The University of Worcester is celebrating the Class of 2021 next week with a host of graduation ceremonies set to take place.

Around 3,000 students who completed their studies during the pandemic will walk out to formally receive their degrees at Worcester Cathedral next week.

The annual graduations will see 12 ceremonies taking place from Tuesday, November 2 to Friday, November 5.

University of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green CBE DL, said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome back our graduates of 2021 to celebrate their many achievements.

"Each and every member of the graduating class of 2021 faced the challenge of exceptional circumstances and succeeded in the face of adversity. 

"These ceremonies will be a powerful springboard for the renewal of our society.

"Among our graduating Class of 2021 are our health graduates, who not yet fully qualified, volunteered to go into the front line at the time of greatest need, to work with the sick, to face the dangers of infection.

"These ceremonies will be a chance for us to celebrate the courage and dedication of these remarkable young people."

In June, the University of Worcester was the first in the UK to host in-person graduations for the Class of 2020, whose ceremonies were postponed by the pandemic.

Next week’s ceremonies will build on the success of the summer celebrations with post ceremony receptions once again taking place at the University’s City Campus.

Among this year’s graduates will be a record number of students who achieved First Class Honours in their degrees.

450 students earned the top grade this year, including Fiona Cunningham, who is now a qualified midwife at Hereford County Hospital after completing her studies at the University.

She said: "I completed my third year of midwifery during the pandemic and opted to complete the majority of my studies on placement to help the covid effort at Worcestershire Royal Hospital," she said.

"Whilst it was tough and at times scary because of the unknowns, I felt like it gave me more practical experience and allowed me to develop more skills and coping mechanisms that are vital to working frontline."

Mark Gillett, a paramedic, who completed a Health Science degree and is now completing a Masters with a view to becoming an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, will also be picking up his First-Class Honour next week.

He said: "I worked full time through the Covid pandemic," said the 35-year-old.

"To pass, let alone to succeed with a First-Class degree is one of my biggest achievements to date."