Graduate success stories

Richard Holmes, BA Product Design

Volunteering at Refugee Action York (RAY) during my time at York St John University was an eye-opening experience that ignited my passion to address the profound challenges facing refugees and migrants. My studies inspired me to create Global Anthem, a revolutionary flash card system that uses intuitive hand gestures to bridge language barriers between service users and support services. Collaborating with RAY, local police, and community volunteers, I refined and developed the prototype into a practical and impactful solution.

Motivated by the incredible support from the Vice Chancellor of the University, Karen Bryan OBE, I sought further resources through the Kickstart Programme, which paved the way to compete for substantial funding from the prestigious Ingenuity programme. Winning four Ingenuity awards, notably Impact Entrepreneur of the Year, was an honour and a testament to the community at the University.

However, this story is more than just the awards; it's about the journey from an undergraduate project to a product that has the potential to transform the lives of 108 million displaced individuals affected by conflict, worldwide. I've also had the privilege to visit and collaborate with Ukrainian universities, and received recognition from the Royal Academy of Engineers. A letter of commendation from MP Rachel Maskell, further affirming the importance and social impact potential of Global Anthem.

James Kilduff, BA Games Design

I have always been fascinated with video games, mesmerised by their ability to transport you into different worlds whilst telling a story. There has never been a period of my life that hasn’t involved playing video games, and I wanted so much to be a part of that magic, but on the other side.

I came to university as a mature student, having left school after my A levels and starting work straight away. I was drawn to York St John University because of the stunning campus and fantastic location. The ease of the mature entry scheme and helpful admissions team sealed my decision to embark on a degree in Games Design.

My favourite aspect of the course was the freedom to bring a creation to life and share that with like-minded people. I was thrilled to win an award at an annual industry event for my final year project and showcased one of my games at the 2023 Aesthetica Film Festival. 

I have continued to receive help and guidance from tutors at the University following the completion of my degree, and it’s reassuring to know that they’re just an email away. I had no shortage of concerns going to university quite a bit later than the average person, but I am extremely glad I did!

Judith Porter, BA Fine Art

Receiving the Dissertation Award this year and exhibiting my work in the Degree Show were a definite highlight during my final year. My student experience at York St John University has been so enjoyable and it’s like one big family. 

With a lifelong passion for art, I moved to North Yorkshire in the 1990s and began doing the occasional short course in painting. Hearing of other’s great experiences, I applied to study the Fine Art BA at York St John.

My reason for wanting to do a degree later in life was twofold because at the age of 15 my father asked me if I would come home and help my mother in the business. Secondly, I never had the chance to do an exam and I wanted to prove to myself I could do it and was possible even at my age (born 25 December 1945).  

The professional practice teaching module in the final year encouraged me to think about the kind of practice I would aspire to, the skills I had gained and how I now represent myself in the world. The quality of learning from the academics, who were always there for you when needed, helped my confidence to grow. Weekly guest speakers also provided further inspiration and valuable insight into other people's creative practices and ways of working.

I have just returned from a month in Finland on an artist's residency. It was great and I would never have done it without the confidence gained at York St John. I’m excited for the next challenge, taking my academic learning further on the Fine Art MFA.

John Ricketts, BA Music Production and Music Business

After 20 years working as a chef in Kent, I moved to York with my wife, Anna Hill, who had applied to study at York St John University. Her positive experience is what motivated me to purse a lifelong interest and apply to study a Music Production and Music Business BA at York St John, and as a result - establish my own business, Sonas Audio Services in my third year. 

Despite having some experience working semi-professionally with music production, my biggest challenge initially (or so I thought), was that I didn’t play an instrument or know how to read music. With the support of my tutor and through collaboration with peers, I was able to draw on alternative influences. I turned what I thought were limitations into strengths, exploring a different kind of creative freedom. 

Working with BBC Radio York to set up and coordinate the BBC Music Introducing Balcony Sessions, was a highlight of my third year. Mentor support from my tutor and the University’s Kickstart Programme helped me to start, develop and expand my own business. Successful in my application for the Discover fund I used the £400 to purchase equipment for a remote recording setup. This saved me valuable time and made me look and feel more professional.

Since completing my course, I’ve started to build a solid client base for Sonas Audio Services and have secured some freelance work with BBC Radio York. I’ve also enrolled on the Music Production MA. I’m looking forward to continuing the momentum gained through various opportunities during my BA, as well as continuing to grow my business.

Abbie-Rose Reddington, BSc Occupational Therapy

Living with visual impairment impacts my day-to-day life quite a lot, but it didn’t stop me going to university or successfully completing my occupational therapy degree. I was born with a hereditary eye condition called Aniridia, which means I don’t have an iris. St John provided me with different levels of support during my studies, which meant I could learn alongside my course mates.

I am very much a practical person, so the hands-on elements of my degree and work placements were my favourite elements of my course. I undertook several work placements during my time at York St John University, however it was my last one at St Leonard’s Hospice which I enjoyed the most and I now work there full-time supporting patients in a palliative care setting.

My assistance dog Evie joins me at work, giving me confidence to carry out my duties and providing patients with an unofficial therapy dog! I organise groups for patients to get involved with, such as an anxiety group and craft activities. This suits me well, as I like the focus on building relationships with patients and their families. 

My graduation marks the end of my degree, but it’s just the start of my career in occupational therapy.