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

Steven Coltart

For Steven Coltart, Staffordshire University wasn’t just a place to study, it was where his passion for scoring took off.

Emma Jones - Broadcast Journalism

After freelancing for Channel 5 and radio station Key 103, media graduate Emma is now Signal 1’s breakfast show presenter and a Leeds United TV presenter.

Glenn Lightbody - Media (Film) Production

Glenn pursued his passion for film through his degree, and he now travels the world with the leading innovator and manufacturer of creative video technology.

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.

Jonathon MacAllan - Business Management

After graduation Jonathon went straight into a management trainee role, he is now a marketing manager handling the digital presence of a successful company.

Kate Fenton - Business

After a career in the financial sector, graduate Kate launched her own recruitment consultancy specialising in the education and construction markets.

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.

Lee Deaville - Media (Film) Production

An award winning freelance producer, Lee works for the world’s largest energy drinks company – Red Bull creating and producing content for special projects.

Malcolm Harris - Business Management

After a career in sales, Malcolm gave himself a fresh start by launching a successful engineering plastics distribution company serving a wide range of sectors.

Mary Barnard - Social Welfare Law

Mary entered into higher education later in life thanks to the flexibility of distance learning that allowed her to work and study at the same time.

Natalie Cooke - Media (Film) Production

Natalie has her dream job working for Hollywood visual effects company Industrial Light and Magic as a Production Coordinator on major motion pictures.

Rob Bryson - Film Production and Interactive Technology

Now based in New Zealand, Rob Bryson has helped bring some of the most iconic movies of the last few years to the big screen in his role as a CGI compositor.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021