After University Centre Weston (UCW) 2020 Graduation was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were finally able to celebrate the success of our students from both 2020 and 2021 on Saturday 18th September 2021 with four Graduation ceremonies throughout the day.
Weston-super-Mare town centre was packed with friends, family and graduates of both our 2020 and 2021 cohorts.
Hundreds of guests lined the procession as the graduates and academics walked up to St John the Baptist’s Church for their ceremonies. Guest were then invited to enjoy the ceremony via a large screen in the Italian Gardens with Weston Brass Band, or view from their own homes via a livestream.
The ceremonies themselves saw each Graduate collect their certificate, where cheers could be heard from friends and family in the Italian Gardens. They also took part in traditional mortarboard tosses and were treated to a musical performance.
Graduating student Joseph Gregory, who achieved a First-Class Honours in BA (Hons) Management and Sustainability provided our first ceremony’s Student Vote of Thanks, said: “I’ve had a fantastic experience at UCW, and I’m honoured to have been asked to do the student vote of thanks. It’s great to be able to represent everyone graduating today, it’s a real honour.”
Following the completion of his degree, Joseph is now working for the Ministry of Defence on a Graduate Scheme.
Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “We’ve had a massive response from graduates, the community and our key supporters.
When you see what has been achieved and the sheer quality of the degrees, then you realise that despite all the challenges of COVID that University Centre Weston has more than delivered. This graduating year, close to 40% of Honours students achieved a First-Class degree, which, for those not in the know, is highest grade possible!
“I have to pay testament to our partner universities Bath Spa University, UWE Bristol and Hartpury and our brilliant teachers and the students themselves who have absolutely excelled this year.”
Cerys Scarlett Swift, a Lens Based Media BA Hons graduate, who achieved a Second-class Honours degree said:
“It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m really sad that my time at UCW is over, but I’m very excited for what’s to come because of my experience here!”
Cerys has secured a place at the Royal Holloway University of London to study her Masters Degree.
Elliot Cutler, an Applied Computing BA (Hons) student who was part of the first cohort to graduate from the West of England Institute of Technology which is delivered via UCW said: “My degree offered a great opportunity to really expand my knowledge in computing. The support from tutors was great and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here”.
Elliot has now gone on to become a Graduate Web Developer for Weston College Group.
Many members of Weston College staff also expanded their learning by completing their Education and Training Diploma’s. Notably Abigail Green an FE and HE Lecturer in Voice Performing Arts and Musical Theatre graduated from her Education MA and then conducted the musical performance in her gowns!
