OUR ALUMNI
Oliver - Ministry of Defence
"After graduation, I moved to Portsmouth and found employment as Commercial Manager at the UK Ministry of Defence. I work in the Navy's Commercial department, delivering contracts on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence. I manage a small team, developing and refining defence contracts, and engaging with government and defence companies to deliver contracts for a range of Navy goods and services.
Both my Bachelor’s and Master's have equipped me with myriad essential skills that I use in my day-to-day. I read and pick apart contracts, ensuring the wording is unambiguous and that the MoD is suitably protected in its dealings. The University teaching I had around mooting and legal practice gave me applicable skills that have aided me in negotiation with companies and when applying for work. Generally, knowing what my rights are and where to look to find the answers to legal issues I have faced has helped when dealing with landlords and employers.
There is nothing like the freedom you have when you are at Bedfordshire. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Ultimately, you get out what you put in so my advice to new students is to dive in with both feet: make friends, experience everything you can, do the extra-curriculars and maybe even get a job in the Uni. And if things get tough, there is a ton of support around."
Bilal - Director of Greystone Solicitors
“During my time studying Law at the University of Bedfordshire, the most important skills I developed were knowledge, confidence and independence - they go hand-in-hand. I was given a wide breadth of knowledge and understanding that I could demonstrate in my assignments and exams. This knowledge also gave me the confidence and independence to open Greystone Solicitors, which I would not have been able to do without these vital skills.
The University of Bedfordshire was my first choice to study Law for several reasons. Firstly, it is a fantastic institution to study at, not just because it offers the Law course, but because of the relationship lecturers have with their students; the opportunities offered to students, who are encouraged to gain practical experience on top of their studies; and the diversity of students. Secondly, I am very family orientated and it was important for me to stay close to home.
I made the most of extra-curricular opportunities during my time at the University. I volunteered at Luton Law Centre and Victim Support. Both experiences were invaluable as they prepared me for the work I would be undertaking. If I were to advise someone about to start their course, I would tell them that work experience is paramount and to start it as early as possible. Get involved in the University’s extra-curricular activities, too, such as mooting competitions. This will give a feel for the courtroom experience.
Looking to the future, I would like to expand the areas of law that Greystone specialises in and opening other offices around Bedfordshire and farther afield."
Update: in 2023, Bilal won the coveted Adult Achiever award at Love Luton’s annual Best Awards in recognition of his impactful role in the community.
Jamie - Games Developer at Disney
Jamie has recently finished his second year of study and will return to complete his third and final year after this one-year placement with the entertainment giant.
Based at their London office, Jamie will be working with Disney on producing and marketing video games for Disney and their license holders.
During his placement year Jamie said:
"I'm doing great so far at Disney – the team is very happy with my performance and everyone is so helpful when it comes to teaching me about my new role.
Working here is amazing, from the viewing of new films in their in-house cinema, to the fact that I have my own desk surrounded by other interns, it all makes the work place wonderful to work in.
Roshan - Director Nitte University, India
My journey with the University of Bedfordshire, through its academic partner Majan University College (MUC) in the Sultanate of Oman, has been a transformative experience that continues to shape my career. Completing my MSc in Computer Science in 2017, while serving as Director of eLearning at MUC, gave me a unique blend of academic and professional insights. The flexible yet rigorous curriculum allowed me to balance work and study, gaining both practical and strategic knowledge that has been invaluable in my role today as Assistant Director of Branding at Nitte University, one of India’s top 100 universities.
The coursework, guided by expert UK professors, instilled a forward-thinking approach that has helped me lead digital transformation in higher education and marketing. Modules such as Data Governance and Project Management gave me the tools to manage large-scale branding initiatives effectively. These skills have been essential in shaping strategic branding initiatives, ensuring a consistent and impactful presence for Nitte University across various digital platforms and communication channels.
For prospective students, my advice is to fully embrace the opportunities that the University of Bedfordshire offers, even if you are studying through a partner institution like I did. The flexibility and global outlook of their programmes allow you to apply what you learn immediately to your career, no matter where you are. The learning environment encourages innovation, and the skills you gain will set you apart in today’s fast-paced professional world.
My UK education has been the cornerstone of my career, empowering me to lead with confidence and purpose. It’s a journey that doesn’t end with graduation - it continues to drive my professional growth, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the institutions and communities I serve.
Peter - Games Developer
Peter, who graduated from the University in 2015 with a BSc in Games Development, is realising an ambition he has held since childhood by self-publishing his own games, developing ideas for his employers Electric Gamebox and taking part in gamejams for his own enjoyment.
