Clare Waterfall-Hallam

“They know you've got work; you've got families, this is just a part of what you are doing with your life. The sense of pride I got from doing a degree, but then doing it really well, while all these other things were going on – it’s empowering and something I'm incredibly proud of.” 

Clare Waterfall-Hallam, Company Director at Bigtank Productions 

Degree course studied at Holy Cross University Centre (HCUC):
Multimedia Technology  

Partner university:
Leeds Metropolitan (now Leeds Beckett)  

What did you study at HCUC and when did you graduate? 

I studied Multimedia Technology and graduated in 2013. 

Tell us why you chose to study here and why you chose this course? 

At the time when I chose the course, I was working in television full-time in Manchester and I needed something that I was able to study one evening a week. 

How did your degree impact on your career and the job you have now?  

I’ve gained a strong understanding of the technologies employed in our work. Knowing the skill and effort involved helps me understand why certain processes take time or incur higher costs, and it deepens my appreciation for the talent within our team. 

My degree involved teamwork, which was new to me then but is invaluable now. Even when working independently, our contributions support the wider production process. 

Learning to listen, communicate clearly and persuasively, and develop strong people skills has been especially beneficial. 

How did you find the course from start to finish? 

I had an academic tutor who taught the course and a Support Tutor at Holy Cross, who was effectively my pastoral lead, ensuring that I was happy and comfortable. 

Both made me aware of the expectations and that if I had any worries, whether academic or pastoral, both were approachable and available outside of 9 to 5. 

Learning itself was timetabled around my working hours. 

Tell us about your Support Tutor (based at HCUC) 

They were so supportive and went through the enrolment process with me. I was able to ask lots of questions, giving me peace of mind that this was the right fit for me, it also gave me a feeling of this was where I need to be. 

What helped was their awareness that you've got work, you've got families. This is just a part of what you are doing with your life – it's a very important part, but it is just part of your life. 

What would you say to someone thinking about joining HCUC? 

For me, it was the sense of pride that I got from doing a degree, but then doing it really well while all these other things are going on (Clare was pregnant during her studies and graduation) and having the support from the University Centre. 

It's empowering and something I'm incredibly proud of.