We are very proud of all of our alumni. Our graduates can be a huge inspiration to current and future students, showcasing the diverse range of skills, talent and experience that come from gaining a University of Cumbria degree.

We love to hear about our alumni after graduation, and we are constantly overwhelmed with the fantastic stories of graduate achievements. The Alumni Association an international network of over 45,000 graduates which includes Oscar winners, famous Hollywood actors, nationally recognised TV personalities, Turner Prize winners, Paralympic gold medal winning athletes, and graduates recognised for their work by Prime Ministers and their local communities. The list is endless when it comes to the many diverse achievements and careers of our graduates.

Helen Skelton

Television Presenter

Class of 2004, Journalism.

Helen is one of the most recognisable faces on TV today, known in particular for her work presenting popular shows Blue Peter and Countryfile.

Helen Skelton Information Slide

Katie Slavin

Teacher of Special Educational Needs

Class of 2014, Drama Performance and Technical Theatre

In her spare time, Katie runs ‘Shining Stars’ in Glasgow, a theatre school for young people with learning difficulties. Her work was recognised in 2016 when she was a finalist in the Young Scot of the Year Awards.

Katie Slavin Information Slide

Mathew Atkinson

Head Teacher

Class of 2011,  Primary Education

Less than five years after graduating, Mathew took up the headship of a primary school in County Durham. At the age of 27 Mathew is one of the UK’s youngest head teachers.

Mathew Atkinson Information Slide

Laura Collins

Nurse and Lecturer

Class of 2015, Mental Health Nursing

Named a ‘Point of Light’ by Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015 for her work in helping to prevent suicide in patients, tutors found her so exceptional she now lectures on the course.

Laura Collins Information Slide

Ben Martin

Cameraman

Class of 2003, Media Production.

High-profile cameraman Ben works for Channel 4 News as their US cameraman/ editor based in Washington DC, covering top stories, such as the presidential election. In 2015 he was named Photographer of the Year in a White House ceremony presided over by Barack Obama.

Ben Martin information slide

We want to shout about our alumni! We want to show off our alumni and prove to our current students, prospective students and everyone else just where a University of Cumbria degree can take you.

Not all of our alumni are media celebrities of course, but we also have many hard-working teachers, nurses and health professionals. Walk into any hospital or school local to our campuses and you are bound to find a fellow UoC graduate there. 

Some of our alumni met their long-term partners here, made lifelong friends here and of course made memories that will last forever.

We are interested in all alumni stories, no matter how big or small, we would love to hear how you are getting on.  Perhaps we will be including your story in our next 'exceptional alumni' showcase.

Don't be shy, drop us an email alumni@cumbria.ac.uk to tell us where your University of Cumbria experience has taken you.

 

Megan Hine

Survival Expert

Class of 2006, Outdoor Studies

An expert on survival in all manner of remote conditions around the world, Megan is an advisor to Bear Grylls and has appeared on his popular TV shows, Mission Survive and The Island.

Megan Hine Information slide

James Speakman

Actor

Class of 2014, Drama Performance and Technical Theatre

A former soldier, James came into acting later in life. Soon after graduation he was snapped up for huge national TV advert campaigns, and is now in Hollywood movies!

 

James Speakman Information slide

Keith Tyson

Artist

Class of 1990, Art Foundation

Internationally acclaimed artist, Keith works in a wide range of media, including painting, drawing and installation. He won the prestigious Turner Prize in 2002.

Kieth Tyson Information slide

Karen Darke

Athlete

Class of 2009, Development Training

A keen adventurer, Karen won gold at Rio 2016 and silver in the London 2012 Paralympics in the women’s road time trial cycling. Being paralysed from the chest down does not hold her back from competing in some of the world’s toughest challenges.

Karen Darke Information Slide

Mally Chung

Unit Location Manager

Class of 1998 Media Production. Honorary Fellow 2012

Mally travels the world scouting the most interesting and beautiful places for top Hollywood movies. He has worked on some of the biggest movies in recent times; Skyfall and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Mally Chung Information Slide
Edit Page