A Lifelong Relationship

Rudimental

Piers Agget and Kesi Dryden make up half of dance act Rudimental, both Piers and Kesi graduated with BSc (Hons) Creative Music & Sound Technology in 2008. Since forming Rudimental in 2010 the group have gone on to receive worldwide acclaim. With their platinum album topping the charts in 2013 and three number one singles, Rudimental have gone from strength to strength since graduating from our University. In 2014, they will be receiving an honorary award from our University for their contribution to music.

Ricky Wilson

Ricky Wilson, lead singer of the band Kaiser Chiefs graduated from our University with a BA (Hons) Graphics & Art design, followed by a MA in the same subject. Ricky has seen notable success as frontman of the award-winning band Kaiser Chiefs. Formed in 2000, whilst Ricky was at our University, the band has gone on to produce four albums and receive numerous awards. Describing his time at our University, Ricky described his favourite memories as 'Our University's "vibe", the "creativity" that his course allowed him and the friends that he made whilst at University'. Ricky was recently a coach on the BBC programme The Voice.

Edward Barber

Edward studied BA (Hons) Interior Design at our University. Following his undergraduate course Edward went on to do an MA at the Royal College of Art where he met Jay Osgerby who he later formed Barber Osgerby with. The two were awarded the Jerwood Applied Arts Prize in 2004, their work is held in permanent museum collections including the V&A in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and won the tender to design the Olympic torch.

Edward has made a significant contribution to both design and education. To mark these achievements Leeds Metropolitan presented with the honorary awards of Doctor of Arts in July 2012.

Kevin Sinfield

Kevin, a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science graduate and MA Sport Business student at Leeds Met, spoke about why success is more than just ability at the free event, which took place from 5pm - 7pm on Monday 3 June in the Lewis Jones Suite at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

During his ten years as captain of Leeds Rhinos, he has led the club in the most successful era in their history, appearing in 17 major finals, winning a historic six Super League titles in nine years, three World Club Challenge titles and two League Leaders. An inspirational character, he is the leading goal and points scorer in Leeds' history and during the Super League era.

In 2008 Kevin graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree from Leeds Metropolitan University and is currently studying for a MA in Sport Business.

Sarah Storey

Sarah, who studied for a Sport and Exercise Science degree at our University, has won a staggering 22 Paralympic medals across six Paralympic Games. She has previously represented the non-disabled national team at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, coming sixth in the women's individual pursuit.

Before becoming a cyclist, Sarah excelled in swimming, competing for the GB Paraswim team from 1992 until 2005. After being fast-tracked into the British team at age 14, she brought home two gold, three silver and one bronze medal on her Paralympic debut. She took up cycling in 2005 and had broken the world record for the Paracycling 3,000m individual pursuit by the end of that year.

At the 2008 Paralympic Games, Sarah took gold in both the women's individual pursuit and the mixed individual time trials and was awarded an OBE in the 2009 New Year Honours. During her career, Sarah has broken 70 world records.

Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård has received notable recognition as an actor in the award-winning TV show True Blood. Since appearing in True Blood, Skarsgård has gone on to gain considerable progress in his career appearing in two feature films in 2011 as well as being offered the lead role of Tarzan in the upcoming remake of the film. In 2011 our University awarded him an honorary award for his contribution to acting.

Austin Healy

Austin Healy is a former Rugby Union player. Healy graduated with a BA (Hons) Physical Education from our University. Since graduating Healy has played with Leicester Tigers and the Rugby Union England team. Austin Healy later went on to appear on the BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing.

Alistair Brownlee MBE

Alistair Brownlee is an Olympic gold medal athlete. Alistair completed his MSc Sport Finance at our University. Alistair gained international recognition when he won the Gold medal in the triathlon event in the 2012 London Olympic Games. As well as the Olympic gold medal Alistair has won over 30 international competitions. In 2012, Alistair received an MBE for his contribution to the field of British Athletics.

David Stone MBE

David Stone is a three-time Paralympic gold winning athlete. David completed an MA Sport Business at our University and has gained recognition in the field of sport after his triumphant success at both the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Paralympic games. After his success in Beijing he was awarded an MBE for his inspirational contribution to British Athletics.

Soft Cell

Dave Ball and Marc Almond make world-renowned duo Soft Cell, who sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. Both Marc and Dave studied Art at our University. Marc and Dave formed the duo Soft Cell in 1978 whilst studying at our University. The group reachednotoriety with their hit single Tainted Love. The group went on to produce ten top 40 UK hits.

Peter Cattaneo MBE

Peter Cattaneo is an Academy Award nominated director and writer. Peter graduated with an arts foundation course. Since graduating Peter has received worldwide acclaim with his film The Full Monty, which was nominated for an Academy Award and won a BAFTA for best film. In 1998 he was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his contribution to British Film.

Our Alumni have excelled in a variety of expertise and our University prides itself on our ability to nurture and develop talent. We now have numerous workshops, academies and partnerships that focus on developing our student's capabilities and proficiencies in order to ensure that all of our students achieve their highest ambition.