Ryan Mulvey (left) on set in Coronation Street
University of Salford
Former soldier Ryan Mulvey, from Hyde, decided to pursue his dream of becoming an actor and won a degree place at the University of Salford despite not having any qualifications.
He was offered the chance to study via the Alternative Entry Scheme which provides access to higher education for talented students who can’t get in through the traditional routes – such as mature students who have been out of education for a long time.
Ryan served for nine years with the Royal Logistics Corps during which he undertook two tours of duty in Bosnia. But when he left the Army, unsure about what to do with the rest of his life, he began taking acting lessons in Manchester city centre.
Now he has graduated with a first class degree in Media and Performance from the University of Salford. He has also appeared in Coronation Street before he had even graduated as a gangster called Kelso, after he had been spotted by an agent during a talent showcase held at the university.
Ryan is setting up a film production company with fellow student Rob Foulkes making short films.
The alternative entry scheme has been brilliant for me – without it I wouldn’t have had any chance of doing what I’m doing now. I thought I’d find it really challenging, but I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a very practical course, and it’s let me do a lot of acting and directing work. – Ryan Mulvey
