When you’re choosing a university, it’s natural to wonder about the people who studied there before you. Alumni can give you a sense of the opportunities, networks, and inspiration that might come from being part of that community. The University of Huddersfield may not be as large as some UK institutions, but it has produced an impressive list of graduates who have gone on to succeed in business, fashion, politics, science, sport, and the arts.
From award-winning entrepreneurs to Olympic athletes and cultural leaders, Huddersfield alumni demonstrate just how far a degree from this Yorkshire university can take you. Here’s a look at some of the most famous people who studied at the University of Huddersfield.
1. Sian Gabbidon – Entrepreneur and Winner of The Apprentice
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Perhaps one of the most recognisable Huddersfield graduates in recent years is Sian Gabbidon, who won BBC’s The Apprentice in 2018. Gabbidon studied fashion design with marketing and production at Huddersfield, a course that gave her the foundation to launch her own swimwear brand. Her business impressed Lord Sugar enough to secure investment on national TV.
Sian’s journey shows the strength of Huddersfield’s fashion and business courses, which are consistently rated highly in the UK. For students, she’s proof that creative ideas nurtured at university can grow into national success.
2. Rob James-Collier – Actor
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Known for his roles in Downton Abbey and Coronation Street, Rob James-Collier studied business at Huddersfield before finding success in acting. His career is proof that a Huddersfield degree can be the first step to unexpected paths, with transferable skills that support success across industries. For drama and performance enthusiasts, his story highlights how Huddersfield alumni continue to make their mark in entertainment.
3. Sally Nugent – BBC Breakfast Presenter
Sally Nugent, a popular BBC Breakfast presenter, studied French and Communication Arts at Huddersfield. She began her career as a sports reporter before moving into mainstream journalism and is now one of the best-known faces on British morning television.
For students interested in journalism, media, or communications, Nugent’s career path shows the potential reach of a Huddersfield degree. From local reporting to national broadcasting, her journey illustrates how the skills developed at Huddersfield can take you into top-tier media roles.
4. Adil Ray OBE – Actor, Comedian, and Broadcaster
Adil Ray, best known for creating and starring in the hit BBC sitcom Citizen Khan, as well as presenting on BBC Radio and ITV’s Good Morning Britain, also studied at the University of Huddersfield. His degree in Marketing provided a foundation for a career that blends comedy, broadcasting, and creative entrepreneurship.
Ray’s success highlights Huddersfield’s ability to support creative students who want to forge unique career paths. He has gone on to become a well-known figure in British media and a strong advocate for diversity in entertainment.
5. Natalie Gavin – Actress
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You might have seen Natalie Gavin on series such as Line of Duty, Shameless, and Prisoners’ Wives. She studied at Huddersfield before becoming a successful actress in British television, showing how Huddersfield supports performers aiming to break into competitive creative industries.
6. Baroness Susan Williams of Trafford – Politician
After studying politics at the University of Huddersfield, Baroness Susan Williams embarked on a political career that has seen her serve as a Conservative life peer in the House of Lords. She has held ministerial roles in housing, communities, and equalities, making her one of the university’s most influential alumni in politics. For students, her career shows how Huddersfield provides a strong foundation for those who want to shape national policy and public life.
7. Gavin Sutherland – Conductor and Composer
Gavin Sutherland, a Huddersfield graduate, is now an internationally respected conductor, composer, and arranger. He has worked with leading orchestras around the world and has been Music Director of English National Ballet. His career highlights the strength of Huddersfield’s music programmes and the opportunities they open up for students in the performing arts.
8. Kavita Oberoi OBE – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
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Founder of Oberoi Consulting, Kavita Oberoi OBE studied applied chemistry at Huddersfield and went on to become one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs. She has built a leading business in healthcare solutions while also investing in property and mentoring future entrepreneurs. Awarded an OBE for her services to entrepreneurship and the community, Oberoi’s story is especially inspiring for students interested in business and innovation.
9. Rosie Jones – Comedian and Actress
Huddersfield alumna Rosie Jones has become a rising star in comedy and television. Known for her sharp wit, inclusive humour, and appearances on panel shows like The Last Leg and 8 Out of 10 Cats, she’s one of the UK’s most exciting new comedians. For students, she represents how Huddersfield supports individuality and creativity in the performing arts.
10. Professor Bob Cryan CBE – Vice-Chancellor
Professor Bob Cryan CBE is not only an alumnus but also the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield. He studied engineering at Huddersfield before returning to lead the institution through a period of growth and national recognition. His leadership has helped the university win awards for teaching excellence and student experience, making him a role model for students who want to see how far a Huddersfield degree can take you.
