September 2025
A glorious graduation: we look back on the day
By Claire Huggins
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Monday 22 September was a momentous day for graduating students, staff and honorary award recipients as a total of four ceremonies took place, all hosted at the prestigious Symphony Hall in Birmingham’s city centre and live-streamed via the official University YouTube channel.
The day marked a milestone, not just for the graduates, but for University College Birmingham too as this year’s graduation was the last time it will take place over just one day. In response to increasing numbers of graduates, the 2026 ceremonies will take place over two days. With over 2,000 graduates and over 3,000 guests attending this year, the move to a two-day event is an exciting progression for the University.
Birmingham's Symphony Hall
Teamwork made the dream work
From early morning through to the late evening, the University's graduation team was on hand to ensure everything ran as smoothly as possible. Even the weather played ball, as the sun stayed out for the four ceremonies, providing the perfect backdrop for students' photographs in and around Centenary Square, as they shared their memories and anecdotes.
"My favourite memory is going to the cadaver lab or boxing in the box championships, which was an amazing opportunity."
Gieona, pictured left.
Key highlights
- Once again this year, the biggest cohort of graduates came from the Department of Health and Nutrition as nurses prepare to take their next steps.
- Nursing graduates were presented with a nursing pin by the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England, Professor Michelle Bateman.
- The single biggest group of graduates from one course saw 256 people achieve their Culinary Arts Management MA/PGDip.
- The day also saw the very first graduates from courses newly accredited by University College Birmingham: Computer Science BSc (Hons)/FdSc and MSc/PGDip, Construction Project Management MSc, Cyber Security BSc (Hons)/FdSc and Engineering Management MSc.
"I was delighted to see all four ceremonies packed to the rafters, particularly as a whole swathe of students graduated from our new curriculum areas."
Personal perspectives
The University also presented two recipients with honorary fellowships as well as one posthumous award.
Dr Rachel Carr OBE is the founder and CEO of IntoUniversity, a registered charity that provides children and young people with a safe space to learn, develop vital skills and gain experience in the world of work. The honorary fellowship recognises her ongoing commitment to improving young people’s lives.
“I'm so excited to be awarded this," she said. "It's such a privilege and an honour to be recognised in this way.”
Read more about Dr Rachel Carr OBE.
Errol Lawson is the founder of the Building the Future Awards and CEO of Emerge Leadership UK CIC, a social enterprise that delivers leadership and soft skills training across the UK, with a strong focus on youth empowerment and workforce development. He is also a proud graduate of University College Birmingham, holding an MSc in Enterprise Management (Distinction). Errol has also been made a visiting professor. Both awards recognise his work in empowering the next generation of change-makers.
“I never would have imagined achieving this at all," he said. "A big thing to say, but to me, this is miraculous and I feel very grateful.”
Helen McCarroll was posthumously awarded her Adult Nursing BSc (degree apprenticeship). Family and friends of Helen were welcomed to accept the award on Helen’s behalf, as she sadly lost her life to renal cancer last year.
"I just feel so proud of her," said Helen's sister, Stephanie Wilkinson. "She worked so hard for it and absolutely loved it."
"It's a bittersweet moment," added her best friend, Michelle Richardson. "All she wanted to do was nursing, and it came so naturally to her. It's very sad that she's missed out on this today."
The Vice-Chancellor's view
Speaking from the Symphony Hall on the day, Professor Michael Harkin, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of University College Birmingham commented: "There were four graduation ceremonies, all of which were packed to the rafters.
"The students were mostly receiving University College Birmingham awards, but there were some who received awards from the University of Warwick and the University of Birmingham, presented by Professor Lorenzo Frigerio and Professor Tom Harrison, respectively.
"It was a particularly defining moment to see a whole swathe of the first cohort from our new curriculum areas."
Many congratulations to all the award recipients!
Graduation day in pictures
Dr Rachel Carr OBE receives her award
Errol Lawson receives his award
Helen McCarroll's sister, Stephanie Wilkinson, receives her posthumous award
Graduates gather with family and friends
People gather before the ceremony starts
It's always a family affair
Just a few members of UCB's graduation team
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