Candidate Profile

Tell students about yourself

My name is Mia Bradshaw, I am a fourth-year Modern Languages and Cultures student at Castle. During my year abroad, I studied in Italy and Spain, experiencing two different university systems and bringing those perspectives back to Durham. Alongside my degree, I serve as Finance Director of the Durham Law Society, delivering careers events and educational seminars. I have held roles in the Hispanic Society as Social Secretary and Vice-President, organising language and cultural events.

If elected, what sort of Officer can students expect you be?

I will be an approachable point of contact for all students and a firm, constructive voice in meetings with university staff. My knowledge of languages helps me engage with a diverse range of students and perspectives, and I will create accessible ways to share this feedback. I will raise both individual and collective concerns, ensuring they reach the decision-makers. I have already contributed to this by taking part in a formal review of the MLAC degree restructuring, where I represented student perspectives on the course. I now hope to build on that experience by doing the same at a university-wide level.

Why is this role important to you?

I want to ensure students receive genuine value for money from their degrees, delivered consistently across all subjects. I will hold the university accountable and make sure the student voice is heard at senior levels. Employability is central to why many of us pursue a degree, so I will push for courses to align with real-world demands, with modules that build transferable skills.

I am also committed to ensuring all students have equal access to educational opportunities. As Finance Director of the Durham Law Society, I expanded the number of events offered at subsidised rates. We ensured every student attending our London Alumni Event received at least £70 in travel reimbursement. I also secured a 20% Law Ball discount for Durham Grant students. At a university-wide level, I will advocate for adequate resourcing and accessible spaces for learning, careers support, and community-building so that opportunity is not determined by background.

What is your pitch to students?

Every student has a different educational journey, and that must be recognised at every level. I will be an approachable but firm voice for students. As the university makes changes that affect us, I will ensure students are heard and that decisions reflect our interests and uphold ‘The Durham Difference’.