Students from the Creative Arts, Technologies & Sciences and Education & Sport faculties assembled in the Corn Exchange to collect their awards in front of proud family and friends.

Among them were BAFTA award-winning actor, writer, comedian and musician Matt Berry and acclaimed jazz musician Jacqui Dunkworth, who both received honorary awards for their contributions to the realms of music and performing arts.

Matt, best known for his role of Douglas Reynholm in Channel 4’s The IT Crowd, offered the graduates words of wisdom: “Make sure you have a good pair of shoes and a good bed, because if you are not in one, you will be in the other.”

Jacqui also offered words of encouraging, saying: “The future of our cultural society is in your hands. Shine you light, always seek the truth and be yourselves.”

There was more cause for celebration after the ceremony when Theatre & Professional Practice graduate Lora Pllana received a surprise proposal from her boyfriend Edison.

Edison presented Lora with a bouquet of red roses and a stunning engagement ring, while her classmates looked on in amazement. It goes without saying that she said yes!

This was followed by the Civic Ceremony, which saw a procession of dignitaries make their way to the Corn Exchange from the Swan Hotel to the sound of the University’s Pipe Band.

A number of students were awarded prizes for academic excellence across the ceremonies, including:

• Rachael Tattersall - Language & Communication Best Overall Grade
• Michael Paul Harrison - The Institute of Sport & Physical Activity Research Award
• Alex Davies - Highest Dissertation Award
• Sachkartar Bhogal - The Education Studies Prize

The University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell offered congratulations to all the graduates, saying: “It is a privilege and pleasure for me to share your joy and pride in the achievement - we couldn’t be prouder of you.

“I urge you to go out into the world as ambassadors for the value of learning, of looking critically at the world and leaving it better than you found it.”

View the photos from the graduations below.