Abbie Stainton
BSc (Hons) Midwifery
Winner of the North Cumbria Integrated Care Thank You 2020 Student Award, midwifery student Abbie found her experience on placement during the Covid-19 pandemic invaluable.
Student stories
We think that the University of Cumbria is a fantastic place to get your degree, but you don't have to take our word for it! Here's what some of our students thought about their time studying with us.
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Student Profiles
Abby Clarke
BSc (Hons) Geography
Abby tells the story of how her love for Geography brought her to our Ambleside campus.
Adam Muncaster
BSc (Hons) Psychology (with integrated foundation year)
Adam left the military in 2016, and after giving a number of things a go, decided to pursue a career in Health Psychology. After struggling with his mental health upon leaving the military in 2016, Adam's University of Cumbria journey has seen him find his passion, grow in confidence and become a mental health advocate for others. Keep reading to find out more about his story.
Adele Taylor
BSc (Hons) Nursing/Registered Nurse: Adult Nursing
After learning first hand how pivotal nurses were in the health service, Adele chose to make a huge career change. Read more to hear about her journey.
Aga Dziecielska
BSc (Hons) Psychology
As a mature international student, Aga juggled family responsibilities with studying in a second language. In doing so, the support she received from the psychology lecturing team and fellow students was second-to-none, and Aga loved the inclusivity, diversity and student-centred approach that is central to Cumbria. Read on to find out about Aga’s successes at Cumbria.
Alexandros Leontiades
BA (Hons) Wildlife Media
Alexandros Leontiades talks about his journey from Cyprus to Cumbria and the many things he loves about being a BA (Hons) Wildlife Media student.
Alumni
Alistair Storey
LLB (Hons) - Law
Alistair is from Wylam, Northumberland. He came to university straight after school.
Aliyah Patel
BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing
Students on our undergraduate nursing degrees have the opportunity to complete a three-week elective placement abroad. Children's nursing student Aliyah grasped this chance, spending time working and sightseeing in the Philippines – an experience she'll never forget! Read on to find out about Aliyah's experiences at Cumbria and in the Philippines.
Ameera Gause
BSc (Hons) Nursing/Registered Nurse: Adult Nursing
Ameera was born in the Caribbean, but lived in Coventry, West Midlands, for six years prior to coming to Cumbria. Her sister is currently studying her Adult Nursing course at the University of Cumbria as well.
Amy Jay
BSc (Hons) Geography
Amy tells us how her love of the outdoors brought her to our Ambleside campus to study BSc (Hons) Geography.
Anamaria Rambojun
MBA London
Anamaria tells us all about her time at the University of Cumbria in London, from her Global Business Management (Top-Up), to her MBA!
Anderson Uvie-Emegbo
MBA Lancaster
Anderson Uvie-Emegbo talks about his journey from Lagos to Lancaster and the many things he loves about being an MBA student at Cumbria – his new home away from home.
Alumni
Andrew Clark
Secondary Education with QTS: Religious Education (PGCE)
Andrew, originally from Southport, chose the University of Cumbria because of its long history of successful teacher training. He describes himself as passionate about education and regards RE as central to holistic development of young people.
Andy Eccles
BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership
After leaving the Army, I knew I had to make plans in order to get on with a career. I also was keen to continue a challenging and fulfilling career away from the military and I very much saw getting a degree as a way to initiate that.
Alumni
Anna Merrell
Bsc Professional Policing
Hi. My name is Anna Merrell; I am a special constable with Cumbria Constabulary and I have just finished my BSc Professional Policing Degree at the University of Cumbria.
Annie Chau
Teacher Training
After teaching children in Hong Kong for 7 years, Annie joined us to continue her teaching career in the UK. Keep reading to hear about her experience of our PGCE programme as an international student, including the bespoke support we offer at the University of Cumbria.
Alumni
Archit Hegde
BA (Hons) Film & TV
Archit Hegde talks about his journey from Goa to study in Carlisle, his work at Marvel, MGM, and Netflix - and shares his top tips for graduates seeking work in the Film and TV industry.
Ben Hargreaves
BSc (Hons) Sport Rehabilitation
Ben spent nearly 15 years out of education before deciding he wanted a change in his career. He used our 4-year Integrated Foundation Year route into Sports Rehabilitation to get back into education. Ben is now on his way to a new career completing our MSc Physiotherapy course. Read our interview with Ben below to find out how he took a step towards a new career.
Bethany Woollacott
BSc (Hons) Geography
Bethany tells us how a passion for Geography brought her to studying in the beautiful Lake District.
