5 Famous Lancaster Students: The Red Rose Legends

Lancaster might be best known for its cobbled streets, medieval castle, and scenic walks along the River Lune, but the university has also nurtured some remarkable minds. Whether you’re a fresher figuring things out, a mature student returning to study, or commuting in between lectures, it’s always motivating to know who once walked the same corridors.

From Hollywood stars to national treasures, plenty of Lancaster students have gone on to achieve great things since graduation. Today, we’ll be meeting five of the most famous.

James May: ‘Captain Slow’

Before driving fast cars ‘albeit slowly’ on TV, James May studied Music at Lancaster. Known for his dry wit and analytical mind, May brought a deep thinking perspective to Top Gear, often acting as the voice of reason during the legendary trio’s adventures.

Following his time at university, May worked as a journalist before making the move into broadcasting. His long career combines media, mechanics, and educational programming. The path that May took shows that you don’t need to follow a traditional route into media, and that your degree doesn’t define your future career options.

Don’t underestimate where your interests and hobbies can take you. May’s love of detail and logic made hm the ideal presenter for documentaries on science and engineering.

Sarah Waters: Award Winning Writer

A Lancaster graduate with a PhD in English Literature, Sarah Waters is the celebrated author of historical novels such as Fingersmith and Tipping the Velvet. Her work has earned her multiple Booker Prize nominations and has been adapted for screen and stage.

Waters’ journey from postgraduate student to literary acclaim is an inspiration for anyone balancing deep research with big ambitions. If you’re knee deep in essays and wondering what you’re doing it for, then take solace from the fact that the path from dissertation to bookshelf is real.

Explore more tips for life as a Lancaster student.

Andy Serkis: The Master of Motion Capture

If you aren’t familiar with his face, but recognise his voice, it’s because Andy Serkis is arguably the most famous motion capture artist of all time. Best known for his roles as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and later as Caesar in the Planet of the Apes series, Serkis studied Visual Arts and Theatre Studies at Lancaster.

His groundbreaking work in performative capture has revolutionised the film industry. As his career has progressed, Serkis has also moved in directing and producing. He is also a strong advocate for the power of digital storytelling. Serkis’ legendary career goes to show that a creative degree can lead to innovative ideas.

Robert Fisk: Iconic War Correspondent

One of the most notable and well-respected war correspondents in modern journalism, Robert Fisk studied English at Lancaster. Sometimes controversial, Fisk’s work in the stretched from covering conflicts in the Middle East to the Balkans and beyond. As a reporter, he was a writer for The Independent for decades.

A dynamic career like Fisk’s shows the importance of critical thinking and a deep understanding of contemporary issues around the world. Skills that can all be developed and sometimes changed while studying at university.

Ranvir Singh: From Lecture Halls to National News

Ranvir Singh, now a familiar face on ITV News and Good Morning Britain, earned her degree in English and Philosophy at Lancaster. She later trained in journalism and worked her way up in broadcasting with determination and poise.

As a woman of South Asian heritage, Singh has broken through barriers in a competitive industry. Her career is a strong example of how Lancaster supports diverse voices and pathways.

Fun Fact: Singh also received an Honorary Doctorate from the university in 2018 for her contribution to broadcasting.

What These Red Rose Legends Teach Us

• Your course doesn’t define your future. From music to media, philosophy to film, these alumni took their degrees in unexpected directions.
• Small beginnings can lead to global impact. Whether you’re filming in the studio or scribbling in the library, your daily choices build toward something bigger.
• Lancaster supports every kind of student. Each of these legends came from different backgrounds and found their own way forward.

If you’re curious about where your path could lead, take inspiration from those who’ve been there before. The students we’ve discussed today have all been in the same place as you, proving anything is possible as a graduate.

Discover everything Lancaster has to offer students.

Connect With Your Student Community

Lancaster’s alumni community spans the globe. From mentorship to career opportunities, it’s worth exploring how you can tap into the network early on.

Visit the Alumni Profiles page to learn more about those who once stood where you stand now.

The Wrap Up 

Whether you’re an international student adjusting to a new culture or a commuter balancing study and travel, Lancaster has a long history of turning everyday students into extraordinary achievers.

So next time you’re in the library or walking through Alexandra Square, imagine who might have been there before you. Then ask yourself, where could my time as a Lancaster student take me?

We’ll make sure to buy tickets for your first film or pick up a copy of your bestselling book!