Under the pseudonym BigHandInSky, Peter released his first game for profit in late 2020 – titled A Forgetful Loop – which he subsequently submitted to the Palestinian Aid and Queer Games bundles earlier this year. The puzzle game sees the player join a team of scientists and engineers in Hope Labs, working against the clock to fix a broken machine.
For Peter, releasing his own creation on gaming platforms itch.io and Steam is the beginning of an exciting long-term project. He said:
“I’ve wanted to make games since I was a kid – I think I got one of my brother’s consoles, then the idea resonated ever since. Making A Forgetful Loop felt like a real catharsis for that young kid’s dreams.
“It’s the first game I’ve developed to sell for money, but through various other projects such as gamejams – fun challenges where you work to a theme to create a game in a set amount of time – I’ve probably made about a dozen now.
“Including the game in the Palestinian Aid and Queer Games bundles was also really pleasing. The Palestinian Aid bundle did amazingly, comprising of over 1,200 games and making almost $900,000 for the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) – to be even a tiny drop in a group of developers that made that happen was a good feeling.
“For the Queer Games bundle, that’s more close to home. I wanted to be a part of a community project that I hope to be more involved with in the future.
“My current plan is to keep working on a game each year to build up a library of cool stuff, working towards the end result of being fully independent. However, that's a lot easier said than done, especially if I want to contract other folks to work on the games with me.”
Uchendu - Process Development Engineer
“The knowledge and skills acquired during my studies not only enriched my academic experience but also opened doors to exciting professional opportunities.
While still a student, I secured my first job in the UK as a process engineer at Cumberland Platform Limited, a renowned vehicle conversion company. Currently, I am a process development engineer at Renishaw, where I continue to use my expertise in designing, optimising and configuring production and manufacturing processes, contributing to the successful introduction of new products in the ever-evolving automotive sector.”
Danny - Teacher
“The PGCE has opened many doors for me within the teaching profession although I’m currently enjoying my position at the school - I’m a classroom-based teacher who also has the privilege of coaching extra-curricular sport. It’s a great position to be in. When the PGCE course began, I was full of apprehension, with the questions I guess you’d expect at the stage: is this right for me? How am I meant to gain confidence? Will I make a good teacher? All these questions were answered during the introductory session, when I met my lecturers and fellow students. It is this moment that I cherish the most as a summer full of unease drifted away and I knew that I’d have the right support as and when I needed it. My biggest tip to new students would be enjoy the year and take any opportunities presented to you. Everything is a true development of character, and my lecturers and peers both still form a part of my support network today.”
Umar - English Lecturer
“I am a lecturer in the English Department of Yobe State University in Nigeria. I am also currently pursuing a PhD in Linguistics (Forensic Speech Science) at the University of York. I benefited a lot from the language teaching skills and strategies I learnt at the University of Bedfordshire. My lecturers’ expertise in phonetics/phonology, second-language acquisition and language-material development gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to be confident in my role as an applied linguist at Yobe State University, Damaturu. I will never forget my graduation day when I received two certificates from the Vice-Chancellor: one for my MA in Applied Linguistics (TEFL) and the other for emerging as Best Student with the highest dissertation mark. Now I have completed by PhD, I feel I shall be more confident in applying my linguistic expertise in different areas, both locally and internationally.”
Liela – Primary teacher
“I started my career as a teaching assistant then progressed to a HLTA and I have now fulfilled my dream of becoming a teacher. I now know that anything is possible and doors are open for further opportunities.
The course enabled me to believe in myself and my aspirations. I enjoyed all the different aspects of learning, which was kept interesting through the tutors’ different experiences each week. I gained new skills and knowledge which allowed me to grow and progress, and I made lifelong friendships.
To anyone just going into teacher training, I would say use your time wisely. Create a plan/timetable. Allow/make time for yourself. Use the support that is in place. The tutors, the friends that you make, your colleagues at work are invaluable, and they are there to support you, should you need it.”
Talitha – Teaching Assistant
“My course in Early Years Education benefited me because I knew about the importance of the curriculum, inclusion and being creative, which has taken me a long way. With the experience and knowledge gained from the course, I got a job quite easily afterwards.
As well as working in a primary school, I also ventured to Italy and studied Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). I taught adults and teenagers while training and after qualifying. It was brilliant! However, I feel right now my place is with teaching children.
My future career goals/aspirations are to qualify as a primary school teacher here in the UK, get more experience in the role and enjoy it! Then eventually, when the time is right, I would like to teach in another country again.”
