Amy Wilson graduated with a degree in Religious Studies in 2008. She tells us about her ongoing passion to make university study accessible for all What made you choose to study theology and religious studies, and why Edinburgh? I initially applied for English literature but opted for religious studies through clearing as I enjoyed it at A-level. Although I was uncertain about the career paths it offered, the breadth of the course offering appealed to me—covering various religions and ethical aspects, not just Christianity. I liked the fact that it wasn't just Christianity, there was lots of different religions and more the ethic side of things. [ ] you could learn about the ethics and then apply that into real life situations. While entering via clearing was challenging at the time, it worked out well as it shaped my career choices, which became helping young people navigate similar paths. Edinburgh was a really welcoming city and there was lots going on outside of the universityI've always loved Edinburgh, having Scottish roots but growing up in England. The university’s integration into the city, its welcoming atmosphere, and the vibrant cultural scene were major draws. The ability to engage with city life beyond the academic environment was also a plus.Edinburgh was also convenient for me. Direct trains from Warrington made it easy for visits – which was very reassuring for my parents. Many of my friends chose nearby cities like Manchester or Liverpool for university, but I decided they were too close. Edinburgh was a good distance from my home town!What did you enjoy about studying at New College?I appreciated the flexibility in course selection offered by the Scottish education system, allowing students to take courses from various schools in the first two years. So, I explored a wide range of subjects, not just religious studies but also English literature, sociology, and politics.The building is also beautiful, and has its own community within the bigger university. This made transitioning into university life easier because it can be overwhelming being in a large university in a big city. Amy Wilson When I first started New College they had lots of things on to welcome you in and help you to meet people. The lecturers were very supportive, and they embraced interdisciplinary study, like my dissertation on fair trade, which began as a religious enterprise but evolved into an ethical and societal issue. University is filled with numerous opportunities! Not just academically but also in terms of travel, work, and social activities. Engaging in these enhances your degree and employability, providing a richer experience than study alone.Additionally, while academic focus is crucial, exploring different clubs and activities like the student ambassador programmes, Camp America, or Nightline can be very beneficial. These activities allow you to meet new people and try new things in a supportive environment before entering the workforce. You're in a in a place where you can try something new and if you don't like it, it doesn't matter. Also, if you're in Edinburgh, embrace the local culture, endure the cold, and if possible, experience the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at least once. It's a fantastic opportunity to appreciate being part of something that’s globally recognised. But I also think Edinburgh's really nice in that May time just before it gets all touristy, you can finish your exams and enjoy the meadows. How did you feel about fitting in at University? Initially, I didn’t really think about it much. At university, you are already out of your comfort zone, And then you go in and you're meeting so many different people and you learn a lot more about the world and cultures and society and how all that works. Finding like-minded friends helps you form your own community, which is crucial but challenging. How did university prepare you for life post-graduation? One key experience was becoming a student ambassador at Edinburgh. This role boosted my confidence and deepened my knowledge of the university. We would do presentations, give tours and do admin work in the office, you know, all those things everybody says you need. I then became an intern in the Student Recruitment and Admissions office organising large events like open days, working as part of a big team, in a large organisation.In my third year, I joined Nightline, which contrasted with my ambassador role by requiring a quieter confidence and intensive listening skills. Balancing this with academic responsibilities was challenging but extremely rewarding. These varied experiences proved essential during interviews and added significant value to my university years.I also used the university's career service, which helped me identify and articulate my skills, leading to job opportunities I hadn't considered. The career service would help you draw out your skills. So, I can remember that they would talk to you and go, well, what have you learned? And I would say this and that. And they would point out all these jobs you could consider which you haven't thought of. My experience at university and my understanding of widening participation influenced my career decisions. I wanted to ensure everyone had the opportunity to attend university if they desired After finishing my internship at Edinburgh, I immediately started as a Widening Participation Officer at the University of York. I worked with specific groups of young people, organising summer schools and recruitment events to explain the value of university education. I then joined the University of Leeds as a Lead Officer, managing student recruitment across regions and analysing trends.Later, I managed a government-funded programme called Uni Connect, focusing on widening participation in West Yorkshire schools with lower university progression rates despite good GCSE results.After a few years there I needed a role that offered flexibility due to my family commitments. So, I took a position in Global Opportunities at Leeds, where I now focus on employability, managing teams that organise placements, volunteering, and career fairs. It’s been about 18 months, and the role continues to be a learning experience. I ensure we adapt our programmes to be more accessible for students with responsibilities, like creating shorter opportunities when needed. This way, all students get a chance to enhance their skills and employability. What are you passionate about outside of work? Any book or podcast recommendations? I enjoy dancing, particularly ballet, jazz, and street styles, and we perform annually. I also I recently competed in my first High Rocks strength challenge. As for podcasts, I listen to "Parenting Hell" by Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe—it's a humorous take on parenting. This article was published on 2026-04-02
