Our HM Forces graduates

James Robinson – MA in Intelligence and International Relations

James initially found out about the University's close work with Armed Forces' students when attending a military education course. He gained advice on how to apply for the course through colleagues and our support network. Although he was dubious at first, he spoke to University of Staffordshire and found out how to organise and gain access to Enhanced Learning Credits.  After gaining the advice, he gained access to ELCs and quickly loaded himself onto the course for the coming September.

Despite being in a busy post at the time, James found his work both enjoyable and manageable. It was also his first proper experience of distance learning at a post graduate level. But with the support of our lecturers and advisors through our Virtual Learning Environment, he went on to graduate with an MA in intelligence and international relations.


Ben Roberts – Master of Business Administration

Flight Lieutenant Ben Roberts, who is based at Royal Air Force (RAF) Boulmer in Northumberland, achieved a distinction studying part-time on the MBA course alongside his day-job as Surveillance Officer in the Aerospace Battle Management (ABM) branch of the RAF.

Ben graduated from University of Staffordshire 10 years ago with Bsc (Hons) Film Production Technology and has been with the RAF ever since. For his MBA dissertation, Ben looked at the relatively new theory of employer branding and explored the key drivers that could help to improve recruitment within the military, focussing on the Aerospace Battle Management branch of the RAF in which he works. Ben has provided his findings to his senior leadership within the ABM branch, and they are looking at taking on some of his suggestions.

It’s been really good to come back to Staffs. It’s been busy alongside a primary job but the RAF is great at letting people get away and do their educational studies. It’s definitely manageable and has kept me thinking.

Ben Roberts

Master of Business Administration

Sean Reece - BSc (Hons) Intelligence and Security

Sean Reece works with the Special Investigations and Intelligence branch of the RAF police and has completed a BSc (Hons) Intelligence and Security. Sean took advantage of the University’s long standing partnership with the Armed Forces, developing and delivering programmes not only on campus but worldwide via distance learning, blended or at hub stations on individual Units.

Sean believes the course has benefited him both personally and professionally, and will make him more attractive to future employees.

The University realises that the military is not a 9-5 organisation. They’ve been flexible when I’ve been deployed and have allowed me to hold off on my studies and pick up where I left off.

Sean Reece

BSc (Hons) Intelligence and Security

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