Students celebrate academic achievement at University Centre Bishop Burton Graduation Ceremony

Historic Beverley Minster provided a spectacular backdrop to celebrate the academic achievements of students from University Centre Bishop Burton (UCBB), in its annual Graduation Ceremony.

Family, friends and special guests were welcomed by Governor Susan Hamer, to witness students graduate in a range of subjects including Animal Sciences, Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, Sport and Exercise Science, Criminology, Equine, Floristry and Teacher Training. 

Vice Principal Quality of Education & Skills, Sharron Mansell started proceedings with a welcome address before graduands were conferred with their degrees by special guests Becki Hamnett, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor Educational Partnerships and Skills at the University of Hull, Dr Neena Skrbuc, Head of Initial Teacher Education from the University of Huddersfield and Jonathan Cooper, Link Tutor and Lecturer at the University of Lincoln. A number of special awards and prizes were also presented by Becki Hamnett including Best Students and Best Dissertation or Research Project.

In her address Sharron praised the hard work and determination of the students, acknowledging how wonderful it was to hear so many heart-warming success stories, which have been nurtured by UCBB’s unique specialist approach.

“If you give people the opportunity and the support to study in a specialist environment like UCBB” she said, “students thrive - they are successful. Their studies are enhanced through an amazing learning environment and the chance to work with key employers ensuring industry readiness, not to mention the lasting memories and friendships they make.”

A prime example of the impact this learning environment can have on students is BSc (Hons) Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation graduate Joel Eames. Joel is currently enjoying a year in industry working in an equine rehabilitation yard. He said “One of the things I loved about UCBB was that I was able to use all of the equine rehab facilities on campus. I want to be a vet physio and at other universities you could only access these if you were a specialist, so being able to work with this sort of equipment was great. After my year out I am progressing onto a Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy at Nottingham University.”

Becki Hamnett gave an inspiring Graduate Address, urging students to embrace their futures with resilience and adaptability. “The power of education to change lives is real.” she said, “Now is the time to celebrate all you have achieved as you stand on the brink of your careers. Adaptability and resilience will help you to embrace change and keep moving forwards. I wish you all the very best for the future wherever it takes you.”

Reflecting on the importance and significance of Graduation to students and the University Centre, Assistant Principal Higher Education Sarah Reynolds-Golding said “Graduation is such a special day, a chance to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from our students. I am proud of each and every one of them and I am confident they will all have hugely successful futures. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!”

BSc (Hons) Sport, Coaching and Development student, Dan Wood, who graduated with First Class Honours, gave a heartfelt Vote of Thanks on behalf of the Student Association; thanking family, friends and the UCBB faculty for their support, encouragement and guidance.

Dan, who was also the recipient of the Best Student award for his degree programme, said “I am sure we have all taken memories from our time at UCBB; memories that will stay with us, supporting and guiding us, as we progress into the next chapter of our lives. I have particularly benefited from being challenged in my thoughts and pushed to achieve more and will take this newfound resilience with me into all I do. This is the class of 2024, wherever your next step takes you, further study or work – make your mark and endeavour to fulfil your potential!”

UCBB runs a wide range of degree programmes in many different subject areas. To see the subjects on offer, visit: https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/university-centre/study/subjects