Hello Alumni - University of Derby

Alumni e-news
Winter 2010
Hello Alumni
It’s time to wrap up warm as winter is here! We’ve
had a busy autumn and now we’re looking forward
to the festive Christmas season. There’s lots of dates
for your diary and we’ve got loads of news stories
too.
We’ve been to Portsmouth and interviewed a
graduate who is a now a journalist for the Royal
Navy. Plus we’ve had a big launch event to officially
celebrate our new outdoor sculpture on the
University grounds. And
We’re proud of our graduates
we’ve interviewed lots more
successful alumni with great
stories for you.
We hope you enjoy the read,
snuggle up warm and have a
good look through, and
remember to keep in touch!
Best wishes E: alumni@derby.ac.uk
Alumni Team T: 01332 591368
www.derby.ac.uk/alumni
A L U M N I N E W S

News blitz
Phil Harvey (above) graduated in 2001 and now has established a successful business.
Fluid Ideas
Phil Harvey – BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate now has his own successful
business, Fluid Ideas.
Phil Harvey is the founder and Managing Director of Fluid Ideas, a successful creative
agency based in Derby. It was Phi’s company who came up with the creative concept for
the University’s recent in-flight marketing campaign.
Fluid is separated into two areas of business; Fluid Media, the online strand and Fluid
Ideas, the creative design side.
Read more about Phil’s success.
Alumni – have you any family or friends
that would love a taste of university life?
The University of Derby has launched its
innovative Bite-sized campaign – offering
people the chance to study on a 12–week
course alongside other university students.
If the experience whets their appetite they
can then consider enrolling on a full
programme.
The short courses are effectively one
module (15 credits at Level 4) towards a
full diploma or degree at higher education
level – and will give prospective students
the perfect insight into whether University
life is for them.
There are more than 30 short courses on
offer through the Bite-sized campaign
across a range of subject areas in arts,
design, technology, business, computing,
law, education, health and science.
You can see a full list at:
www.derby.ac.uk/bitesized
Applicants can call one of our friendly
advisors on 01332 594321 (Monday to
Friday, 9am-5pm) who will be happy to
answer all your questions.
Shaun Jepson –
now a journalist
for the Royal Navy
We’ve recently been to Portsmouth
Royal Navy quarters to interview
our graduate Shaun Jepson – a very
exciting trip indeed!
Watch the video now
Competition
Win a night stay in Derby for free by simply
telling us what you think of Derby!
Help us to make student experiences better
when they are studying with us and tell us what
you think.
Fill in the short survey now
Student success
celebrated with
masterclass
A successful international graduate of the
University of Derby Buxton returned recently
to share the secrets of her success in the spa
and tourism industry.
After graduating with a Masters degree in
Tourism Management in 2008, Katharina
Sickora went on to secure a place on an 18
month management scheme at the
prestigious Aqua Dome spa resort in Tyrol,
Austria. She now works for the Salzburg
State Board of Tourism.
She returned to the University of Derby
Buxton to share her career journey with over
120 current Travel and Tourism and Spa
Management students.
Isobel Stockdale, Programme Leader for Hair,
Beauty and Spa said: “We do all we can to
prepare our students for the world of work,
and so asking successful graduates like
Katharina to come back and share their
experiences is beneficial for our students.
Read more about Katharina’s success
Katharina Sickora graduated in 2008.

