Funding Your Future: How the Army Supported Sophie’s Career

What if your university journey came with a guaranteed career and a sense of purpose when you graduated?

In this episode of Prospect’s Future You podcast series, host Emily Slade speaks with Lt Sophie Farrelly, a Troop Commander in the British Army, who received financial support from the Army through university. From sixth form scholarships to STEM bursaries, Sophie’s story shows how military support can open doors to education, travel, leadership and personal growth.

She shares her journey in a way that’s honest, down-to-earth, and full of useful insights, from scholarships and bursaries to skiing in Norway. Her experience shows that Army life is more than just boots and barracks, it’s about purpose, opportunity, and personal growth.

Whether you're exploring career options or curious about Army life, this episode offers a real-world look at what it means to be supported through university and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to join the Army with one of our financial support programmes, Lt Sophie Farrelly’s story is one to watch.

You can also listen on:

• Podbean

• Spotify

• Apple

Starting Out: Sixth Form and a Big Decision

Sophie didn’t always know she wanted to join the Army. In sixth form, she studied biology, chemistry and English literature, keeping her options open. But her mum, who also served in the military, told her about a scholarship offered by the Army.

“I gave it a shot… and I passed it. I was really grateful.” 

That scholarship opened the door to a bursary at university and gave her a chance to explore a career she hadn’t considered before.

University Life and the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC)

Sophie studied biomedicine at the University of East Anglia. Alongside her degree, she joined the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC), which gave her a taste of Army life.

“It was so much fun… a really nice way to get away from university and do something on the side.” 

She trained with students from Cambridge, learned military skills, and even got paid for being part of the Army Reserve. The experience helped her decide that the Army was the right path. The UOTC is a unique opportunity for students to gain leadership experience, build transferable skills, and enjoy adventurous training, all while studying. With no commitment to a military career after graduation, it’s a place where students from all backgrounds thrive, make lifelong friends, and discover what they’re capable of.

Scholarships and Bursaries: What you need to know

Sophie’s journey was shaped by the financial support she received through the Army. She explains how scholarships and bursaries work, breaking down the options available for students:

• Scholarships: For sixth form students. Apply in Year 12 in England, Secondary 5 in Scotland, Year 13 in NI, and Lower Sixth in Wales. You will then get £3,000 the following year.

• Standard Bursary: For university students. Offers £6,000–£7,000 depending on your course length.

• Enhanced Bursary: For top-performing students. Offers up to £24,000.

• STEM Bursary: For students in science, tech, engineering or maths. Offers up to £42,750.

• Medical Services Bursary: For students in medicine, dentistry, veterinary or nursing. Offers up to £75,000.

• Musician Bursary: For students studying a music degree. Receive up to £27,750.

“The money is pretty generous… especially for a university student.” 

These bursaries come with a commitment to serve, but Sophie sees it as a fair trade for the support and opportunities offered.

After university and Army Officer training, Sophie stepped into her role as a troop commander. Here’s what her day-to-day looks like.

Life as a Troop Commander

Sophie’s current role in the Royal Logistics Corps involves managing a team of 30–40 soldiers. Her day starts with physical training, followed by team tasks and planning. But no two days are the same.

“It’s so varied… I genuinely wouldn’t be able to give you a stock answer of what my day looks like.” 

She’s been deployed to Estonia and Poland, helped plan humanitarian aid for Gaza, and even joined a netball tour in South Africa.

Army Life: More Than You Think

Sophie busts some common myths about the Army:

• You’re not always away from home: Leave is more flexible than people think.

• It’s not just about combat: There are roles in logistics, engineering, intelligence and more.

• You don’t need to be super fit: There’s support to help you build your fitness.

• You’re not alone: There’s strong mental health support, including welfare teams and anonymous services.

“There’s so much more to the Army… it’s not all just that one thing.” 

If you're curious to explore more, check out our myth-busting video series, featuring honest insights from real soldiers about what the Army is really like.

Skills That Matter

Sophie says the most important skills for her role are:

• Compassion: Understanding your team helps everyone succeed.

• Communication: Clear messages prevent mistakes.

• Resilience: Training is tough, but it builds strength.

“If you’ve got a team that works for you, it makes your life easier too.” 

“I’ve got no regrets.” 

Sophie’s story shows that the Army isn’t just a job - it’s a career full of purpose, growth and opportunity.

Ready to explore your own path? Whether you're considering a scholarship or just curious about Army life, Sophie’s story is a great place to start.