The three ceremonies came after nearly 800 graduands attended five graduations at the Bedford Corn Exchange last week.

On Monday, more than 1,000 guests joined in with the glitz and glamour of graduations in the regal surroundings of the University’s Putteridge Bury campus

The ceremonies saw graduates from a range of courses collect their degrees, with Sports Therapy, Criminology, and Health and Social Care notable inclusions. The latest University Campus Milton Keynes (UCMK) cohort was also in attendance, graduating in Psychology and Criminal Behaviour. A trio of Doctors of Philosophy also joined the ranks.

And on top of all that, the University’s latest crop of registered midwives, nurses and dentistry professionals graduated and were sent off to start their respective careers.

Also appearing were students from a number of partner institutions, including almost 50 Child and Family Studies graduates from Barnfield College and Central Bedfordshire College.

The ceremonies were opened by Ceremony President Susan Pember OBE, a member of the University’s Board of Governors with more than 30 years’ experience in education, Local Authorities and the Government.

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell then took to the stage, congratulating graduates and outlining faculty staff and student success stories.

And then it was time for the main event as students of all ages from across the faculty collected their well-earned degrees.

Amongst those were a number of student prize winners, including William Horncastle, who won the Gill Blowers Prize for his dissertation, ‘Fraud, Bribery and Corruption: A Marxist Analysis of the Financial Malpractices Surrounding the Financial Crash of 2008.’

Charlie Hughes, the newly elected President of the Students’ Union, urged graduates to ‘explore the world and do what makes them happy’.

“Look up and appreciate the world around you,” he added. “You only get one opportunity at life.

“Surround yourself with good people who will challenge you to go that extra mile. If an opportunity comes up that is right for you then grab it with both hands and don’t let it go.”

Before the ceremonies came to a close, the Guest of Honour, Rosalind Paul – who promotes education for disadvantaged children – addressed students.

“All of you are going to receive a precious gift from the University,” she said. “You have worked hard but you’ve had that opportunity to come here.

“Whatever happens in your life, you will never have this taken away from you. It will enable you to open doors to challenging and exciting roles.“I wish you an exciting life full of adventures where you give your best and, in return, receive fulfilment.

”