Jamie - Saving Lives
Jamie
NHS Senior Critical Care Nurse
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
Jamie was underestimated in school due to being less academic than other students, but challenges didn't stop him from achieving his dream of becoming a Critical Care Nurse. BCU provided Jamie with the foundation to be a caring and strategic professional who puts his patients at the forefront of everything he does.
Abbie - Following Dreams
Abbie
Freelance Illustrator, Founder of Abbie Severn Illustration
BA (Hons) Illustration
Abbie thrived on her illustration course, taking inspiration from the city’s creative quarter of Digbeth to produce stunning artwork. Shortly after graduating, she hosted an exhibition of her work, and her signature colourful style has since become a staple of Birmingham’s creative community.
Obed - Building Future Spaces
Obed
Graduate Public Health Engineer at HDR
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
Obed grew up admiring the modern, functional buildings in his home city of London and dreamt of contributing to the building of future spaces. Thanks to the on-site experience and knowledge he gained at BCU, he was offered three engineering jobs before graduating. He’s now an essential part of a global engineering firm that’s known for its smart infrastructure.
Phil - Inspiring Generations
Phil
Assistant Head Teacher, Ark Victoria Academy
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
Due to money worries, Phil wasn't sure he could afford to study at university, but he knew he belonged in the classroom and had to have a degree to achieve his dream career. Just four years after graduating, Phil now works in an assistant leadership position where he’s able to make a real impact and help young people succeed.
India - Eliminating Threats
India
Assistant Vice President of Threat Intelligence for a leading UK Bank
BA (Hons) Criminology
India was drawn to BCU because of its experienced lecturers and unique course content which allowed her to pursue a fulfilling career in security and intelligence. She’s captured fugitives on Channel 4’s ‘Hunted’, provided aid to the people of Ukraine and now eliminates threats for a leading UK bank.
Nadia - Powering Play
Nadia
Junior Engine Programmer at Rare
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology
Nadia wanted to study a subject that both interested her and gave her good career prospects. BCU’s Computer Games Technology course provided the experience she needed to excel in the games industry, securing a full-time job in the industry after completing her placement year.
Jaques - Designing the City
Jaques
Design Manager at HS2 Ltd
BA (Hons) Architecture
Jac wanted to use his creativity to improve the built environment but struggled to find a clear career path. Since then, he has worked on many projects across housing, commercial, transport, arts and the community. He now manages the design development of HS2, a major project in the city’s landscape. His passion for his field has motivated him to lead workshops with students across Birmingham who want to become Architects.
Brona - Styling for Success
Brona
Fashion Stylist at Gymshark
BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Communication
Brona wanted to use her creativity and fashion sense to build a successful career. BCU’s Fashion Branding and Communication course helped her push herself and become a great stylist. She now works in her dream role as a Fashion stylist at Birmingham-born multinational company Gymshark.
Jonathan - Capturing Moments
Jonathan
Freelance Photographer
BA (Hons) Media and Communication
Jonathan’s exciting career as a photographer to the stars kicked off within weeks of graduating. Thanks to the experience he picked up at BCU, as well as his excellent networking skills, Jonathan is thriving in his career as a freelance photographer, videographer and TikTok content creator and is now working with huge names in the entertainment industry, from Maya Jama to Cardi B.
Claire - Saving Lives
Claire
GP Nurse
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
Claire didn’t have a straightforward journey to university, as bad grades and self-doubt made her think she couldn’t be a nurse. After overcoming hurdles, gaining experience and increasing her confidence, Claire has been able to achieve well beyond what she ever thought possible. She is not only a registered nurse and a published author but has also become an advocate for transgender patients in the healthcare sector.
Pete - Fighting Cybercrime
Pete
Cyber Security Analyst
BSc (Hons) Digital Forensics
After completing a placement with Cheshire Police during his degree, Pete was inspired to use his digital forensics skills to help solve crime. He went on to become a Digital Forensics Investigator for the Greater Manchester Police, receiving both a Judge’s and Chief Constable's Commendation for his role in a high-profile criminal case. He has continued to use his skills to investigate cybercrime, detecting and responding to cyberattacks.
Charlotte - Changing the Landscape
Charlotte
Senior Quantity Surveyor – Severn Trent Water
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
People tried to tell Charlotte to study a typically female-dominated subject at university, but she wanted to break the norm. Studying in Birmingham allowed Charlotte valuable work experience when she began her Quantity Surveying degree and she has since gone on to a Senior position working on HS2, just a few years after graduating.
Andre - Reshaping Neighbourhoods
Andre
Founder and CEO of KIONDO
BA (Hons) Architecture
BCU gave Andre the skills and confidence he needed to be a successful architect and entrepreneur. His business, KIONDO, is changing his local community by providing a creative space for local entrepreneurs and innovators who want to give back to society.
Ross - Inspiring Experiences
Ross
PR Manager at Alton Towers
BA (Hons) Media and Communication
Ross took every opportunity at BCU to develop his CV, taking on freelance writing work for music magazines and a weekly football column for the Birmingham Mail. His enthusiasm for his subject and passion for experiences has seen him progress quickly to a senior level at the UK’s biggest theme park.
Jacob - Crafting Luxury
Jacob
QC Watchmaker – Rolex UK
BA (Hons) Horology
It can be daunting to study something new at university, but Jacob knew that it was necessary to find a career that would fulfil his need to work with his hands and solve problems. BCU’s Horology degree has allowed Jacob to secure a role at one of the world's most prestigious watchmakers, before he'd even completed the course.
Sophie - Unearthing Talent
Sophie
Founder and CEO of Black Owned Birmingham
BA (Hons) Business Administration/ MSc Management and Entrepreneurship
Sophie’s passion for business led her to complete both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at BCU, before setting up her business Black Owned Birmingham, which is now the second largest black business and community network within the UK. Her work to develop the business community has seen her win several awards for her social and community activism.
Lauren - Defending the Public
Lauren
Trainee Solicitor at Higgs LLP
Law LLB and Masters in Legal Practice (LPC)
Lauren wanted to study the law to make a real change in people’s lives. She embraced all the opportunities available to her at BCU, including volunteering at BCU’s Law Clinic. This experience motivated her to undertake a postgraduate degree after her studies, and she is now on her way towards her dream career after securing a competitive training contract as a trainee solicitor.
Savannah - Elevating Performance
Savannah
PhD Researcher and Lecturer
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Savannah thought her future involved a career in competitive sport, when that no longer became an option, she began to consider how she could still have an impactful career in the world of sport. After being encouraged by her tutors at BCU to pursue PhD study, Savannah is now contributing important research to the world of sport, supporting athletes to thrive.
Haseebah - Unlocking Creativity
Haseebah
Artist and Arts Educator
BA (Hons) Illustration
Haseebah faced negative opinions about her choice to pursue a career in Art, but this only motivated her. After finding her passion for printmaking, Haseebah now passes on her artistic skills to others through arts education in the community and has proudly exhibited her culturally significant work at Saatchi Gallery and Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery.