University College Birmingham celebrates Class of 2026 at landmark two-day graduation ceremonies| News

September 2026

University College Birmingham celebrates Class of 2026 at landmark two-day graduation ceremonies

By Claire Huggins

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Thousands of students celebrated their achievements as University College Birmingham hosted its biggest-ever graduation celebrations, with six ceremonies held across two days at Symphony Hall and the ICC Birmingham.

University College Birmingham's biggest graduation yet

For the first time in the University's history, graduation takes place over two days, with six ceremonies recognising the achievements of students from across the institution. The expansion reflects University College Birmingham's continued growth and the increasing number of students choosing to study at an award-winning university.

The celebrations also mark another significant milestone, with three dedicated ceremonies featuring students graduating with University College Birmingham-awarded degrees, highlighting the institution's growing academic portfolio and success since gaining degree-awarding powers.

Family members, friends, academics and professional services staff gathered to applaud the Class of 2026 as graduates crossed the stage and officially joined University College Birmingham's global alumni community of more than 30,000 graduates.

First graduates from new postgraduate programmes

Among those celebrating were the very first cohorts to graduate from four pioneering postgraduate programmes: Dietetics MSc, Education MA, Engineering Management MSc and Psychology MSc, representing the University's continued expansion into new and emerging areas of professional and industry demand.

Afriya Anjum (L) and Aprim Khan (R) with daughter Afrin

A special celebration for a husband and wife

Adding an extra personal touch to the celebrations were husband-and-wife graduates Afiya Anjum and Aprim Khan, who shared the memorable experience of graduating on the same day, with their eight-month-old daughter, Afrin, creating a family day to remember alongside their academic success.

“We met at home in Bangladesh, and I followed Aprim to study here in 2024," said Afiya.

"We got married in Birmingham, and then our daughter came along."

Aprim added: "We wanted to study at UCB because the course was right, and today has been just amazing. As for what's next, this little one is our priority!"

Honorary Fellowships recognise leaders in business, engineering and social impact

As graduation celebrations continue on Friday, University College Birmingham will also recognise two outstanding figures with Honorary Fellowships. The recipients have been honoured for their contributions to business, education, engineering and social mobility, as well as their commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

This year's honorary recipients will add another inspiring dimension to a graduation celebration that recognises achievement, ambition and the positive impact UCB graduates and partners are making in their industries and communities.

"For our graduates, this is both an ending and a beginning. It marks the culmination of years of hard work and achievement, while opening the door to new opportunities, ambitions and adventures."

Joseph Young University Secretary and Registrar

A milestone year for University College Birmingham

The Class of 2026 graduates leave University College Birmingham at a time of continued success for the institution. Recent achievements include being ranked among the UK's highest-performing universities in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, with a positivity score of 90.3%, and first In Birmingham for ‘Career Prospects and Facilities’ (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026), as well as ongoing investment in industry-standard facilities and career-focused education.

Writing in his welcome notes in the programme, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Michael Harkin, congratulated graduates on reaching this important milestone, praising their resilience, dedication and determination throughout their studies. The Class of 2026 joins thousands of UCB alumni making their mark in industries and communities across the world.

"Graduation is one of the most special occasions in the life of our University. It is a moment to celebrate not only the remarkable achievements of our graduates, but also the families, friends and supporters who have encouraged them every step of the way," said Joseph Young, UCB Secretary and Registrar.

"This year's ceremonies are particularly significant. For the first time in our history, we are celebrating graduation across two days, reflecting the growth of University College Birmingham and the increasing number of students choosing to build their futures with us.

"For our graduates, this is both an ending and a beginning. It marks the culmination of years of hard work and achievement, while opening the door to new opportunities, ambitions and adventures. As they leave us today, they do so with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a real difference in the world, and we could not be prouder of everything they have accomplished."

As mortarboards were raised and celebrations continued with loved ones, the six ceremonies marked not only the culmination of years of hard work for students, but another chapter in the growth and success story of University College Birmingham itself.