Bradford College has been a place of transformation for alumni Sophie McHugh. Starting out on a catering course, Sophie soon realised the fast-paced environment wasn’t for her. When Covid hit, she made the bold decision to switch paths and pursue her true passion, art and design.
“I started on the catering course in this building. I did that for a year, then Covid hit and I wanted to change. I didn’t really like the fast pace and intensity of it. So I moved to the Art and Design course.”
Today, Sophie is completing her BA in Art and Design, Level 6, a journey that reflects the flexibility and support Bradford College offers to students exploring new directions.
Supportive Tutors Who Make a Difference
For alumni Sophie, the tutors were a major reason she chose to stay on at Bradford College.
“The tutors are really welcoming and supportive. I found them just really helpful and really kind and always willing to help.”
She credits two tutors in particular, Laura and Mike, for helping her discover her specialism and build confidence:
“They really helped me progress in my work and my confidence. They pushed me to try new things and treated me as an equal. It’s comforting to have people like that around when you’re entering new spaces.”
Facilities That Spark Creativity
Bradford College’s facilities also stood out for Sophie:
“We have so much printmaking equipment, so much photography equipment, fashion… We have a lot of facilities that you don’t really get in other places. And now we have even more with the Producing Academy.”
These resources gave Sophie the tools to experiment and grow creatively.
The Producing Academy: A Space for Collaboration
Sophie attended the launch of the Producing Academy and sees it as a game-changer for future students:
“It’s good they’ve got an updated space where everyone can mingle and collaborate. With this big open space, students will be able to bring their specialisms together and work on real-life projects. I think it’ll be really good for them.”
Alumni Advice for Future Students
Sophie’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Take advantage of the facilities and tutors, and any opportunities you get — take them. Don’t hold off because you think your work isn’t good enough. You never know where it’ll take you.”
Why Bradford College?
If Sophie could describe Bradford College in one word, it would be “Comforting.”
“I’ve been here so long now, and moving from FE to degree with the same tutors and familiar faces has been really comforting.”
With outstanding resources, supportive staff, and exciting new spaces like the Producing Academy, Bradford College continues to be a place where creativity and community thrive. Sophie’s journey shows how the College helps students find their path, build confidence, and embrace new opportunities.
Click here to find out more about the producing Academy.
