Graduates have gone on to make waves in academia, economics, politics, culture, sport, law and more besides – here are 10 prominent individuals who gained a degree from the institution.
1. Eddie Izzard
Born in France and brought up in Ireland and England, Eddie Izzard studied accountancy at Sheffield University but the entertainer left the course to pursue a career in comedy. Eddie was later awarded an honorary degree and more recently has expressed a desire to stand as an MP in the city. Photo: Getty Images
2. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
Sheffield-born Olympic gold medal-winning heptathlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill studied psychology at Sheffield University. Photo: Steve Riding
3. Dr Helen Sharman
Sheffield-born scientist and astronaut Dr Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space, studied chemistry at Sheffield University. Photo: JPI Media
4. Stephen Daldry
Director and producer Stephen Daldry studied English Literature at Sheffield University - his work includes the films Billy Elliott and The Hours, as well as the hit Netflix series The Crown. Photo: Jeff Spicer