Catherine Hind
BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
Nominated for the RCNi Andrew Parker award for Student Nurse of the year, as well as the Student Nursing Times Awards 'Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year', Mental Health Nursing student Catherine Hind proved to everyone what an extraordinary person she is.
Alumni
Chantel Cumpsty
BSc (Hons) Midwifery
Originally Cape Town, South Africa, Chantel lived first in Yorkshire then moved to Lancaster. She already had a degree in Women’s Studies but was unsure what to do career wise.
Alumni
Chantel du Randt
PGCE Primary Education with QTS
Chantel du Randt took the leap and embarked on a PGCE to change careers. In this quick interview, she tells us her story and how she managed to balance family life and study to achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a teacher.
Charlie Anderson
BA (Hons) Games Design
Game Jam is an event organised by the BA Games Design course team at the University of Cumbria. It's an exciting creative competition where participants create a game within 72 hours based on a specific theme. The main goal of the event is to inspire creativity, experimentation, learning, collaboration, and, most importantly, to have fun! Charlie Anderson was the winner of the 'Best Video Game' award in the Game Jam 23 with his creation, 'Super Ninja Ball'. Read about his experience here:
Alumni
Chloe Farsi
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Chloe Farsi has been studying Graphic Design at our university since beginning her foundation year in 2013. She is one of the volunteers involved in this year’s Art Degree show, and managed to find some time out from her busy schedule of putting everything together to give us a few words about the show.
Chloe Price
BSc (Hons) Outdoor Adventure and Environment
Chloe, from Wiltshire, came to the University of Cumbria straight from school. She chose her course because of the job prospects it offered as well as because of the location in the heart of the Lake District.
Alumni
Chloe Searle
BSc (Hons) Midwifery
After graduating from a University of Cumbria degree in Midwifery in 2022, Chloe was awarded Newly Qualified Midwife of the Year by the MAMA Academy, a charity committed to promoting safer pregnancies across the UK. Here, Chloe reflects on her time at Cumbria, the life-long friends she's made, and how her degree studies have helped her reach where she is today.
Claire Hyland
MSc Occupational Therapy
My name is Claire and I’m from the midlands of Ireland. I’m currently studying a Master’s in Occupational Therapy at the University of Cumbria. I wanted to write about my placement experience on the MSc Occupational Therapy programme, to help give you an idea of what a role-emerging placement will be like on the course.
Alumni
Crystal Graham
MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration)
It might be a world away from Blackburn, but for Crystal Graham, working in Abu Dhabi has become a second home.
Alumni
Dan Abel
LLB (Hons) - Law
Dan, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire was the first in his family to move away from home for university.
Alumni
Daryl Greenslade
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
"I'm aiming to become a Deputy Head in ten years, that's my ten-year plan. And I can say that I've got the university to thank for that."
Debbie Steel
General Primary with QTS: Inclusion/ Special Educational Needs and Disability
Debbie, a career changer shares her inspiring story of transitioning from a successful hotel management role to becoming a teacher. Debbie discusses her initial love for teaching, the desire to make a positive impact, and the challenges she faced during her teacher training journey. She highlights the importance of her supportive tutors, valuable placement experiences, and offers practical advice for aspiring teachers. She expresses her enthusiasm towards helping children grow and learn.
Degree Apprenticeship - chartered management (Lexi)
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship
Lexi is undertaking the Chartered Manager degree Apprenticeship with the University of Cumbria
Alumni
Djamil Remodkhan
Leadership and Sustainability (Robert Kennedy College)
Originally from Mauritius, Djamil came to our university for the residential portion of the MBA ran in partnership with Leadership and Sustainability.
Dominic Kenyon
BSc Learning Disability Nursing (Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship)
Dominic chose to take up the offer of completing a Learning Disability Nursing apprenticeship as he wants to advocate and improve services for people with Learning Disabilities.
Ehsan Kazemi
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
Ehsan chose to study Diagnostic Radiography as a route to work within the UK as a Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Diagnostic Radiographer. Read more to hear how they are being supported whilst studying.
Eleanor Armstrong
BA (Hons) Social Work
Eleanor completed her Social Work placement at a national homeless charity during the Covid-19 first wave. Find out below how she found the experience, how she was supported through the experience and what she gained out of it.
Alumni
Eloise Eddington
BSc (Hons) Learning Disabilities Nursing
Eloise's main motivation for becoming a nurse was her little brother.
