Feature
How Winchester launched a career in theatre and on screen
In 2008, Elizabeth Maille came to the University of Winchester from France to study Dramatic Arts. Since graduating in 2011, Elizabeth has studied at a prolific US drama school and has gone on to craft a career in theatre and film acting in New York. We chatted to her about her experiences studying at Winchester to find out how they led her to her future career. Read more
Reunions
Winton Cub Reunion Weekend 2018
Nostalgia, loyalty and camaraderie infused the University of Winchester campus from 29 June - 1 July 2018 at the annual Winton Club Reunion. The weekend centred around the Saturday luncheon, but campus tours, 70s DJ sets, tennis and photo displays meant the whole weekend was full of reliving old memories and making new ones. Read more
Reunions
WWI alumni commemoration project launched
At Winton Club Reunion in June, an audience of 200 alumni and guests listened intently as Peter Lidgitt (Cert Ed 1972-75) and Dee Sayers (B.Ed 1974-78) introduced a significant new research project undertaken by alumni and. titled Winchester Training College – Roll Call of the Fallen 1914-1918. Read more
Feature
A colourful career in fashion forecasting
Lottie Dickens graduated in 2016 with a BA (Hons) Fashion: Media and Marketing and now works in fashion trend forecasting for Coloro. On a recent visit to Winchester, Lottie spoke to Dr Savithri Bartlett, Senior Fellow (Knowledge Exchange), about her job and how studying at Winchester had prepared her for a career in the fashion industry. Read more
Feature
Recognition for Charles
Charles Cracknell received an Alumni Recognition Award at Graduation in October 2018. This award celebrates the achievements of an alumnus/a of the University of Winchester, or any of its predecessor institutions, who has made outstanding contributions to society. Read more
Reunions
Denstone 1974 Reunion
On Wednesday 10 October a group of women converged on King’s Cross Station, to meet for lunch, in a great pub chosen by Liz Broughton. Some had come quite a distance, from North Yorkshire, Norfolk and Bristol. Others did not have so far to travel but we all had the same purpose; to reunite as many as we could of the women who had first met in 1974 in Denstone – then a student house in Christchurch Road, Winchester. Read more
Feature
Taylor-made difference
For Nick ‘Noddy’ Taylor (MEd Primary Education with Geography Specialism, 2011-2016), a Winchester teaching placement in The Gambia was the catalyst for a life focused on making a difference. We caught up with this ebullient alumnus about running marathons, exiting his comfort zone and providing school lunches to 500 children. Read more
Feature
Kate's American dream - funding makes it a reality
I’m Kate, I’m a 20-something year old, I studied Digital Media Design from 2013 to 2016 at Winchester and love everything film and television. I also live with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. That means from birth my muscles decided to be on a permanent holiday and not do their jobs properly. Because of my muscles’ poor work ethic I need support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by a team of carers for every part of practical life. Read more
Feature
I wanted my work to really mean something
Zoe Bunter, Independent Fundraising Adviser (BA Education Studies with History of Art, 1995-1998) was inspired by her experiences as a Winchester student to follow her heart and put her skills and abilities into making a difference through fundraising. Read more
Feature
Haunting memories of West Hayes
Alison Morgan, nee Gwinnell (B.Ed. 1983-87) writes in response to an article by Stephen Baldwin (Cert.Ed. 1963-66) in Venta 34 on life at West Hayes. "I arrived as a first year student at the front door of West Hayes in 1983, some 20 years after Mr Baldwin. As a shy 18 year-old, I did not get involved in many of the antics which clearly continued in good West Hayes style. It is the Common Room which provides my strongest memory." Read more
News
Alumni Gathering in Pendle
I suspect that few us who made our way towards Pendle had a clear idea of what we would find when we got there. That is beyond knowing that it was the home of John Hartley and his wife Janet and some vague medieval tales of witches (no connection). We were soon to become very much better informed. Read more
News
"It's the small things - educating them about real life - the wider enrichment side rather than the exams." Daniella Masters, PGCE 2017-2018
We invited recent graduate Daniella to come back to the University to tell us all about her fascinating journey from studying Terrorism and Islamic Law through taking the PGCE at Winchester into her dream career in teaching. Read more
News
