Nadia Maddy
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My route to academia: Nadia Maddy
Thursday, 10 April, 2025Bath Spa University employs experts from a range of specialisms to teach on its wide selection of courses. From the Humanities to the Sciences, its academic staff are highly respected in their fields and offer a wealth of knowledge and experience.
In this series, we’re speaking to BSU academics, gaining valuable insight into their academic journeys.
Nadia Maddy has been part of Bath Spa University London since its inception in 2020, and is Programme Leader for Health and Social Care, where she lectures, develops and oversees the undergraduate programme and maintains links with some of BSU’s partner institutions. Though she always knew she wanted to become a lecturer, Nadia’s road to academia took several turns – and a few scenic routes – before leading her to BSUL.
Forks in the road
After university, Nadia started out working for TRACE, a fashion, music and lifestyle magazine, writing and answering phones. It didn't pay the bills, so she moved on to a job in an auction house while also pursuing media projects on the side. Then, an opportunity to work for the BBC came along. Nadia worked on the BBC Video Nation series, which led to her becoming a freelance documentary producer for Channel 4.
Then life took her across the Atlantic to the USA, where she ended up working in the health insurance industry. Unfortunately, it lacked the creativity and purpose Nadia craved, and she found the work “mind numbing.” It was time for a change.
Nadia said:
“With my son’s arrival, my priorities shifted, and I realised that I wanted to do something more meaningful. Teaching felt like the right path; a way to share knowledge, inspire others and make an impact – a bit like filming and storytelling.”
Passing on the ‘90s student vibe’
Nadia went on to do a PGCE before teaching and lecturing at various schools and colleges and completing her master's degree in Sociology. She has always had a passion for academia and looks back on her own time as a student in Liverpool with fondness:
“Being a student was one of the best times of my life. University felt like a utopia – constantly reading, questioning, discovering. And being surrounded by lecturers who genuinely loved what they did. And to top it off, I was in Liverpool, a city bursting with character, creativity and just the right amount of chaos and grit. Manchester was just 40 minutes away, and the ‘90s was a brilliant time to be a student.
“I always knew I wanted to become a lecturer but back then, my parents – ever practical – urged me to find a job as soon as possible. But that passion for academia never left me. And now, here I am, helping students find their own path and passing on the ‘90s student vibe.”
As a lecturer she aims to give her students the same sense of excitement and enthusiasm around learning. Most students at BSUL are mature students, 25 years or older, juggling jobs and families while pursuing their degrees, and Nadia says she finds fulfillment in helping them realise their potential.
She said:
“When they start there’s a lot of doubt – Can I really do this? By the time they finish they are in awe of themselves. The transformation is amazing and humbling to witness. As a lecturer I always try to make sure the experience in the classroom is not a chore but an endless arena of curiosity, discovery and finding joy and fulfillment.”
Keeping the creative cup full
In addition to her academic career, Nadia is a published author with two novels under her belt, exploring the history, culture and folklore of Sierra Leone. Her latest novel, Corpo Seco, was published in 2024 and she has been recognised for her contributions to literature as a leading Sierra Leonean writer. A passionate advocate for emerging African writers, Nadia also co-founded a creative writing competition with PEN Sierra Leone in 2014, which was named in honour of her late father, the playwright and director Yulisa Amadu Maddy.
Being creative is a huge part of Nadia’s life and is also one of the reasons why she chose to join BSU. Explaining further, she said:
“I love that BSU is a creative university even though I don't teach traditionally creative subjects. At my core, I am creative so being surrounded in some capacity with innovative ideas, diverse thinking and fresh perspectives allows me to ‘fill my cup’ and embrace different ways of engaging learning with students through curiosity and purpose.”
The road ahead (with a few pebbles)
Though Nadia may enjoy projecting a ‘90s vibe, in her career she’s ever looking forward. She has a research mentor at BSUL who helps her to navigate the world of academia and is fully prepared to face anything that might come her way.
Talking about overcoming obstacles, Nadia said:
“As a child of immigrants, I learned to adapt to everything because nothing was going to adapt to me, so obstacles were just pebbles on the road. You either step on it, over it, or kick it away and bear the consequences, but you must get around the pebble otherwise you'll be stuck, and I was raised around people for whom getting stuck was not an option.”
Though she’s achieved many things in her life, and will undoubtedly go on to do more, Nadia says her greatest achievement isn’t just one milestone, but that success is an ongoing journey. She elaborated:
“As a creative, learning to be vulnerable without fear is the most powerful gift you can give yourself. It’s also the hardest. Putting your work out there, exposing yourself to criticism, and embracing the process of growth takes courage. But if you can do it – again and again, despite the challenges – you’ve already won. That’s what keeps me moving forward, constantly learning, evolving, and pushing boundaries.”
Ready to start your own journey? Check out the range of courses in Business and Management offered at Bath Spa University London.