Postgraduate Prospectus

Our alumni

Pioneering scientists, international policy makers, leaders of national charities, newspaper editors, novelists, Olympic medallists and a Nobel Prize winner: Nottingham has a worldwide network of over 190,000 former students making a contribution in over 190 countries around the world.

When you finish studying with us you will automatically join our exclusive Alumni Association – a dynamic group of all our former students. Membership is completely free and offers some fantastic benefits:

Networking

Our alumni network offers you access to a huge range of business and learning opportunities. As part of that group you will be able to forge friendships, share knowledge, build academic partnerships and take advantage of global opportunities. To make it easy, we have online networks and alumni contacts based around the world.

Events

Throughout the year, the University hosts an extensive programme of events which alumni and their guests are welcome to attend. From informal networking events to special anniversary celebrations and lectures showcasing Nottingham academic and alumni talent, the events programme offers exciting opportunities to stay in touch with the University.

University facilities

As a former Nottingham student, you will have access to our Centre for Career Development for as long as you want it. You will also be able to use our unique Enterpriselab for 12 months after graduation, offering advice and practical support to help you plan and launch your own business venture.

Notable alumni

We’re proud of the contribution our former students make to society. Here’s what some of them have gone on to do:

• Ruth Wilson – Actress, acclaimed lead in 2006 BBC production of Jane Eyre
  (History, 2003)
• Dr Tim Brabants MBE – Canoeist and Olympic gold medallist
  (Medicine, 2002; Hon LLD, 2009)
• Deng YaPing – China’s Sporting Star of the Century
  (Contemporary Chinese Studies, 2002)
• Campbell Walsh – Canoeist and Olympic medallist
  (Mathematical Physics, 1999; Information Technology PGDip, 2005)
• Dr Kristan Bromley – Former European and World Skeleton Champion
  (Mechanical Design, Materials and Manufacture, 1994; PhD Mechanical Engineering, 1999)
• Dr Helen Willetts – Meteorologist and BBC broadcaster
  (Physics, 1993; Hon DSc, 2007)
• Meg Munn – Labour MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, former Minister for Women
  (Social Work, 1986)
• Brian Moore – Former England rugby union international and now broadcaster (Law, 1984; Hon LLD, 2010)
• Dr Amanda Horton-Mastin – Former Director of Innovation at Comic Relief; now Director of Marketing
  (Chemistry, 1983; PhD Chemistry, 1988)
• Jeff Randall – Daily Telegraph Editor-at-Large and Sky News Reporter
  (Economics, 1979; Hon DLitt, 2006)
• Keith Wyness – Former Chief Executive, Everton FC
  (Industrial Economics, 1978)
• Matthew Bannister – Former Controller of BBC Radio One and BBC broadcaster
  (Law, 1978)
• Tim Martin – Founder and Chairman of JD Wetherspoon
  (Law, 1977)
• Roger Lewis – Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union and Millennium Stadium
  (Music, 1976; Hon DLitt, 2010)
• Michael Hirst – Screenwriter (Elizabeth)
  (American and English Studies, 1976)
• Y.A.B. Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak – Prime Minister of Malaysia
  (Industrial Economics, 1974; Hon LLD, 2004)
• David Mercer – Tennis commentator and former umpire
  (Law, 1970)
• Sir Robert Phillis (1945-2009) – Chief Executive, Guardian Media Group
  (Industrial Economics, 1968; Hon DLitt, 2003)
• Dame Mary Marsh – Former Director and Chief Executive, NSPCC
  (Geography, 1968; Hon LLD, 2005)
• Professor Sir Ian Wilmut – Embryologist – managed the team that cloned Dolly the sheep
  (Agriculture/Horticulture, 1967; Hon DSc, 1998)
• Sir Clive Granger (1934-2009) – Economist and Nobel Prize winner
  (Mathematics, 1955 and PhD, 1959; Hon DSc, 1992)
• Sir Jack Lewis (Baron Lewis of Newnham) – Chemist and member of the House of Lords
  (Chemistry, 1949 and PhD, 1952; Hon DSc, 1983)
• Stanley Middleton (1919-2009) – Writer and Booker Prize winner
  (English, 1940; MEd, 1952; Hon MA, 1975)
• Dr Stewart Adams OBE – Pharmacologist and creator of the painkiller Ibuprofen (Pharmacy, 1945; Hon DSc, 2008)

Alumni profile

Dr Devin Giddings, PhD in Spintronics, School of Physics

Spintronics is basically electronics which exploit the spin of the electron. I’m sure it sounds quite obscure to many people but my research in the area led to me being awarded a Toshiba Fellowship. The Toshiba Fellowship Programme was set up 26 years ago to promote and develop cultural understanding between the UK, Europe and Japan in the fields of science and technology.

I am now based near Kawasaki in Japan and work in the Storage Materials and Device Laboratory in the Toshiba Corporate Research and Development Centre.

One of the great features of the Toshiba Fellowship is that there’s scope for me to continue working with existing collaborators. I’ve recently started analysing some samples provided by my old group at The University of Nottingham and I’m getting some interesting results.

The main tool I use in my research is a device called a three-dimensional atom probe. It’s able to pull a material apart an atomic layer at a time, and to detect the type and position of the atoms emitted. In this way it’s able to accurately reconstruct an image of the material with atomic accuracy. It’s an incredible technique.

I currently live in a company dormitory and my room has spectacular views of Mount Fuji. I live in a small town, which reminds me of my student days in Beeston.

My work is interesting and challenging. My colleagues are all very friendly and have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. One thing that I really appreciate is that they have started to conduct our meetings in English — despite the fact that they are Japanese and it is extra work for them — allowing me to take part in discussions. I am having lessons though, and by the time I leave Japan I hope to have a reasonable grasp of the language.

Visit our alumni website for more information.

Follow our alumni on Twitter

Watch a video about James Bryant, a member of our alumni who has set up his own business with support from the University