Nationwide recognition for John Hartley, Alumni Recognition Awardee 2019
John Hartley (Cert. Ed. 1963-66) was nominated for the University’s Alumni Recognition Award by alumni Stephen and Barbara Baldwin and Peter and Susan Jarvis, close friends for more than fifty years since graduating from Winchester in the 1960s. They nominated John for his lifelong “extensive and extended service to communities many and various”. John received his award at Winchester Cathedral in a ceremony held on 15 October 2019 during Graduation Week. Read more
News
Maine Attraction
1975 by John Vickers (Cert. Ed. 1974-1977) 'Gap year' was a term not yet heard. For me, with no overseas travelling experience and straight from school, the announcement that ten places were available for a one-term university exchange programme seemed an excellent opportunity to broaden horizons. In late August ten of us met at Heathrow, passports in hand. (John Vickers 1974-1977) Read more
News
Katy commits to deliver for charity
Katy Jones graduated from Winchester last year with a BA (Hons) in Childhood, Youth and Community Studies (CYCS). She is now working for the blood cancer charity, Anthony Nolan, in their Youth Engagement Team and recently volunteered, alongside her job, to deliver emergency stem cells around the UK for the charity. Read moreConor Jackson, BA (Hons) Film Production 2014-17
“My time at the University of Winchester helped mature me to the man I am today. With genuine trust and passion, I was encouraged to explore my true voice as a filmmaker in uncovering injustice against animals. My tutors were open minded, engaged and deeply supportive - helping me to above all discover a love for filmmaking rather than just to attend lectures." Read more
News
Lauren Clarke: BA (Hons) Journalism 2013-2016 Production Specialist at ITV Channel
“The Journalism degree at Winchester is a very practical course and is like the workplace on a smaller scale. You’re setting up interviews, self-shooting, editing, directing in the gallery and more. When I went for my interview at ITV, I found this experience was so valuable.“ Read more
Feature
Matt Spencer: BA (Hons) Journalism 2011-2014 Digital Producer for 5 News at ITN
“Be around when stories break and put your hand up with ideas, say ‘I think we should do this, here’s an example of how I’ve done something similar before’. You need to make your own luck and the more willing and able you are, the more opportunities will arise.” Matt Spencer has gone from having coffees on campus to coffees in some of the country’s largest newsrooms. Read more
Feature
Henry Sims: BA (Hons) Business Management and Sports Management 2011-2014 Associate Director at Studio 185
“I knew I wanted to be in London with friends, I just needed to get there. When you’re a graduate, just get out and get the experience. Even if you stay somewhere a year or less.“ Henry Sims went from being Vice President of Activities at the Student Union to running his own company. Read more
Feature
Harry Acton: BA (Hons) Journalism 2016-2019 Freelance Journalist at ITN and Content Creator at 4TheNow
“Don’t discount anything – you can be pleasantly surprised by the reality of a job compared to the job advert. In December 2019 I saw a job at ITV for Assistant News Editor. It wasn’t what I had planned to do in my career, but it sounded quite fun.” Read more
Feature
Laura Tringham: BA (Hons) Events Management and Business 2010-2013, Head of Marketing & Ticketing at Northampton Saints
“I walked straight into a job whilst still studying at University and I couldn’t have done it without the experience at Winchester – going to Winchester enabled me to get the job.” Laura Tringham went from changing her degree to changing her job. While studying at Winchester, Laura entered a business competition which paved the way for her to enter the working world. From there, she started the climb to where she is now. Literally. Read more
Feature
Chioma Nwaorgu-Okere: BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Film Studies 2013-2016 Community Associate at WeWork
“You need to have analytical skills if you want to work in the editorial side of publishing. For other departments within the industry, initial office experience is also beneficial depending on the role. Being personable and having a sales background also helps.” Chioma Nwaoegu-Okere has gone from writing stories to working for WeWork. After graduating in 2016 with a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing and Film Studies, she began her career in publishing before deciding to move to Berlin, Germany. Read more
News
International Exchange Students collaborate to write books after 35 year friendship
Thirty five years after meeting on the English/USA International Exchange programme, two alumni from the University of Winchester and Chapman University have published a series of four children’s books. Read more
