Gareth
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
Gareth spent over 20 years building a career in hospitality - from waiting tables to winning awards as a head chef and running his own restaurant. But after COVID-19 changed everything, he found the courage to pursue a long-held dream.
Drawn to the blend of science, technology and patient care, he discovered that BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography was the path he'd been looking for, and that the University of Bradford could help him get there.
This is his story.
I'd wanted to do something different for my whole career, but never had the courage to go for it.
Time for a change
“Before Bradford, I’d worked in hospitality almost all my life, starting with a waitering job, before working behind a bar, and finally becoming a professional chef.”
“Although I studied Biology and Chemistry at A level and was keen to go to university, I found a love of hospitality that meant I never left.
“After working my way up to head chef and winning numerous awards, I bought my very own restaurant in 2015. At first, it was a fantastic experience, but the pandemic changed things.”
Getting stuck in at Bradford
“I found my way to radiography through an access course and never looked back.”
“I did an access course in Health and Science Professions in 2023 while running my own business. When I first started, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, but I soon discovered BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography at Bradford and everything fell into place.
“What drew me in was the variety. The course blends technology, science, and health through a mix of placements and classroom-based study. The facilities at Bradford are excellent, and I particularly enjoy working with the X-ray equipment and CT scanners.
"The lecturers have all worked in radiography, and that expertise is inspiring. The course and the University have more than lived up to my expectations.
“Selling my business and going back to university wasn’t a decision I took lightly.
“As an adult learner with three children and a house to run, there were a lot of factors to weigh up. Earning good money in hospitality means working 50 to 60 hours a week, and that wasn't something I wanted to continue. I also knew that I should have secured a degree when I was younger.
“The pandemic brought everything into focus. Personal losses made me realise that if you have a dream, you have to go for it.”
The Keith Howard Opportunities Programme has made it possible to focus on my studies and still support my family.
Making it work as an adult learner
“Taking my wage out of the household income was a huge consideration.”
“I still work part-time, but my successful application to the Keith Howard Opportunities Programme means I don't have to put in as many hours, so I can fully commit to the course. The unsociable hours of hospitality combined with university simply wouldn't have been feasible.
“With 18 months still to go, having that lifeline means I can keep immersing myself in the course while still being there for my family. At this stage in my life, it's very important to me that I do well.”
Building a career from day one
“The best thing about the course is how it blends the practical and theoretical together.”
“Currently we spend three days a week at university and two days on placement, though next year this changes to two weeks on, two weeks off schedule. This structure means you build the theoretical knowledge and then immediately apply it in a clinical setting.
“I’m currently assigned to a private hospital in Yorkshire. It’s not as busy as a major hospital, but that gives you exposure to different techniques. With X-rays, for example, the patient needs to be positioned very precisely. And you need specific angles to capture the pathology clearly. Developing the right technique takes time, and this placement has been invaluable for that.”
Set up for success
“My previous career has given me more transferable skills than I expected.”
“So far, I’ve tried to get involved in as much as possible with every opportunity. I think my years in hospitality have really built my confidence and emotional intelligence, and these qualities are crucial in healthcare. It's easy to underestimate how much you bring from a previous career. Working with patients requires real people skills, and that's something I feel well-equipped for.
“My placements have shown me that I'd love to secure a job in radiography locally, working with the hospitals I've already been part of. I've also thought about coming back to Bradford to do a Master's, but I'm keen to gain a job and solid work experience first.”
Don't let your background make you feel like university isn't for you.
Opportunity awaits. You ready?
“The support I've received at Bradford has confirmed I made the right choice."
“I understand how daunting it can be, especially as a career changer. It's an expensive decision and it's easy to feel like it's not for people from certain backgrounds.
"That feeling is something I've come to understand even more since starting at Bradford. My eldest son struggled with his maths GCSE and his tutor’s attitude was essentially that if he wasn't getting it, he should go and find work instead."
"Before my course and the scholarship, I might have accepted that. But it's opened my eyes to the kind of low expectations that working class people often face.
"Nobody should have their ambitions written off because of where they come from. If you have the drive and university is the step you need to achieve your goals, go for it.”