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Brothers both graduate from º£½ÇÖ±²¥

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ academic awards will be a family affair for Adam and Edward O’Malley who both graduate this year.

Adam, 25, of Middlesbrough, completed a BA (Hons) Games Design, while Edward, 34, of Great Ayton, graduates with a first class BSc (Hons) Criminology. 'I've had three of the best years of my life at º£½ÇÖ±²¥,' said Adam. 'The course was great and the social side was really good too. I worked as a venue supervisor in the Students' Union and also played rugby union. I made some friends for life.

'I originally wanted to work in accounting and was on an apprenticeship, but I was also really interested in games design and I knew º£½ÇÖ±²¥ had really good resources for this subject. I decided to change direction and do the degree, as it was something I enjoyed and really wanted to do.

'The degree really equips students for working in the industry and I’m currently working with a few people I studied alongside to develop games. Some have found jobs, while others are planning to return to study, which is something I may consider in the future.'

Adam added: 'The facilities on campus, from the Library resources to general equipment, are all great and there was plenty of support while doing the degree.'

Edward, who is continuing studies at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ on the MSc Social Research Methods, said: 'I was previously working in a support role with Durham Police, but redundancy gave me the perfect opportunity to study full-time. It was really positive experience as there was such a diverse range of people on the degree.

'It really broadened my horizons and it’s an experience you wouldn’t get just by working. Coming to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ opened my eyes to the opportunities for further study. I’m now interested in doing a PhD and working towards an academic career.'

He added: 'I’ve been working as a data analyst for a substance misuse charity in Redcar and I’m currently on secondment with Redcar and Cleveland Council in the same role, analysing data on drugs and alcohol and related issues across the whole borough.

'While doing the degree I worked in the activities office in the Students’ Union and really enjoyed the social side of University, which was a great experience. I’m now looking forward to getting stuck back into my studies.'

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