Progress to Postgrad: Sophie

Posted on: 27 August 2025 by Richard Finch in Class of 2024

Sophie Hill graduated in 2024 with a BA in Criminology and is continuing her studies at Manchester Metropolitan University with an MSc in Buying and Merchandising Management.

How did you hear about your course?

After finishing my degree at UOL I was deciding where I wanted my life to go, I loved criminology but decided the career options weren’t for me. Instead, I followed my passion for retail and researched into what would be the right role for me. I settled on buying as the career I wanted to go into, the role is fast paced, design lead and integral to all retail sectors. With the course being quite niche, man met was always the option for me, with it being in the North-West and having industry connections.

How did you get to where you are now?

Having worked in fashion retail since I was 17, this work experience really encouraged me to pursue a career in the retail industry. I always found the product launches and design process fascinating working in a shop floor setting. My family also encouraged me to go for it, with it being a change from my undergraduate degree and a family member also having experience in buying, making me think it would be a career I would love.

I’ve also been lucky to have great support around me. My mum and dad have been a huge source of motivation—I’ve always wanted to make them proud. My friends have played a big role too; we pushed each other to improve, not just in university but also in life outside of academics. We kept each other accountable and encouraged each other to aim higher.

All of that—discipline, balance, and the people around me—has shaped the mindset I have today and helped me reach this point in my journey.

Your favourite thing about your current course?       

Being able to transfer skills I gained from my undergraduate degree into my current degree which has more creative elements. As well as this, my master’s is very hands on, with industry professionals often coming in to talk to us and give advice about their journey and what the job role entails.

The most challenging part of your graduate journey?

I think for me, the biggest challenge was realising that although I loved criminology so much as a degree, a career in that subject wouldn’t be for me. It was a hard decision to go back into higher education, rather than a grad job which is what I planned, but it has been the right decision for me.

Could you share one tip you wish you knew before you started

Don’t be knocked down by getting told ‘no’ by jobs, I applied for a few criminology based grad jobs before I decided on a masters. At the time I was so disheartened, but it all turns out for the best, the right role or opportunity will always come along!

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