Dominated by students from the University’s Business School, the ceremonies also included cohorts from the Faculty of Education and Sport.

One person graduating was Jack Scott, a Marketing student who now works with the University’s Academic Partnerships team.

“Jack has only been working with us a short time,” said Amanda Krebs, Director of Partnership Operations. “We have purposefully given him tasks that have enabled him to put what he has learnt during his degree to good use.

“He is a joy to work with and a real asset to the University and any future employer, although I hope he won’t be leaving us just yet!”

Two honorary degrees were also awarded, the first to Michael (Mick) Dillon, Chief Executive of the Disability Resource Centre, who urged students to ‘tell their stories’.

“Don’t be afraid to dream,” he said. “All of us should follow our dreams, passions and what we believe in.

“You may take an unexpected course but follow it and you’ll be surprised.

“Tell your story; be proud and celebrate who you are and what you do.”

Caroline Kinsey, a PR guru who picked up the secondary honorary of the occasions, echoed Mick’s sentiments, before announcing her intentions to continue offering students the opportunity to work on real client briefs for her agency, Cirkle.

“It has really been a pleasure to be aligned with this University,” she said. “It’s one of our favourite days when students come and present to us.

“Keep a clear head and a positive heart. Be fair and reasonable and treat everyone you meet with respect.”

In addition to students from partner institutions in Singapore, Hong Kong and Oman formally completing their studies, over 100 Law graduates attended.

And it was one of those would-be legal professionals, Nazlican Bulbul, who enjoyed the biggest moment of her life since collecting her degree less than an hour before.

The greenery of the Putteridge Bury gardens was the backdrop to a proposal of marriage from Nazlican’s boyfriend, with fellow graduates watching on as the champagne cork was popped.

Happily for all, she said yes.