Alumni

Motorsport Engineering Foundation Degree

Since graduating from UCS, Joel has pursued his passion and has gone on to become Head of Trackside Systems for McLaren Formula One.

‘Studying Motorsport gave me the practical experience and personalised teaching that set the foundation for my career. Now, I travel the world, lead critical race operations, and apply the skills I gained to thrive in the high-pressure world of Formula One.’

BA (Hons) Media Makeup

Gabriella graduated from UCS in 2016 and has since gone on to use her skills on the stars! Providing makeup and wigs across the world, Gabi has collaborated on projects such as Netflix’s Wednesday, Marvel, Bridgerton, and Musical Theatre.

BSc (Hons) Animal Management and Wildlife Conservation

Ben completed his studies at UCS in 2021, after returning to education to concentrate on something he is really passionate about.

‘Thanks to the inspiring tuition and my commitment, I’m lucky enough to have what I truly believe is the best job in the world. I work on a breathtaking 12,000-acre estate dedicated to large-scale landscape restoration. From creating woodlands to restoring peatlands and supporting renewable energy, no two days are the same!’

Early Childhood Studies

Ellie‘s childhood dream was to becomie a Primary School Teacher.

‘It was fantastic having the opportunity to go to uni whilst being close to home.’

Media Production Foundation Degree

Josh finished his studies at UCS in 2021, and is now a radio presenter and football commentator on BBC Radio Somerset and BBC Radio Bristol.

‘I really enjoyed my time at UCS – the course was very engaging and gave me the opportunity to pursue my now-career!’

Motorsport Engineering Foundation Degree

Laurence met his key contact in Formula One at a race he took part in with the team at UCS – he stands by this being his foot in the door and now works as Number 2 Mechanic for Haas Fomula One Racing.

Mechanical Engineering HNC

Ash studied his HNC with UCS in 2019 and now works as an SME Engagement Manager for National Composites Centre, working on innovative products from automotive, aerospace, marine, defence, oil and gas, and renewables.

‘I got into engineering quite late, I didn’t do it straight out of school, but it’s never too late to go back and relearn or retrain for something else – UCS allowed me to do that.’

Counselling Practice Level 4

Mark balances his work between being a Counsellor for In Charley’s Memory (which he found through his placement at UCS) and a Private Practitioner for another excellent charity, Mind.

‘My tutors were great. I couldn’t have asked for anyone more experienced in the profession, and the 1-2-1 support they offered for a particularly difficult environment to work in, I found that invaluable.’

Media Make-up Foundation Degree

In 2019, Emily graduated from UCS and is now a self-employed Wig Maker for The Little Princess Trust, a wonderful charity that creates wigs for young people suffering from cancer.

‘University Centre Somerset is the reason I get to work my dream job every single day, its taught me the right steps and given me the motivation to push my own career and become my own wig maker.’

Nursing Associate Foundation Degree

Martyn always wanted to work in nursing. He is so passionate about sharing his experiences and promoting this career, that he created his own podcast channel ‘Just a Sharp Scratch’ where he invites industry professionals to join him and talk through their work for like-minded listeners.

‘I found my career thanks to University Centre Somerset, going there allowed me to experience all the different elements of the healthcare industry. I had so many opportunities and my journey has been fantastic!’

Level 4 Counselling and Level 5 Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Terry now works as a Private Practitioner, making a difference to people’s lives every single day.

‘The entire experience of my time at UCS changed my life, not just as a learner, but as a much wholer human,’ 

HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Brett is now a Procurement Engineering and Materials Lead at Hinkley Point C after completing his HNC in 2022.

He credits his success to his time at UCS – the fantastic facilities (his favourite was the robotic arm), the support and his tutors, specifically Dr Tan Haq who Brett still quotes regularly.

‘Over my two year at UCS, I learned a lot of incredibly useful information and techniques that I apply in my career every day.’

BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation

Becky graduated from UCS in 2019 after falling in love with studying again.

‘As an adult returning to learning, I was suddenly studying a subject that I absolutely loved. I threw myself into it, and the support I had at UCS made it an amazing experience.’

Becky is now an Assistant Reserves Manager for Somerset Wildlife Trust, based at the beautiful Avalon Marshes.

Media Make-up BA (Hons)

Rachel chose to study at UCS as it allowed for her to follow her passion, but still remain close to her work and two children. After graduating with a First, Rachel now works at The Silicone Centre, as a technician, creating hyper-realistic, high definition silicone covers for amputees world-wide.

Education and Training Level 5

Sarah returned to education later on in her life, after a big career change. Now, Sarah is a qualified A Level Lecturer at Bridgwater College teaching History and Business.

‘This has been my dream come true, to have this opportunity and be so supported by University Centre Somerset. It can be daunting changing careers later on, but I’m so pleased that I did. It’s such a rewarding job and something I really love.’

Manufacturing Engineering HNC

Harry finished his HNC in 2020 and now works as a Project Manager for an engineering firm. Harry’s next step was to complete his BEng Top-Up at the Open University.

‘ I really enjoyed my time at UCS! The high standards set, the facilities on offer and the friends I made along the way, has stayed with me.’ 

BSc (Hons) Countryside Management

Adam followed his journey with us from his Level 3 at college to his degree at UCS. He is now the Deputy-Head of Land-based apprenticeships at Cannington College, coming full circle and having the opportunity to give back some of the knowledge and experiences he has gained along the way.

‘My degree with University Centre Somerset was a really important stepping stop to whatever I might have moved on to. There was a lot of potential routes I could have gone, based off my degree, because of all that is available in this region.’

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear

Thomas, after graduating, joined EDF at Hinkley Point C. He began his career on the Reactor Operator training scheme and, once he has completed it, will be an operator.

“The course content aligned perfectly to the knowledge and skills I needed to become an engineer in the nuclear industry. The NCfN hub has excellent facilities where students can use the theory that they learn to solve practical problems.”

BA (Hons) Media Make-up

In 2015, Elouise graduated from University Centre Somerset. After networking and demonstrating her talents in Media Make-up at trade shows, she landed her first big job working in the creature FX department of Star Wars.

She has since worked on over 10 other prime productions and designed make-up for an award-winning short film as a freelance artist. Elouise now lectures at Exeter College, inspiring the next generation.

BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering

James, a notable UCS alumnus, has had a successful career in Motorsport. He has worked at leading organisations – Strakka Racing, as a mechanic, and Williams Racing, as a Wind Tunnel Technician, playing a critical role in aerodynamic component design and development.

Today, James continues his work as a technician with Helix Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, helping to deliver sustainable products to market.

BA (Hons) Media Make-up 

After graduating UCS with a degree in Media Make-up, Katie secured employment at the Glyndebourne Opera House in East Sussex.

Since then, she went on to work for the English National Opera as a Wig and Make-up Technician, putting the skills she learnt at UCS into practice.

Master of Engineering degree in Automotive Engineering

Following his Motorsport degree at UCS, Darren completed a masters with OBU and became a Chassis Development Engineer for Bentley Motors Ltd. and has been working as an Automotive Engineer since 2012.

He specialises in tyre noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) development and high performance automotive brake development. He has now progressed to become a Technical Project manager, focussing on Battery Electric Vehicles.