Birkbeck celebrates successful graduation ceremonies for over 1,200 students
A total of 1,294 postgraduate students graduated last week, with ten ceremonies held over four days.
Taking place in Senate House, the University of London's historic headquarters, Birkbeck hosted ceremonies to mark the academic achievements of students successfully completing their studies. Graduands were able to share in the excitement of the occasion with loved ones who attended in person, while guests and graduates unable to attend in-person were able to watch the ceremonies via live stream on the Birkbeck website.
The diversity of Birkbeck's student body was evident at the ceremonies, with graduates from all age groups, cultures and walks of life celebrating their successes.
Among them was Daniel Smith, a graduate of MSc Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy, who changed careers from working in post-production filmmaking to securing a role in mental health counselling in the NHS. He credited Birkbeck's reputation for helping his career change.
Meanwhile, international student and LLM Environmental Law, Policy and Governance graduate, Annika Bellot, talked about how she aspires to represent her home country, Dominica, on the international stage in environmental law, commenting: "I want to become an environmental diplomat and represent my country on the world stage."
Other success stories included MSc Economics graduate, Ellie Henderson, whose Master's degree accelerated her career and helped to secure her a role as an Economist at Investec and Simon Bell spoke about overcoming a hidden disability whilst studying MSc Marketing to further his career.
Chris Lehmann graduated from MSc Social and Political Theory and talked about how Birkbeck's career coaching programme helped her get a new job, and how their studies are helping her make a positive impact for the LGBTQ+ community. And MSc Human Resource Management graduate Fahd Rehman credited studying with landing him a promotion and building vital networks.
In addressing the graduands during the ceremonies, Professor David Latchman, Birkbeck's Vice-Chancellor spoke about Birkbeck celebrating its 200th year as an institution widening access to higher education. He commented: "Congratulations to all those who graduated, and who have shown such dedication to their studies and to furthering themselves. I am proud that Birkbeck has been changing lives in such remarkable ways since its founding in 1823."
In addition to celebrating the graduates, the ceremony also welcomed new Fellows of the College. Among them were Annie Coombes, Judy Singer, Hetan Shah and Michael O'Neill. The new Fellows were introduced by the College Orator, Professor Joanna Bourke, and congratulated by academic staff and alumni.
All the graduands were also offered video congratulations by Baroness Joan Bakewell, President of the College, who spoke proudly of the student's successes and of Birkbeck's rich history.
Further Information
- Find out more about studying at Birkbeck
- Find out more about Birkbeck's Fellows
- Find out more about Birkbeck's 200-year history and anniversary