Feature
Emily Milborne: BSc (Hons) Psychology 2016-2019 Research Officer at the Office for National Statistics
“Winchester helped me in terms of confidence and made me feel like I can achieve anything – the support I received was fantastic. During the pandemic I was thinking, how am I going to deal with this? But I reminded myself of what Winchester taught me, about how to persevere, stay positive and ask for help if needed. It is such a wonderful community. I hold onto the support and values I received while studying at Winchester.” Read more
Feature
Paul Wood: BA (Hons) Journalism 2006-2009 Editor at The Financial Marketeer and Director at Indulge Media
“The cool thing about Journalism at Winchester is that it feels alive and you’re all working in the real world, so it doesn’t feel stale. No one was naïve once they left university – we all knew how to interview and how to get information – you just have to find a way in. You are a real journalist and it is a natural way to learn that.“ Read more
Feature
Tom Brown: BA (Hons) Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies 2010-2013, MA CHARM 2013-2015 Investment Manager, The National Lottery Heritage Fund
“I would recommend that Masters students get involved with the practical side of the course and its placements. The same advice applies to undergrad as well. If you plan to do something constructive with your summer next year, then it definitely wouldn’t hurt to apply to internships or find something voluntary in the relevant field.“ Read more
Feature
Nina Peronius: BA (Hons) English Literature with American Literature 2012-2015, Strategic Communications Officer, Cabinet Office
“Last year I was working in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and while working one day at the British Embassy, I spotted a picture of Winchester Cathedral up on the wall. It was the most surreal feeling but did make me think it was almost a sign that I was on the right path, Winchester teaches you confidence that you can apply to anything.“ Read more
Feature
Lauren Sharpe: BSc (Hons) Psychology 2012-2015 Trainee Psychological Therapist, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust
Lauren Sharpe has gone from being a Psychology student representative to becoming a trainee Psychological Therapist. Since graduating with a BSc Hons Psychology degree in 2015, Lauren has worked as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) and as an Assistant Psychologist. She is now training to become a Psychological Therapist, which involves two days at university, studying for a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and three days in clinical practice. Read more
Feature
Jessica Leggett: BA (Hons) History 2012-2015 and MA History 2015-2018 Staff Writer at All About History
“History is a tough market so be proud of what makes you stand out. I think sometimes there is a pressure to enjoy ‘popular’ history topics - everyone seems to love the Tudors - but you don’t have to. You can be attacked for your historical interests but someone has to love it. “ Read more
Feature
Victoria Quinn: BA (Hons) Journalism 2015-2018 Q Radio Presenter and Content Creator
“Winchester was big enough for me to leave my Belfast bubble yet small enough to have amazing and unique experiences. London would have been too overwhelming for me. I made such good friends at Winchester and the Journalism lecturers teach from experience – they’ve been there and done it all.” Read more
Feature
Mick's memories: football glory from 50 years ago
SYNERGY WINS THE CUP In 1969, at the tender age of eighteen, I embarked on a teaching career, choosing King Alfred’s College - now the University of Winchester - to undertake the mandatory three-year teacher training course. The nation was still gripped with football mania – after all England still held the Jules Rimet Football World Cup. I was one of those football maniacs and the obvious subject for me to pursue was physical education. Read more
News
Drama alumna Tara shares funding opportunities to support reading in schools
Tara Dodson: BA (Hons) Drama 2005-2008 Knowledge Schools Trust English Hubs Lead "I finished my degree in Drama Studies then worked in fashion before deciding to complete my Primary PGCE in 2012. I taught throughout EYFS-KS2 and during this time realised my real passion for teaching English and Reading." Read more
Feature
Jonny Brason: BA (Hons) Business Management with Marketing 2007-2011 Senior Operations Manager at The Prince’s Trust
