The students from courses across the faculty, including Computer Science and Technology, Art and Design, and Journalism joined almost 3,000 other students who have graduated at ceremonies in Bedford and Luton.

The graduations concluded today (Friday 24 July) with the Civic Ceremony in Luton, which saw dignitaries march from Luton Town Hall to St Mary’s Church led by a steel band.

The Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, presided over events in his position of Chancellor of the University.

The Chancellor urged the students gathered to celebrate their achievements and told them that “Almost anything worth having involved effort.” He also commented: “You should all be proud of your University for its excellent teaching and world leading research.”

Alongside the graduates receiving their degrees was Pastor Lloyd Denny, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration. The Pastor, a key figure in the local community, is Chair of Luton Harmony, a campaign intended to promote peace and harmony amongst the town’s various communities.

He accepted his degree with a humility which was greeted with cheers and clapping by the crowd. “I really don’t know why I have got this honour,” he said. “When I got the letter I thought it was a joke. So I read it out to my wife and she said, 'well it looks genuine'.”

Mr Bercow, in his summing up of the day, said: “People deserving of an accolade, as you so often find - that person is an embodiment of humility.

“Thank you Pastor Denny for accepting this offer of an honorary degree. It is truly deserved.”

Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor of the University, waved off the new graduates with a message of advice. “Your degree is an important milestone, and you should celebrate your success. But this is the beginning of your journey, not the end. Your time here has developed your skills and knowledge. But don’t stop learning,” he told the gathered students.

“We live in a world that demands and expects us to constantly refine and update our skills. And your career will take twists and turns that cannot be predicted, while you will find fulfilment in other parts of your life, in ways that may currently be unimaginable.”