Hilary Mantel graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in law in 1973. She spoke of her time in school as "one of the most vivid times in [her] life". Before graduating from Sheffield University, she studied at a Cheshire convent school for one year. With her degree, she went on to be a social worker and teacher for nine years, living in Botswana for five years and Saudi Arabia for four years, before returning to Britain.