“Winchester has shaped me both personally and professionally. I thought I would just go to uni, get my degree, then go back to London and work in business. Winchester changed that direction for me. In my job there’s no such thing as a regular day – I’m working with young people who are going through things that are life changing. I wouldn’t have any of that without Winchester.” Read more
Feature
Emily Bennett: BA (Hons) History 2015-2018 Reservicing Programme Moves and Operations Assistant, Buckingham Palace
“To ensure that the Palace is fit for purpose for the next 50 years, opening up improved visitor access to the Palace in due course and supporting the Monarchy is something I am so pleased to be doing, using the skills I learnt at Winchester.” Read more
Feature
Georgia Pullen: BA (Hons) English Language and Creative Writing 2012-2015 Design and Communications Executive, LendingMetrics
“After graduating I stayed and worked in Winchester and then moved to Southampton. I have found the place I want to work and live because of uni. I took an interesting route in terms of getting my job. My career goal was to become a graphic designer, but I wanted to study something more academic en route and I really enjoyed my undergrad at Winchester.” Read more
Feature
Ryan Grimshaw: BA (Hons) Creative Writing 2012-15, Head of Brand and Marketing at Topodium Group
“Winchester set me up in creative writing and combined my passions outside of academia. I was taking part in extra-curricular activities while studying at the best university for my subject. It’s a real testbed for creativity. When it got to applying for jobs I had so many different experiences to talk about in interviews. It was a creative’s dream come true to have those opportunities.” Read more
Feature
Jack Dingley: BA (Hons) Business Management with Enterprise and Innovation 2010-2013; Business Development Manager, Tech Data
“Winchester allowed me to open my eyes to the rest of the world. I made friends with a lot of exchange students and that’s where my love of travel stemmed from. You can do absolutely anything you want after university – it feels like the doors are closed when it is over; it’s as though the bubble has burst but no one can take your degree away from you, especially the memories. My friends and I are extremely proud of attending Winchester”. Read more
Feature
Syeda Ali: BSc (Hons) Psychology: 2011-2014; MA Forensic Psychology 2014-2015; Social worker for Hammersmith and Fulham Council
“I enjoyed Psychology – Winchester is a smaller uni so I felt supported there. In my final year I had a supervisor who was amazing and super helpful. She was so supportive; she was my dissertation leader but we would chat about other things as well. Winchester is such a nice small community. In my Masters I was so comfortable in such a small class. I was going to study elsewhere but I chose to stay. It was a new course that year and it gave me a good grounding.” Read more
Feature
Daniel Mutanda: BSc Psychology 2016-2019; Research and Development Assistant for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
“My time at the University of Winchester has been at the foundation of my academic career. All that I have achieved in my professional life stems from my time at the University – being a part of the Winton Club (the University's Alumni Association) will always stay with me!” Read more
Feature
Mohammed Mahrousa: MA Peacebuilding and Reconciliation 2016-2018; Head of Programmes, Bahar Organization
“When I came to Turkey, I arrived with a goal to support Syrians through working in the humanitarian sector. Many people said that a career in such sector would be temporary – but the MA programme was a lifeline for me and a way to progress in my career.” Read more
Feature
Rebekah Roche: BA Politics & Global Studies 2017-20; Vaccination Programme Administrator, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
“We are taught as kids that there are such narrow choices in careers but there are so many other options before and after you graduate. That’s the good thing about university; your degree gets you through the door. That’s what Winchester did for me – opened my eyes and broke down the narrow walls career-wise that we put ourselves in.” Read more
Feature
Sachin Patel: BSc Sports & Exercise Science 2014-17; MRes Research, Sport & Exercise 2017-18; Clinical Research Technician, Queen Anne Street Medical Centre
“Prior to moving to Winchester for University, I hadn’t heard of the city and felt very anxious about whether I was going to settle in. Reminiscing now seven years on, it was the best move I could have made. Going to such a small university made it very personalised. It really feels like home – everyone knows everyone. I was able to build friendships that last a lifetime and I still go back to Winchester to visit my university friends who live around the area.” Read more
Feature
Leia Shorney: BA (Hons) Dance 2016-2019; Freelance Choreographer
