Debbie is a graduate from the BSc Honours in Education & Curricular Studies programme...

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to Strathclyde...

My name is Debbie Connolly. After graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Fashion Technology in 2014, I spent the next ten years building a career in the fashion and clothing industry. I was fortunate enough to experience many different areas of the business, from designing and running my own swimwear brand to working in clothing manufacturing and supply chain, where I managed production, collaborated with suppliers and helped bring collections to life. It was a fast-paced industry that taught me so much, and I am really looking forward to bringing those experiences into the classroom. I hope it helps pupils see how the skills they develop in Home Economics can open doors to exciting careers they might never have considered.

Although I enjoyed working in fashion, I realised the part I found most rewarding was sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their skills. Spending time supporting students at Glasgow Clyde College and completing work experience in a secondary school confirmed that teaching was the direction I wanted my career to go. Strathclyde’s BSc Education & Curricular Studies programme felt like the perfect opportunity to combine everything I’d learned in industry with my passion for education.

What drew you towards your chosen degree?

One of the thigs that attracted me most was how unique the course is. It offered a direct route into teaching while allowing me to build on my previous degree and industry experience rather than starting from scratch.

I’ll admit, I almost talked myself out of applying. I’d been out of education for ten years and wasn’t particularly confident in my academic writing, so returning to university felt quite daunting. Looking back now, I’m so glad I took the leap. The support throughout the course was incredible, and Amanda Corrigan’s Academic Literacy and Communication classes completely changed how I approached academic writing. They didn’t just help me succeed academically – they gave me skills that I continue to use every day, from lesson planning and professional communication to reflective practice on placement and beyond.

What specialist knowledge/professional skills did you develop whilst studying the course?

The course gave me so much more confidence than I expected. It wasn’t just about learning how to plan lessons – it was about understanding how young people learn, adapting your teaching to meet different needs and building positive relationships in the classroom.

I also developed my reflective practice and learned how to evaluate my teaching, respond to feedback and continually improve. Coming from the fashion industry, I already had practical experience and subject knowledge, but the programme equipped me with the educational theory, pedagogy and confidence to translate that experience into meaningful learning for my pupils.

Tell us a little bit about your experience on placement...

Placements were definitely the highlight of the course for me. They were where everything I’d been learning at university really started to come together. No amount of lectures can quite prepare you for standing in front of a class for the first time, but each placement pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow in confidence as a teacher.

I was fortunate to have incredibly supportive mentors and school staff who encouraged me every step of the way. Seeing pupils engage with my lessons, develop new skills and grow in confidence was such a rewarding experience and confirmed that I’d chosen the right career. Placements are challenging and require a lot of preparation, but they’re also where you really begin to see yourself becoming a teacher.

What was the best part of studying the BSc Education & Curricular Studies programme?

Without a doubt, it was the people. The lecturers were approachable, encouraging and genuinely invested in helping us succeed. I always felt supported throughout the programme, whether I needed advice, reassurance or just someone to remind me I was capable. Elaine Gardiner, in particular had a huge impact on my journey. From my interview right through to graduation, she believed in me even when I doubted myself. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to keep pushing myself, and I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today without her support.

Elaine also invited guest speakers from organisations such as the British Nutrition Foundation, SQA and Skills Development Scotland, which gave us valuable insight into the wider context of Home Economics. It helped me appreciate the importance of delivering evidence-based, relevant learning to pupils and showed how closely the course connected with current practice.

Something I never expected was the friendships I’d make. Coming back to university after ten years in industry was quite daunting, but I quickly found myself surrounded by people who were all working towards the same goal. We supported each other through assignments, placements and deadlines, shared ideas and resources, and celebrated each other’s success along the way. Those friendships have become one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience.

What are your hopes for the future?

I’m excited to continue my career in Home Economics and bring everything I’ve learned from both industry and university into the classroom. Having spent ten years working in fashion, I hope I can show pupils how the skills they learn in Home Economics connect to real careers and current issues such as such as sustainability, ethical manufacturing and innovation. More than anything, I want to inspire young people to find something they’re passionate about, build their confidence and develop practical life skills that they’ll carry with them long after they leave school.

What advice would you give to prospective students interested in applying for this programme?

If you’re thinking about applying, I’d definitely encourage you to go for it. If you’re anything like me, you might wonder whether you’re ready, especially if you’ve been away from education for a while. I certainly did. However don’t let that put you off. The support from the lectures is fantastic, and you’ll learn so much more than you expect.

Throw yourself into every opportunity, especially your placements. They’re where your confidence really grows, and you’ll come away knowing you’ve chosen the right career. Changing careers after ten years felt like a huge leap into the unknown, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.