Alumni
Emilie Ebbestad
BA (Hons) Outdoor Education
Emilie is from Svelvik, Norway. She chose to study with the University of Cumbria because “I fell in love with the location of the Ambleside campus.”
Emily Wormald
BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership
Hello, I am Emily and this is my story. I grew up in Norwich, but fell in love with the Lake District and want to persue a career sharing my passion for the ourdoors and doing something a bit different from the average 9-5.
Fay Codona
BSc (Hons) Nursing/Registered Nurse: Adult Nursing
Nursing student Fay proud to win excellence prize
Felicity Griggs
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Felicity chose to study Psychology as a mature student, find out how she found the experience and what her next steps are.
Finn Gomes
BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing
Before deciding to pursue Nursing at the University of Cumbria, I worked customer service jobs knowing this wasn’t what I wanted to do. While in college, I was offered the opportunity to become a trainee youth worker. Through this, I worked with young people within an LGBT centre. Not only did I develop skills in advocating for people, but also learned that I wanted to work with children. Alongside this, I always knew I wanted to work in medicine as I've always liked to care for people.
Alumni
Gaye Cameron
Leadership and Sustainability (Robert Kennedy College)
Gaye Cameron studies at our university as part of the MBA ran in partnership with Robert Kennedy College.
Hanah Pantling
Working with Children and Families
Hanah chose to study Working with Children and Families knowing she wanted to work with children and families to make a positive impact in their lives.
Hannah Dady
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Hannah shares her journey as a Graphic Design student at the University of Cumbria. Hannah reveals her early inspiration that sparked her pursuit of graphic design, her reasons behind choosing the university, and her favourite aspects of the course. Hannah has decided to stay in Carlisle and establish herself as a freelance designer!
Hannah Roberts
BA (Hons) Games Design
Hannah Roberts is a third-year Games Design student at the Brampton Rd campus in Carlisle. With a passion for digital texturing and an interest in teaching, Hannah shares her experience of studying Games Design at the University of Cumbria. Hannah talks about what inspired her to pursue Games Design, her favourite university experiences, and her future plans. She provides advice for those considering Games Design and shares her thoughts on the course's preparation for a career in the real world.
Alumni
Harry Wakefield
BSc (Hons) Forest Management
Originally from Norfolk, Harry wanted a change of area when coming to university, choosing the National School of Forestry for its reputation within the forestry sector.
Alumni
Alumni
Jack Howard
BSc (Hons) Outdoor Adventure and Environment
Jack Howard, originally from Driffield in East Yorkshire, decided that his ambitions lay further west.
Jane Day
BSc (Hons) Sport Rehabilitation
Jane left the military and chose to study Sports Rehabilitation after being personally helped by a sports rehabilitation specialist. She wanted to help people who had the same barriers to cross that she did. Find out more about Janes transition from the military to university life below.
Jayden Glinka
BSc (Hons) Zoology
Jayden Glinka talks about life as a Zoology student from Canada and a newfound love for ground beetles.
Jen Ager
MA in Outdoor and Experiential Learning
Applying to study for my MA in Outdoor and Experiential Learning was a big career decision for me. I’d qualified as a primary school teacher in 2002, but despondent with the current educational climate, it was time for a complete career change.
Alumni
Alumni
Joseph Rudd
PGCE Primary Education with QTS
"I wanted the ability to look back in 50 years and be proud of my career, its accomplishments and the difference I have made. I know now that I have made the right decision."
Joshua Gilroy
BSc (Hons) Nursing/Registered Nurse: Adult Nursing
Josh was inspired to go into nursing to make a difference. After seeing the mixed quality of care his grandfather received Josh wanted to become a nurse to deliver quality care to others.
Alumni
Kahina's Story
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
I have always had a love for science and a morbid curiosity about true crime.
Kara Ashurst
Kara’s journey into photography began in her youth, with a simple digital camera becoming a tool for unravelling the mysteries of the world around her. Inspired by documentaries like 'Blue Planet' and the 'National Geographic' she gravitated towards environmental and wildlife photography. She chose the University of Cumbria because of the creative freedom of the course, the quality of the education and she had ‘fallen in love with Cumbria’. Keep reading to hear more about her journey.
Kathleen Crawford
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
I started University later in my life compared to the rest of my classmates (they were pretty shocked to find out my age!)
Alumni
Laith Hasan
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
Originally from Iraq, Laith is the first member of his family to study a university degree in the UK.