11. Kate Halfpenny – Fashion Designer
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The founder of Halfpenny London, Kate Halfpenny, is a Huddersfield graduate who has become one of the UK’s leading bridal and fashion designers. Known for her luxurious, modern designs, she has dressed celebrities and built a globally recognised brand. For fashion students, her journey demonstrates how Huddersfield’s courses in fashion and textiles can launch international careers.
12. Megan Ellaby – Fashion Influencer
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Megan Ellaby studied fashion at Huddersfield and has since become one of the UK’s most recognisable fashion bloggers and influencers. Known for her bold, colourful style, she has built a career that blends creative passion with digital entrepreneurship. Her journey highlights the modern career paths open to fashion students, where social media and branding can turn a degree into a thriving business.
13. John Warhurst – Oscar-Winning Sound Editor
John Warhurst studied at the University of Huddersfield before embarking on a career in sound editing that has taken him to Hollywood. He won an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing for his work on Bohemian Rhapsody, the film celebrating Queen and Freddie Mercury. Warhurst’s success shows how Huddersfield graduates can reach the very top of the creative industries.
14. Frank To – Artist
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Frank To is a contemporary visual artist and Huddersfield graduate whose work has been exhibited internationally. Known for his innovative techniques and use of gunpowder as a medium, To has carved out a distinctive place in the modern art world. His success demonstrates Huddersfield’s ability to nurture creative risk-takers who bring new perspectives to the arts.
Other famous people connected to the University of Huddersfield
Harold Wilson – Former Prime Minister (Connection)
Although Harold Wilson — Labour Prime Minister in the 1960s and 1970s — did not attend the University of Huddersfield (it wasn’t a university in his time), he remains closely associated with the town. Born and raised in Huddersfield, Wilson’s political achievements are a source of local pride, and his statue stands prominently outside Huddersfield Railway Station.
His legacy is often referenced in relation to the town’s identity, and for students considering studying politics or history at Huddersfield, it’s a reminder of the area’s influence on national leadership.
Sir Patrick Stewart – Actor and Huddersfield-Born Star – Chancellor
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Sir Patrick Stewart is one of Huddersfield’s most celebrated figures, best known worldwide for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films. Born in Mirfield, near Huddersfield, Stewart has had a long and distinguished career in theatre, film, and television, with a particular reputation for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
He was a Chancellor for the University of Huddersfield from 2004-2015. For students, his success is a reminder that Huddersfield is home to world-class talent that has left a mark on global culture.
Robbie Hunter-Paul – Rugby League Player
Robbie Hunter-Paul, a former professional rugby league player, has strong links with Huddersfield through his time with the Huddersfield Giants. While not strictly an academic alumnus, his career as a celebrated player and later as a commentator and presenter has made him a familiar name connected to the town. His story reflects Huddersfield’s deep ties to rugby league and sporting culture.
Why alumni matter to students
You might wonder why alumni lists are important when choosing a university. For students, seeing what others have achieved provides reassurance that your degree has value in the real world. Huddersfield’s graduates and alumni demonstrate that you don’t need to study in London or at a Russell Group university to reach the top in your field.
From TV presenters to scientists and entrepreneurs, Huddersfield alumni prove that the university nurtures talent and provides strong foundations for ambitious careers. Combined with its affordability, friendly community, and high teaching standards, that makes Huddersfield an attractive choice for prospective students.
So, what famous people went to Huddersfield University? From The Apprentice winner Sian Gabbidon to Olympic medalist Marcus Ellis, BBC stars like Sally Nugent and Adil Ray, and even honorary figures like Sir Patrick Stewart and Ant & Dec, the list is longer and more diverse than you might expect.
For students, this shows that Huddersfield is not just a place to study — it’s a place where careers are launched, creativity is nurtured, and future leaders are shaped. If you’re thinking about studying here, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of alumni who’ve gone on to make a big impact across the UK and beyond.
FAQs on Famous People Who Went to the University of Huddersfield
Notable alumni include broadcaster Adil Ray OBE, comedian and writer Rosie Jones, actor Robert James-Collier, and fashion creator Megan Ellaby. They represent media, entertainment and fashion, showing the range of careers Huddersfield graduates pursue.
Adil Ray OBE studied at Huddersfield before becoming a national TV and radio presenter. Rosie Jones graduated with a first class degree in English Language and Creative Writing and is now a regular on UK panel shows and stand up tours.
Sir Patrick Stewart is closely linked with the university as former Chancellor and now Emeritus Chancellor, however he is not an alumnus. The drama building on campus is named in his honour, reflecting his long standing connection and support for students.
Check the University of Huddersfield’s Alumni Roll of Honour and graduate profiles, which highlight award winning graduates across arts, media, business, science, and public service. These pages are updated with new stories from recent cohorts.
