When Executive Chef Mark Timms decided to begin university study at 51, he had already built a global culinary career spanning Michelin starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and major event operations - including work at Kensington Palace, St James’s Palace, Windsor Castle and Lancaster House. Yet he felt something was missing.
After moving from Mexico to Los Angeles as the world emerged from the pandemic, Mark found himself reassessing the way he lived.
“Covid taught me to start living my life. I’d spent too much time on social media and realised I needed to focus on what really mattered. Cambridge was always a dream for me, and I remember thinking: ‘Why not give it a go?’”
With no previous university experience, he enrolled on his first course with University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) in 2021, beginning a new academic journey from scratch.
Beginning academic study for the first time
Mark started with the Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature: Texts and Contexts a course that runs biannually (contact the PACE enrolment team for the details of the next cohort), alternating with the Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature: Approaches to Literary Study.
Although he approached study with uncertainty, he quickly felt supported:
“In the beginning, I felt out of place - Cambridge is for other people, not me. But every tutor made me feel welcome. Yes, I made mistakes, but you will never feel like a fool.”
A lifelong interest in classic literature pulled him further in - especially the writers he felt he ‘should’ have known growing up.
‘I grew up in Yorkshire but knew very little about the Brontë sisters,’ he says. ‘I wanted to change that.’”
Balancing flexible online study with a global career
Mark’s work takes him around the world - hotels, airports, kitchens and events - which made flexibility essential.
“I travel a lot for my job and spend a lot of time in hotels and airplanes. So the random book read can always be achieved.”
He established a rhythm that worked:
- Two hours a night, four days a week
- One full day for assignments and research
- One day kept clear for mental rest
Living with ADHD, he adapted his approach to what genuinely worked for him:
“I have ADHD so small strong bursts of reading help, with tools like audiobooks and relevant shows - especially when studying Shakespeare.”
When he received a grade lower than expected, the setback became motivation rather than discouragement:
“The critique was good but harsh - honestly, great motivation. Complacency is the enemy of study.”
How Cambridge’s teaching and community supported his progress
The support Mark found through PACE shaped his confidence and direction.
“Cambridge gave me confidence. The tutors were kind, the presentations were fantastic, and the students came from every background. We connected as one.”
His tutor, Dr Jenny Bavidge, played an important role in helping him see what was possible:
“She had a massive influence on me applying to the OU. Cambridge led me to my BA - and hopefully, within two years, to a Master’s in the UK.”
Mark’s pathway to a BA (Hons) through the Open University
After completing his Level 4 Certificate, Mark continued on to the Level 5 Diploma in English Literature: Literature Past and Present
This qualification enabled him to transfer credits to The Open University, where he is now completing his BA (Hons) in English Literature.
“Flexible, fully online study that fits around my work - and still gives me the academic challenge I’ve always wanted.”
Learn more about the OU progression pathway.
The skills, confidence and perspective he gained
Mark describes the impact of learning as profound:
“I write better reports at work. My conversations are more meaningful.”
“I have confidence speaking in groups.”
“I’ve learned not to rely on others’ opinions but to research and form my own conclusions.”
And his future plans have expanded:
“When I retire from hospitality, I want to teach Literature or Creative Writing in South America.”
What mark wants future learners to know
“If I can do it, so can you. Stop self-doubting and take the leap. It’s the most rewarding thing you’ll do.”
“Cambridge is a lifechanging experience.”
About Mark
Mark Timms - Executive Chef & Literature Student
Mark is an internationally experienced Executive Chef with more than 30 years across Michelin starred restaurants, luxury hotels and high-profile events. He has worked with Accor in Europe and served as Executive Chef at Create in London and The Westin Anaheim Resort, before continuing his career in the United States.
Alongside his global culinary work, he is completing his BA (Hons) in English Literature through The Open University.