after graduating.

Our graduates are making a difference around the world in a wide range of fields. You can meet some of them below.

Some of our graduate stories

Banji is performing holding a microphone

Olabanji Ibidapo - BA Music Business & Production (2018–2021) MA Music Production (2021–2022)

Olabanji works as a SEN Teaching Assistant, performs and produces rap music, and is a semi-professional footballer
Andrew is smiling wearing a black blazer

Dr Andrew Stephenson - Doctor of Business Administration

Andrew has transitioned his executive experience into a portfolio as a speaker, author, and consultant on business transformation and employee engagement.
Headshot of Seb in the The Sunday Times

Seb James - International Security

Seb works as a County Councillor and has been named New Councillor of the Year 2025 and featured on the The Sunday Times 30 Under 30 list
Lauren is in the childcare classroom smiling

Lauren Crandon - Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status

Lauren combined her pedagogical expertise with her business ambitions by now runs her very own childcare setting.
Kayleigh is wearing a white nurse uniform holding a baby

Kayleigh Knight - Nursing Practice (Child)

Kayleigh is a Neonatal Staff Nurse at UHNM. She works in neonatal intensive care, caring for vulnerable babies delivered from just 22 weeks gestation.

Tendai Zengeni - Nursing Practice (Child)

Tendai works as an A&E Children's Nurse at Princess Royal Hospital.

Simon Nee - Sport and Exercise Science

Simon moved to the USA to pursue a management career with a professional football club in a country with huge potential for the sport.

Paul Cheetham - Sports Studies

Graduate Paul is the owner and managing director of Sedulo, an accountants and independent financial advisor working with sports teams and ex-professionals.

Matt Roach

After personal injury ended dreams of a professional football career Matt entered into sports therapy and now works for MK Dons rehabilitating injured players.

Lois Turner - Sports Therapy

As an athlete herself, Lois had experienced sporting injuries and rehabilitation and saw a sports therapy degree as a way to continue with her passion.

Liz Fletcher - Sports Studies

Liz is Volleyball England’s relationship manager for Staffordshire and the Black Country. She also supports the development of both women’s and girls’ rugby.

Kieran Connolly - Sports Development and Coaching

Kieran is hoping to be Chief Executive of a community sports organisation, working with young people, after being involved in an award winning sports programme.

University of the year

Academic Employability Awards 2026, Graduate Futures Institute

for overall student positivity

National Student Survey 2026

university in the UK

National Student Survey 2026

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021