News blitz
Our new and exciting outdoor sculpture,
‘Linking Forms’
The original outdoor sculpture by Laura
Ellen Bacon and Rachel Carter named
‘Linking Forms’ is set in the front lawn of
the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road
site.
The contemporary sculpture, designed and
created in willow and steel by the Derby
graduates, will inspire both new and
existing students alike. The launch event
took place as part of Freshers’ Fortnight
when thousands of new students started
at Derby.
The design concept echoes the University
logo of three hills and is made up of:
• Three red powder coated metal
structures, which in total are 3.6 metres
long, two metres high and represent the
solid foundations of the University.
• 500 pieces of six feet long sustainably
sourced, willow strands, threaded through
Alan said, “I am passionate about
food and enjoy instilling that
passion in others.”
(L to R) Laura Ellen Bacon, Dianne Jeffreys
Chair of Governors, Rachel Carter, Professor
John Coyne Vice-Chancellor
the holes in the metal structures, which
represents the flow of students and
graduates through the University.
The artists - our talented graduates
• Laura Ellen Bacon
Artist works primarily with willow and
other coppiced materials, to create
magnificent sculptural pieces inspired by
nest-like forms. Laura graduated from the
BA (Hons) Applied Arts course at the
University of Derby in 2001.
• Rachel Carter
Designs and creates sculptural pieces for
garden or landscape settings, using mild
steel and willow. A graduate from the
University of Derby’s 3D Sustainable Design
and Practice course (now BA (Hons)
Applied Art and Design).
Watch the video and read more
Graduate hot seat
Alan Hill and ‘The Devonshire Arms’ wins again!
Alan Hill (41), University of Derby Buxton graduate from
Chapel-en-le-Frith is Chef Patron at the Devonshire
Arms at Beeley on the Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire
has been named Derbyshire Gastro Pub of the Year
2011 at the Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards held at
Thornbridge Hall. This is the second year in a row that
the Devonshire Arms has won this award.
The Devonshire Arms is known for its real ale and warm,
welcoming atmosphere, and excellent food, reflecting
Alan’s passion for good food made from quality
ingredients sourced from local producers and suppliers
In addition to this success, Alan’s CV boasts cooking for
actors Keira Knightly and Ralph Fiennes who both ate at
the award winning pub-restaurant during the filming of
The Duchess, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
whilst working at Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire and
members of the band Oasis during his time at Michelinstarred
restaurant Juniper in Altrincham, also in Cheshire
Sam Docker photographing one of his models.
BA (Hons) Creative Product
Design graduate Sam Docker
now has his own vintage
clothing business
Sam Docker and his business partner Lee
Bostack set up Derby based Princes Vintage
clothing retail business in 2004. They originally
started operating from Sam’s bedroom! Their
commitment to vintage fashion has taken them
on a journey of success and they now operate
from a warehouse and office unit in Derby city
centre. Read about his success
University ‘no shows’
create opportunities
for others
The University of Derby has revealed that 150
students (Home and EU) who had a
guaranteed degree place this September
failed to show up – and didn’t tell the
University.
The figure is all the more
remarkable in a year
when it’s estimated that
nationally almost
190,000 qualified
applicants failed to get a
UK university place (source:
UCAS) and applicants would
150
degree
places free –
apply now!
have been expected to ensure they took up
their precious place.
Rather than waste the available places, the
University of Derby is now offering all 150 of
them to prospective Home and EU students,
as part of its annual January start campaign.
Derby is one of only a handful of universities
across the UK which has a wide selection of
courses beginning in January, as well as the
traditional September start.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor John
Coyne said: “We were rather taken aback by
the number of students who have simply not
turned up at all, and not been in touch to tell
us.”
Derby believes that because university places
are at such a premium this year, it would be
unfair to waste these places. “
A full list of courses and the online
application form can be found at the special
webpage: www.derby.ac.uk/150

