Graduate success stories

Alisha Clayton, MSc Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development

After leaving school with 1 GCSE and watching my life spiral downwards, I never dreamt that I'd get the chance to go to university, let alone complete both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree. I didn't think university was on the agenda for someone like me, but I’ve discovered that anything is possible with the right support and guidance in place.

I got my place at York St John University following completion of Level 2 qualifications, and an access to higher education course in health and sciences. My undergraduate degree in Children, Young People and Families led me towards studying for a masters in Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development.

University life was not always plain sailing for me, but becoming part of the YSJ community felt like an extended family at times. The support I have received, both from my course tutors and the University's Wellbeing team, made all the difference in empowering me to push through the tough times. The warmth and compassion I experienced during those darker days of emotional turmoil and financial hardship can't be underestimated.

I am now working towards applying for a doctorate in Counselling Psychology, an area I have developed a passion for. In the meantime, I have 2 jobs, alongside volunteering as a crisis worker for Shout (a free text service for anyone in crisis) and as a support worker for Open Country tandem cycling (a charity that helps people with disabilities to enjoy the countryside). I also volunteer for Converge on their music and art programmes, linking up with those who are experiencing mental ill health.

York St John University has been life changing for me – I am leaving as a whole person, having come a broken mess. I have grown so much as a person and I am excited for my future.

Learn more about Alisha's experience of support from the York St John University Wellbeing team.

Amy Hodgson, BA Japanese, TESOL and Linguistics

My journey at York St John University has been a transformative blend of language learning, linguistics and social justice. I came to university straight after finishing my A levels and got involved with the Living Lab project alongside my studies. Based in the Institute for Social Justice, the Living Lab seeks to make real changes on campus, like reducing waste, tackling food poverty and researching local traffic pollution. Over my time involved with the project we've engaged hundreds of students in action learning through worthwhile activities.

Combining my passion for social justice and love for linguistics led me to take a leading role in one of the Institute's sustainability initiatives called Wild Wednesdays. A joint project between staff and students, the group meets weekly to transform university spaces into gardens to promote sustainability and food security. I work alongside our hard-working students and staff, using my linguistic skills to motivate and persuade students on the benefits of community gardening.

Receiving the Institute for Social Justice student prize is a humbling acknowledgement of these efforts, reinforcing my commitment to driving positive change through academic and practical work. My degree has deepened my understanding of how language can empower or marginalise and how linguists can bridge gaps and promote inclusivity.

Looking ahead, I would like to study for a master's in environmental and social justice. As long as I find a way to help people and the planet I'll keep moving forward.

Amy was the joint recipient of this year's Institute for Social Justice prize, alongside William Barnes who supported refugees to develop their functional English in order to build their futures in England by being able to access bank accounts and job interviews.

Adam Zawadzki, MFA Photography

After graduating with an undergraduate degree in journalism, I took a 2-year career and education break. I worked hard to save money for my postgraduate course, driving lessons and a car, which I used to attend university open days, before settling on York St John to study for a master's in photography.

The course boosted my passion and skills in photography, giving me many opportunities to combine both photography and journalism. Alongside my studies, I embraced extra opportunities that York St John has to offer students. This included working as a Global Campus ambassador, photographer for the musical production society, and student cookbook contributor for the Living Lab project. I also received a Discover Fund from York St John's Kickstart programme to buy a drone, which has enabled me to expand my photographic offering. I have made the most of extra training that the University offers students, including Microsoft specialist courses and discounted CELTA training as I'd like to teach English abroad in the future.

Highlights of my time at York St John include a term on the study abroad scheme in Norway, and volunteering in Cambodia through the University's Global Opportunities programme, which I loved more than I can describe. These experiences not only opened my eyes to different places around the globe, but also gave me lifelong friendships and compassion for those living in very different circumstances to me.

Learning isn't just life-long, it's worldwide – possibly one of the most important lessons I've learned at university. Working, studying and volunteering away from home, this country, and this continent has given me direction and a contentment within myself that I hadn't felt before. So get stuck into your time at university. I am graduating satisfied with what I set out to achieve. And then some.

Find out more about Adam's passion for photojournalism on his blog.

Fi Rowntree, BA Graphic Design

I came to York St John as a mature student, wanting to pursue my design goals after working in hospitality for most of my twenties. Being amongst other creatives in a supportive environment really helped my journey as a designer.

In my final year I was delighted to be chosen as the winner of York St John's first ever Athena Swan design award for my creative campaign to promote gender equality at the University. I chose a wordmark logo to put the name Athena Swan front and centre in my design, with each of the ten letters coming from a different typeface as a nod to the ten academic subjects Athena Swan covers. It is representative of collaboration and demonstrates that individuals can work together to achieve the same goals. The typefaces chosen are designed by a mix of male and female type designers which enforces what the brand stands for: gender equality. The general aesthetic of the designs takes influence from riot girl/punk style and uses purple and green, the colours of the Suffragette movement.

I was genuinely surprised to be chosen as I thought what I had produced may be a bit too 'out there' for an academic environment but it was good to see the University taking a risk on being disruptive. I then got to see my work transformed into posters, banners, digital graphics, badges and stickers, and rolled out across the University's York and London to raise awareness of gender equality work.

Working on the live briefs and winning the Athena Swan design award was a huge highlight for me and gave me the experience and confidence to realise I was ready for the workplace. York St John has been an amazing, transformative experience for me and has got me where I wanted to be - working in a design agency. It’s great to know that my design lives on on campus.

Performance Academy, Certificate of Education in Performing Arts

Cara Bussey, Connor Lewins, Jake Thow, Katy Hartley, Shannon Whitworth, Theo Griffiths and Toby Ross

Mind the Gap in partnership with York St John University.

Graduating at York Minster this November alongside the School of the Arts are the first 7 graduates from Performance Academy. This is an inclusive 3-year course designed specifically for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who want to explore their creativity or pursue a career in the arts. Based at Mind the Gap in Bradford, Performance Academy is validated by York St John University to Certificate of Education in Performing Arts Level 4. This is the only course of its kind in the UK.

Offering professional training in theatre, music, dance, and industry studies, the course goes beyond developing artistic skills - it also fosters confidence, communication, and teamwork. Each student receives personalised support through one-on-one assessments, ensuring that their learning experience is tailored to their individual needs.

The Academy’s fully accessible studios provide a safe and inspiring space where students collaborate with experienced artists and connect with professional companies. At its core, the Performance Academy is about empowering people with learning disabilities and/or autism to explore their creative potential in a supportive and nurturing environment. Whether they aim for personal fulfilment or professional growth, students leave with the skills and confidence to express themselves and thrive in the world of the performing arts. To find out more about Performance Academy, please visit the Mind the Gap website.

Congratulations to Cara, Connor, Jake, Katy, Shannon, Theo and Toby, our first graduating cohort.