“I only applied for Winchester. I didn’t apply to any other universities because l wanted to be on a Dance course that focused on choreography and Winchester did just that; my lecturers gave me different perspectives on dance and I have shared that with my dance school.” Read more
Feature
Sahar Zafar: BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance 2016-2019; Trainee Expatriate Tax Consultant and Owner of Sahar’s Cakery
“My lecturers still show me so much support. They know you by name and as a person rather than just a number. My lecturers even keep track of my cake business. I miss Winchester so much!” Read more
Feature
Josh Parsons: BA (Hons) Media and Communication 2017-2020
“The community at the University, along with being given the right tools, mixed with the professional environment and being able to approach people in the right way, are all things about going to Winchester that have really helped me.” Read more
Feature
Maisha Islam: BA (Hons) Sociology 2014-2017; Student Engagement Research and Projects Officer, University of Winchester
“Make sure the degree you study is the one you’re passionate about. I nearly went into a Primary Education degree but studying Sociology was the best decision of my life because it set into motion everything that has happened since.” Read more
Feature
Nicole Farley: BA (Hons) Sports Development 2007-2010; Founder, Specialist Trainer and Head Coach at Nicole’s Futsal Finesse Training
Since graduating, Nicole has worked as a Youth Trainer in America and as a Part-Time Youth Football Coach for Chelsea FC. In 2016 she founded her own futsal training service. In 2019 she became a Young Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust. In May 2021 Nicole was appointed by West Ham as the club's first female coach, having applied for the role through the Premier League's Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme. Read more
Feature
Patrick Keane: BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching 2014-2017; Co-owner and Director, Vibra Clothing
“I had no idea about how to start a business but it didn’t matter. With all the life lessons I had learnt from my time at Winchester, I knew that I could start the journey with confidence and find the right pathway to success.” Read more
News
FORMER STUDENT GOVERNOR: EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE INVITED
Do you like the idea of being a ‘voice’ for fellow alumni? Are you interested in getting more involved with alumni and University affairs? Any former student who wishes to apply to serve in the role of Former Student Governor for the period 2021 to 2024 is invited to send us an expression of interest. Read more
Feature
Raveena Ghattaura: BA (Hons) English Literature & Drama 2010-2013; MA Journalism 2013-2014, Good Morning Britain presenter at ITV News Anglia
“Two degrees? Well, I never thought I’d come out of uni with that! Winchester is such a great university and it makes me feel proud. You can forget how much you’ve achieved sometimes but I just count myself lucky.“ Read more
News
University of Winchester 'unimail' accounts closing from 25 February 2022
Please note that if you have been using a University of Winchester 'unimail' email account (applies to alumni who began studying from 2010 onwards), it will be closed with effect from 25 February 2022. NB: EXISTING STUDENT ACCOUNTS (for example, those belonging to current Postgraduate Students) will NOT be affected. ACT NOW and follow these simple steps to ensure you do not lose vital contact and that you continue to receive alumni news. Read more
News
Winton Society Awards 2022 - Nominations open
Nominations for the 2022 Winton Society Awards are open! You have until 25 April to submit your nominations. This year we are launching five different awards: 1. Force for Good 2. Services to the University 3. Emerging talent 4. Outstanding contribution award 5. Lifetime achievement award Read more
Awards
The Winton Society Awards 2022
The Winton Society Awards recognised and celebrated the achievements of students, staff, and alumni. Individuals were nominated across 5 categories in recognition of those who have made exceptional contributions in advancing their field, giving back to the community, or supporting the ongoing development of the University. Read more
News
The Week of Graduation: Graduate Reflections
Mahmudul Hassan graduated from the University of Winchester in 2021 from BA (Hons) Marketing. In the year since, Mahmudul has returned to the University to take on a six-month graduate internship within the ‘Development and Alumni’ department. Having had the opportunity to experience Graduation as a staff member this year, he writes about his reflections of the week Read more
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