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

Daisy Barlow - Early Childhood Studies

When Daisy Barlow began her degree, she had no idea it would lead to a job helping Ukrainian families settle into a new life in Staffordshire.

Chloe McCormick

After graduating in Business Management, and working as a photographer, Chloe returned to us for a change in career and studied to be a teacher six years later.

Laura Maddocks

Laura first experienced the prison service during her studies. She is now an Offending Behaviour Programme Facilitator working to reduce prisoner reoffending.

Annette Shipley - Sociology

Annette’s interest in sociology took her from graduate to librarian, politician, business owner, and now Director of Operations at Olympus Engineering.

Roxanne Nicholls - Journalism (PR)

Roxanne runs her own jewellery business based in Stoke-on-Trent.

Nicole Williamson - Modern History and Media Studies

Nicole’s catering business We Are Lollapalooza serves delicious ice cream and crêpes at festivals, weddings, parties and events from charming vintage vans.
Mel Ramsey headshot

Mel Ramsay - BA (Hons) Journalism

With a lifelong passion for journalism and a natural way with people, Mel is now working as a Senior Journalist at BBC News.

James Nuttall - Music Journalism and Broadcasting

During his degree James secured interviews with big name bands and artists which saw his work widely published, and paved the way for his content writer career.

Harriet Rhodes - Broadcast Journalism

Having previously worked as a freelance journalist and digital marketing manager, Harriet now runs her own successful agency helping SMEs across the Midlands.

David Bailey - History

David runs his own digital marketing agency in Estonia, and is a member of the British-Estonian Chamber of Commerce where he facilitates international trade.

Ben Lowe - Broadcast Journalism

Ben’s experiences with StaffsLive during his degree led to roles with MTV News and BBC Radio 1 after graduation. He travels the world making ‘rockumentories’.

Alex Mazey

An award winning published writer, Alex pursues his passion for literature alongside a career teaching English that’s taken him across the world.

University of the year

Academic Employability Awards 2026, Graduate Futures Institute

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