Melvin - Radio 1
Melvin burst onto our screens a year after graduating as part of the Dick and Dom in da Bungalow cast. He went on to present Kiss FM’s Breakfast Show for 12 years, alongside fellow Bedfordshire graduate Rickie Haywood-Williams. He has also presented The Xtra Factor and ITV2's coverage of the Brit Awards as well as taking part as a contestant on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. He now hosts BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge with Rickie and Charlie Hedges.
“Luton was a really great place to find myself as an individual. I learnt life skills there and how to be a young adult. Although I had a passion for radio, I didn’t really have the skills to do it until I came to Luton. It really prepared me in terms of my skill set.
My lecturers were very big on getting me involved in things outside of the degree, like student radio. Coming to the Uni really gave me that radio experience so, when I worked for BBC Radio 1Xtra as a broadcast assistant, I wasn’t scared in that environment; I was completely comfortable.”
Rosie - UEFA
"I was given the opportunity to work at Luton Town FC as part of my Sport Journalism course, which helped me to land a job as Media Executive at Tottenham Hotspur FC and then my current role as Women's Football Social Lead at UEFA. I can't thank the University of Bedfordshire enough."
Capri - QVC Shopping Channel
"While I was doing my final year project, I applied for the QVC floor manager internship. I was lucky enough to get a place there for five weeks. Towards the end of my five weeks, I was offered a six-month contract, and then a permanent contract. I have now been there for over a year, have received supervisor training, and have been able to work on higher-skilled shows. I am forever grateful for this opportunity, which was supplied by my then lecturers including Anthony Greenbank.
I was given a lot of opportunities during my time at Beds and I was supported the whole way by all my lecturers. My advice to current students is to keep going, don’t give up, even if you get a few knock-downs. Someone will say yes. And don’t wait till you graduate - get the ball rolling now. It’ll make it easier after!"
Hannah - McCann Manchester
“Since graduating, I've worked in a few different marketing roles and now work as a social creative and copywriter at McCann Manchester - something that would have been an absolute dream when I was back answering briefs at 2am in my halls! I've even been to Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity to compete for the UK in the Young Lions.
I still talk about my University experience all the time and carry the tools I learnt with me throughout my work. The real-life skills were immediately transferable, from the speed at which we now have to work to the presentations and professional practice experience. We always worked with briefs that mimic the ones I work with now and the lecturers were always pushing us - just like my creative director does! We were taught such a range of skills, too, like graphic design and project management, so now in practice I've got so many more strings to my bow.
When I left Uni, I felt fully ready to tackle the world of work. It's really helped me to get where I am and thrive along the way.”
Shahnaz - Designer
"My first graduate role in design came to me four months after graduating, working as an in-house designer for a decorator’s merchant. Since my first role, I have moved around quite a lot from in-house design positions to working for an agency and even dabbling in marketing and doing things such as event planning and blogging! Working in design has opened up so many different opportunities for me and moving around means I am always learning something new.
For my particular course, the group was small and the support from my lecturers was always there. If I had any questions or criticisms, my lecturers and course leaders could guide me in the right direction. My advice would be to make the most of it as time will fly by and try to say yes to every opportunity you're given!"
Pyae Phyo - Interior Designer
“I loved doing my undergraduate course for Interior Architecture & Design and managed to graduate first class with a vast amount of knowledge which has helped me down the line in my career. I am currently working on freelance projects and hoping to start my own business in interior design/architecture. The help and support I received from the lecturers and the university were very useful to me and, to date, I still apply the advice and feedback from the course to my practice.”
Andreea - Wellbeing Practitioner
Following graduation, Andreea secured a role as Psychology Wellbeing Practitioner at Milton Keynes Talking Therapies IAPT Service.
"During my undergraduate sandwich course, I had a year's placement where I worked as an honorary assistant psychologist. There I had the chance to apply the research and psychological theories learnt during my first two years at the University of Bedfordshire. This experience built up the practical and reflective skills that are required for a day-to-day job working within the field of psychology while boosting my confidence and desire to pursue a career in psychology. Moreover, all the knowledge accumulated throughout my placement helped me a lot with the final-year modules at university as I already had some understanding of different mental health problems."
Ellie - Research Assistant with the NCCR
"Following my graduation from the University of Bedfordshire, I was offered the position of research assistant with the National Clinical Content Repository (NCCR) on a two-year project. In this role, I worked alongside the police in a project looking at the management and risk assessment of cyberstalking and harassment. The skills I learned through my time at the University were fundamental in obtaining this position.