Alumni
Leanne Bookham
BA (Hons) Social Work
‘Don’t feel as though you’re going to be worse off for attending a newer or more rural university than others you may be considering. The lecturing team are exceptional, as is student support. As a mature student and a parent I was unsure of what completing a degree may look like for me; and now as I’m finished and looking back I think UoC has been a fantastic option”.
Lennon Arnot
BA (Hons) Business Management
Lennon Arnot tells us how a young entrepreneurial instinct lead him to study Business Management at the University of Cumbria.
Liam Dervey
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
After an Injury stopped Liam from being able to go into full-time military service, the rehabilitation he received whilst recovering inspired him to become a Physiotherapist. Find out more about Liam's choice to study Physiotherapy.
Alumni
Lois Andrews
PGCE Primary Education with QTS - School Direct Route
"It’s daunting coming back to uni as a mature student. You think “can I cope? Am I past it?” But there is a lot of support on the course. I wasn’t past it. I shouldn’t have worried. My family also benefited as I was happy and my partner even said I had my mojo back!"
Lydia Hollingdale
BA (Hons) Wildlife Media
Meet Lydia, a final-year student pursuing her passion for wildlife media. Inspired by popular shows like Springwatch, Lydia's love for the natural world led her to choose this unique course. One of her most cherished moments was capturing the enchanting otters on the Isle of Mull for her final project. Despite the hurdles posed by COVID-19, Lydia has persevered and flourished. Discover more about Lydia's incredible journey here.
Lynda Kyle
BSc (Hons) Psychology
After owning her own business for thirteen years, Lynda changed her path and chose to re-enter full-time education. She is now succeeding as an undergraduate Psychology student at the University of Cumbria.
Alumni
Mark Clayton
PGCE Non-QTS Online
"I did this course as part of my SCITT training. I felt it would provide additional academic background to my very practical course. If you do choose to do this course, best of luck with it. I found it brilliant. "
Alumni
Michael Hird
BSc in Professional Policing
Michael is from Consett, County Durham. Having worked in retail for three years, he chose to study for a degree as he had always wanted to join the police force.
Michelle McAteer
BSc Learning Disability Nursing (Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship)
After 20 years of working in the Department of Work and Pensions, Michelle got a taste of working in the NHS whilst completing bank work. Find out how she's finding her Learning Disability Nursing Apprenticeship.
Alumni
Natalie Sutcliffe
Working with Children and Families
Natalie, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, previously attended college for two years studying a BTEC before applying for her degree.
Nathan Greening
BA (Hons) Wildlife Media
Meet Nathan Greening, a first-year student on an exciting journey into Wildlife Media. Fuelled by a passion for creativity and nature, Nathan shares his inspirations, favourite experiences, and the invaluable preparation for his future career.
Oliver Fox
BSc (Hons) Geography
Hi there, I’m Oliver. I’m currently in my second year studying Geography in Ambleside.
Patience's Clearing story
BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing
Patience applied to the University of Cumbria through Clearing in 2022. Below, she tells us about her Clearing experience and what she’s enjoyed most about her first year at university.
Alumni
Rabeha Malik
BA (Hons) Primary and Early Years Education (3-11) with QTS
Rabeha studied with us at our London campus.
Alumni
Rachel Malone
BA (Hons) Teaching and Learning
"The tutors will help you learn how to work with children in different ways. You could work in the early years like me, you could go into being a primary school teacher or work in a secondary school. Or you could work in a youth organization and they are just as, if not more, rewarding. I wasn't sure what route I wanted to take professionally so I wanted to keep my options open."
Alumni
Rahima Begum
Education Studies
Having graduated from our Education Studies programme in 2019, Rahima has gone on to a successful teaching career in her former Secondary School. Equipped with theoretical backing and placement experience, Rahima is making a positive impact in her community as a former Education Studies student, a course with a 100% Student Satisfaction Rating (NSS, 2021).
Ramin Farhadi
MBA Lancaster
Ramin Farhadi talks about his journey from Iran to Lancaster and the many things he loves about being an MBA student at Cumbria – his new home away from home.
Rebecca Stevenson
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
When Rebecca started working as an Occupational Therapy support worker she realised that she wanted to become a qualified occupational therapist so she could make a difference in the lives of others.
Alumni
Rhiannon Pritchard
BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership
Rhiannon, from South Wales, worked as an activity instructor around the UK and France before coming to university.
Alumni
Ricki Steele
BA (Hons) Teaching and Learning
"If I can tell you one thing, know that Education is much wider and bigger than teaching. If you have doubts about being a teacher, don't worry. There is a lot more to Education than the classroom."