Dates for your diary
Around the University
2010
• Saturday 18 December and Sunday 19 December, 10.00am –
4.30pm - Antique and Collectors Fair, The Atrium, Kedleston Road
site.
2011
• Wednesday 2 February 2011 – ‘Peer-to-peer computing: facts,
controversies and impact to society and business’, Court Room,
Kedleston Road site at 6.15pm.
Around Derby
2010
• November 5 to December 18 – Geoff Machin visual arts exhibition
at Deda.
• Friday 26 November to Thursday 16 December – ‘The girl who
kicked the hornet’s nest’ at QUAD. Find out what else is on at
Quad
• Thursday 2 December to Sunday 5 December – Rod Campell’s
‘Dear Santa’. Tickets £8.50 adults/ £7.00 children/concessions/
£6.50 school groups. Book now
• Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 December – ‘Snow White’ performance
at Deda. Tickets £6/£4. Book now
• Friday 10 to Friday 31 December – Charles Perraults ‘Puss in
Boots’. Tickets £8.50 adults/ £7.00 concessions/ £25 family ticket
(4). Book now
• Saturday 18 December - Christmas Concert: Derby Choral Union
at Derby Cathedral.
Fresh venue, fresh food,
fresh approach
The University of Derby Enterprise Centre opened for business in
July of this year. The brand new building is home to 7 conference
rooms and an Executive Boardroom and seats a maximum of 200
delegates. The Centre is situated on a separate site to the main
University of Derby campus and aims to serve the local business
community as a meeting, conference and exhibition venue. It is
located on the edge of the popular Cathedral Quarter of Derby.
Since opening the doors in July, the Conference Team have
arranged in excess of 200 events and seen more than 4000 people
attend a wide range of events, including corporate hospitality,
training, networking and conferences.
2011
• Saturday 22 January - Derby v Nottingham Forest at Derby County
Football Club.
• Friday 4 to Saturday 26 February – William Shakespeare’s ‘The
Merchant of Venice’. Tickets from £8.00. Book now
Around Derbyshire
2010
• 6 November until 23 December – A Russian Christmas at
Chatsworth House. Find out more
• 11 to 16 December and 31 December to 2 January – pantomime
‘Aladdin’ at Buxton Opera House. Find out more
• Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December, 10.00am – 4.00pm - Santa
Special Boat Trip at Chesterfield Canal.
• Saturday 11 December, 11.00am until 1.00pm - Christmas Crafts
at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.
• Saturday 18 December, 6.00pm – 7.30pm - Carol Concert at Peak
Tavern – ‘The Devil’s Arse’.
• Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December, 10.30am – 6.30pm - Santa
Special and Christmas Market at Crich Tramway Museum. Tickets
adults £6.00 /children free /ticket to see Santa - £5.00 (includes a
Christmas gift).
• Saturday 18 December, 8.00pm – 10.30pm - Christmas at
Kedleston Hall.
2011
• Sunday 2 January – A new years Viennese Strauss Gala at Buxton
Opera House. Find out more
• Tuesday 25 January – Jethro at Buxton Opera House. Tickets from
£16.50. Find out more
Find out more about events like these at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/events
www.derby.ac.uk/alumni/events
With free on site car parking
available and the latest
audio visual equipment
installed in all the rooms, the
Enterprise Centre offers a
quality service at a realistic
price. All of the catering is
produced by our own Chef
who makes homemade
biscuits, cakes and scones for each event and sources local
produce wherever possible for the extensive lunch menu.
All of the meeting rooms have natural daylight, air conditioning,
wi-fi access and the support of a technician to give peace of mind
to organisers throughout events.
For any further information please contact the Conference Team
on 01332 597842.