An essential requirement for this role was a degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline. For my dissertation topic, I chose to study the accuracy of facial composites and which facial aspects are most important for recognition. This really developed my interest in forensic research projects and allowed
me to develop my skills further in this particular area, which was another requirement for the research assistant role.
In the second year of my Psychology degree, I volunteered as part of the Student Research Assistant Scheme and had the opportunity to work with a member of the Psychology academic staff on a qualitative study focused on the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This helped
to develop my qualitative research skills which would subsequently help in obtaining my position following graduation.
This was a very interesting role and such an incredible and rewarding experience which I am extremely grateful for. Following the end of this project, I began a role with Bedfordshire Police where I continued to use and develop my research skills in their intelligence team."
Michelle - Head of Behaviour Change
"Since graduating from the University of Bedfordshire, I am now Head of the Behaviour Change Unit at Hertfordshire County Council.
I couldn't have envisaged the path that my career would take when I started my BSc Health Psychology at the University of Bedfordshire and how important this broad understanding in psychology would be for my role in public health.
I loved my BSc so much that it inspired me to complete my MSc and ultimately my Doctorate in Health Psychology. I apply my psychological knowledge every day to developing behaviour change programmes to improve outcomes for the population of Hertfordshire. Understanding how people perceive the world and the broad influences on their behaviour - including culture, education, family and friends - has been crucial as they all impact on health outcomes.
My studies at University have been fundamental to my career development, and have allowed me to work in an exciting and evolving discipline to embed behavioural science into public health practice."
Emily - Team England
Emily Bolton, who graduated from Bedfordshire with a degree in Sport and Physical Education in 2020, was a late addition to Team England squad after being called up due to a teammate’s injury. The 2022 Games, held in Birmingham, saw Emily compete in the women's table tennis doubles and the women's table tennis team events.
“The Commonwealth Games has been an amazing experience – seeing all the athletes and experiencing the atmosphere is something I’ll remember forever. It's topped off by being a home Games, which has been really special, as my family and friends were able to come and watch which they may never have had the opportunity to do.”
Emily’s love of the sport started from a young age and - when she moved away from home at 16 to pursue table tennis - her career started to take off. Her studies at the University of Bedfordshire meant juggling her time between the sport and her degree but she was determined to achieve high standards in both.
In 2020 – the same year she graduated from the University – Emily claimed her first senior national title, taking women’s doubles Gold alongside Denise Payet at the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships.
Matty - FIFA
"I am a football analyst for FIFA. My primary role is to collect and analyse data based on FIFA’s footballing language. This language aligns technical expertise and the data itself to produce insights and to understand trends within football at all levels of the game. We look at all age groups as well as men and women’s football. The data is combined with observations from technical experts such as Steve McClaren and Arsene Wenger with the aim of understanding the game better, while hopefully improving fan experience and football as a whole at all levels of the game. It’s amazing to watch football every day, it’s the dream.
I did a two-year HND at Tresham College, which gave me a good grounding in sport and exercise science in general, and helped me focus on what I wanted to do next. I then completed my top-up degree in Applied Sport Science and Coaching at the University of Bedfordshire. My dissertation during this year was linked with the college football academy as well and I helped collect GPS data.
My advice to future students is to not be afraid to ask questions! Don’t assume the top-up is not for you - the tutors and staff will support you. It gives you an alternative route to achieving a Batchelor’s degree and provides a good opportunity for exposure to a wide variety of units. The course helps you find your own path in the sporting industry as well and gives you the freedom in your dissertation to choose a topic that you are keen on. You also get to work alongside people on other courses.
Finally, take all the opportunities you’re offered in the time you are at University."
Sam - Cricket East
"After graduating from the University in Sports Studies, I went on to work for Bedford Borough Council as a sports development project officer. Since then, my career has focused more on my passion - cricket. Starting at Herfordshire Cricket as Cricket Development Officer, to Cricket East as Club and Community Manager. I've now progressed to Head of Cricket Development at Cricket East."
Richard - International Tennis Federation
Richard graduated from the University of Bedfordshire with a BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science and a Master's degree in Sports Performance. During his studies his path into tennis began after he was selected to be a University Tennis Coordinator as part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s University Tennis network.
After graduating, Richard continued his career as a Research Officer at The International Tennis Federation – the world governing body for tennis – and was based in Valencia, Spain, where he oversaw the Federation’s international coach education resources, publications and coaching conferences. He is now an Education Project Manager for the International Tennis Integrity Agency – the body responsible for combatting corruption and doping in all professional tennis globally.
