Students Celebrate University Success At Graduation Ceremony

With students donning mortarboard caps and traditional gowns, the ceremony commenced with a procession from The Bull Hotel on Westgate to the minster grounds. Fanfare trumpets drew in a crowd, with members of the public sharing in the spectacle by waving paper flags. Upon their arrival, graduands and their guests, were greeted by the cathedral’s entrance archway, illuminated in the university’s teal blue. Graduands accepted a round of applause, as they made their way through the West Door.

Declaring the ceremony in session, Academic Director of University Centre Peterborough, Liz Knight, explained how the word ‘graduation’ roughly translates to the fifteenth century term for “taking a step”. Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Education Group, Rachel Nicholls, reiterated this, saying that the aim of education provision at University Centre Peterborough is “to shape well-rounded people, ready for the next phase in life’s journey”.

The cohort of over 200 students that received their awards studied a wide variety of degree subjects, including Business Management, Therapeutic Counselling, Criminology and Sport and Exercise Science. Addressing graduands from all faculties, Professor Sir Les Ebdon described the graduation as “a celebration of the fruits of your hard work”. He continued, “I’m blown away by the glory and splendour of this cathedral, but even more so, I’m blown away by your achievements in such challenging times”.  

Kira Ginger, BA Hons Media Production graduate, described the evening by saying, "Graduation was magical! The perfect way to celebrate our successes and say goodbye." and continued, "Studying at UCP is one of the best decisions I've ever made."

Many graduates have already secured full-time employment in their chosen careers, whilst others are pursuing work experience in a relevant field, or are continuing their studies with a Masters degree. Peterborough Poet Laureate and graduate, Kat Beeton, described this open door of possibilities in her poem that marked the close of formal proceedings: “Climbing cloud-high in cap and gown with everything still to be said, as we leap into a future, that we have yet to write”’.

Many thanks to Peterborough College’s hospitality and catering department for preparing and serving guests delicious refreshments and celebratory drinks after the ceremony.

Photographs and footage of the ceremony will become available on University Centre Peterborough’s official Facebook page in the upcoming few weeks. 

If you are inspired by the success of University Centre Peterborough’s Class of 2022 and would like to learn more about the wide range of HNDs and degrees available on your doorstep, visit University Centre Peterborough’s website https://ucp.ac.uk/