Faculty Update
Buxton
Tourism Tours
Over the summer our travel
and tourism students from
the University of Derby in
Buxton have been designing
and delivering tours around
the Devonshire Dome at the
University and have gained
some very valuable work
experience.
The students themselves
thought of the project, as
they spotted a gap in the
market and a need to create
tours to interest visitors to
Buxton. Students have also
been involved in the
administration, promotion,
and evaluating visitor
feedback of the project.
Students have really enjoyed
the experience, saying that
“it’s helped me with my
studies, as well as my career
prospects”. They’ve enjoyed
working with a real life case
study in their modules, and
believe that the work
experience gained will really
help them when it comes to
applying for jobs.
“Although I have work
experience, most of this is outside the travel and tourism sector. Being able to say that I
have developed and managed this project will look great on my CV and should help me to
get a job in culture and heritage tourism.” Fay Fallows, Travel and Tourism Management
(Joint Honours) student.
For more information about the project visit www.derby.ac.uk/tourism.
Education Health and Sciences
“The MA Education at Derby provides an excellent
opportunity to reflect on professional practice.”
MA Education
Enrol this January and get 10 %
discount off your tuition fees
Do you feel up to date with
current practice?
If not, study our MA Education
(link to course page please) to
help gain a competitive edge
for that next step in your career.
If you’re a practitioner in
education and you’re keen to
improve your professional
expertise, this course has been
developed specifically for you.
Flexible and
Partnership Learning
Online study – it’s the
future
It’s been a very busy but rewarding autumn
for the online distance learning team at
Derby who’ve helped to recruit over 1,000
online students to start their course in
September.
The majority of our online students find the
flexibility to study in their own time very
beneficial. It not only allows them to
continue working, but also means they can
fit their study time around existing
commitments, such as family and social
activities.
It’s not too late to sign up!
We have spaces available in January on a
number of our online courses – why not try
an MBA, or MA Education?. We also offer
postgraduate courses in Law, Ergonomics,
Strategic Management and Environmental
Management to name but a few. You can
find out more information on our website
www.derby.ac.uk/online.
If you want to see what it’s like to be an
online student you can also attend one of
our online virtual open days. You can
participate via the internet and talk in real
time to the online team, course tutors and
students.
You’ll be studying a highly
recognised qualification which
meets the standards set by the
Teacher Development Agency
(TDA) and the needs of your
workplace.
Our course is extremely flexible
to fit in with your lifestyle. And
you can specialise in an area
relevant to your own
development. Pathways include
early years, lifelong learning
and leadership and
management.
To find out more please visit: www.derby.ac.uk/education/cpd

Faculty Update
Business, Computing and Law
From information law to criminal
investigation – study our new
postgraduate degrees in law and
criminology full time or part time.
You’ll study cutting edge and specialist
aspects of the justice system, ranging from
cybercrime through to procurement of IP,
the practical issues relating to investigation
and prosecution of crimes that cross
borders, to the latest commercial
considerations.
LLMs
LM to your career interests and your own
jurisdiction.
Our new pathways are flexible, stimulating
and practice based.
Choose to study full time, part time or
online. Start in September or January.
- LLM
- LLM (Commercial Law)
- LLM (Corporate Law and Finance)
- LLM (Intellectual Property and Information
Technology Law)
- LLM (International and Comparative Law)
- LLM (Transnational Criminal Law)
- LLM (Legal Practice - Top Up)
Arts, Design and Technology
Interested in studying postgraduate
criminology?
Our new masters degrees start in September
2011:
- MSc Criminal Investigation - with its
unique approach to studying criminal
investigations from initial information
gathering through to prosecution.
- MSc Cybercrime and E-Investigation
Here in Arts, Design and Technology we’re looking
forward to welcoming new postgraduate students
in January 2011. And as a Derby alumnus, you’re
eligible for 10% off your course fees. Find out more
We’ve got a range of courses that range from
Architecture to Music, so wherever your
interests lie we’ll have the course for
you. Choose from:
MA ADAPT (MA Art and Design: Advanced Practice
and Theories)
PG Certificate in Arts Practice
MA Visual Communication
MA Still and Moving Image
MA Humanities
MSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
MSc Sustainable Design and Innovation
MSc Sustainable Architecture and Healthy
Buildings
MA Music Production
MSc Civil Engineering and Construction
MSc Construction Project Management
MPhil / PhD Art and Design
MPhil / PhD Humanities
Mphil / PhD Technology
We also understand how important it is to be
flexible, and so you can study all of these
programmes full time or part time.
Find out more

Alumni Gallery
Pictured Clockwise from top left:
Media graduate Laura Swanwick
performing in a marching band who
recently won a marching competed in the
USA. Read more.
Impressive piece of work called ‘Diamonds
and Pearls’ by commercial photography
graduate Ewan Mathers. Buy his calendar
with lots more images now.
Proud of our graduates at the outdoor
sculpture ‘linking forms’ launch
(L to R) Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations
Officer, Rachel Carter, Laura Ellen Bacon,
Charley Torr Alumni Relations Assistant.
Can you
spot anyone
you know?
Send us you photos – they could be from years ago, or they could be of you now, whatever they are we’d love to receive them. We’ll give a
special mention next time for any photos of sledging in the snow this winter! Email us them now at: alumni@derby.ac.uk.