Sam Cubbin
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
Sam previously studied biology at university but decided he wanted to change his career path and chose to study Diagnostic Radiography after hearing positive reviews about it from people in the role.
Sam Poultney
BSc (Hons) Marine and Freshwater Conservation
Sam, from Stafford, experienced working as a summer River keeper in Derbyshire before coming to university.
Sarah Hilton
BSc (Hons) Geography
What’s it like studying Geography? My name is Sarah and hopefully I can answer that for you!
Alumni
Scott Fisher
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
"When the opportunity presented itself, I took it and returned to college in my 30s. And yes, as a single parent and carer, I have had times when I struggled, but I have always reached out for help and the University has always been there to give it."
Shaheen Cassamobai
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
Shaheen always wanted to go to university and our Lancaster campus offered the perfect environment for shaheen to learn about Diagnostic Radiography and develop their skills.
Alumni
Shannon Bateson
LLB (Hons) - Law
Shannon aspired to be a solicitor and decided to do her Law degree at the University of Cumbria because it was close to home.
Shannon Keys
PGCE General Primary (5-11yrs) with QTS
Current PGCE student, Shannon, had already completed 2 undergraduate degrees when she joined us. She chose to join Cumbria's acclaimed PGCE programme after chatting to our friendly academic team and loved that she could complete her final placement from her home in Northern Ireland. Keep reading to hear more about her Teacher Training journey.
Sharon Blezard
BSc (Hons) Learning Disabilities Nursing
Sharon has wanted to be a nurse since leaving school, upon attending one of our open days and excelling in her interview she finally had the opportunity to study to become the nurse she'd always dreamed of.
Sharon Palmer
BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care (with integrated foundation year)
Sharon always wanted to become a nurse but life got in the way, at the age of 48 she's taken the step toward making her dream of becoming a nurse come true by studying our Health and Social Care (Integrated Foundation Year) course.
Alumni
Shona's Story
BA (Hons) Business Management
I started studying at Keswick school in 1999 and left in 2006. I enjoyed my time at school, especially the social side with my friendship groups. If I’m honest, during my GCSE’s I wasn’t particularly interested in academia and I didn’t put in as much effort into my studies as I could have, so I was determined to improve and achieve better results in my A-Levels.
Alumni
Silica Doinita Ionita
MSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Silica Ionita graduated in 2018 following her studies of Occupational Therapy with us at the University of Cumbria. Silica was originally from Romania and was highly attracted the University of Cumbria to further her education. She was inspired by three close friends from Romania who had travelled to Carlisle to study with us. They’d reported back that it was a fantastic place to take that next career step. Of course, we agree.
Sophie Babbs
BSc (Hons) Zoology
Hi, my name is Sophie Babbs and I have just graduated with a first class BSc (Hons) Zoology degree with integrated foundation year at the University of Cumbria.
Sophie Steadman
BA (Hons) Fine Art
One of the main reasons I chose University of Cumbria is that it has a friendly, community feel, that you often don’t get from other universities. I think that one reason for this is because of smaller class sizes, which means that the support system is a lot stronger.
Alumni
Steafan Deery
PGCE Primary with Physical Education Specialism
Steafan Deery was a PE specialist with the Irish Football Association who retrained to become a teacher. In this quick interview, he tells us why.
Sue Pemberton
PhD Occupational Therapy
Yorkshire-based Sue chose further study to advance her work helping people with long-term conditions.
Suzanne Gibson
BA (Hons) Social Work
Suzanne, from Dumfries, worked as a nursery practitioner for 16 years and completed her childcare and development training before coming to the University of Cumbria.
Tom Jenkins
BSc (Hons) Security, Intelligence and Investigative Practice
Tom Jenkins talks about his experience as a Security, Intelligence and Investigative Practice student at University of Cumbria.
Alumni
Tyler Harris
LLB (Hons) - Law
Tyler, from Corby, studied English Literature, English Language and Biology A-levels at Brooke Weston Academy. He was the first generation of his family to attend university.
Alumni
Vincent Walden
BA (Hons) Graphic Design Course
"Throughout all the industries I have worked in, my degree gave me the confidence to tackle everything head-on."
William Niven
BA (Hons) Photography
William started his photography journey as a hobby and was inspired to capture the world through his unique perspective due to his visual impairment. William chose the University of Cumbria for its renowned photography course and supportive tutors. His confidence and capabilities have grown during his time at the university, allowing him to showcase his work as a finalist in the AOP Student Awards! Keep reading to hear more about his journey.