Almost 150 students in total picked up their degrees across two ceremonies, which also included students from the University of Bedfordshire’s regional partner colleges.

The morning ceremony at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone included graduands from all four faculties – ranging from courses in Engineering Business Management to Journalism – while the afternoon session was devoted to teacher training graduates.

But the main milestone of the day was achieved by the Psychology and Criminal Behaviour cohort, who became the first fully-fledged University of Bedfordshire graduates to collect their degrees in Milton Keynes.

Addressing the gathered students, Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell urged them to keep learning:

“You must continue to build on the skills and knowledge you have developed,” he said.

“You mustn’t stop learning. We live in a world that demands and expects us to constantly refine and update our skills. 

“And your career will take twists and turns that cannot be predicted, while you will find fulfilment in other parts of your life, in ways that may currently be unimaginable.”

Guest of Honour Tim Eyton-Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Barnfield College in Luton, told graduates to improve the lives of those around them.

“This is a very special day for you, not just in terms of what you’ve learned, but the opportunities presented to you,” he said.

“Don’t just think the experiences you’ve gained are narrowly confined to your immediate career aspirations. Ensure you always keep hold of those skills and that attitude that made you successful today.

“Make a success, not just of your own lives, but of your friends’, relatives’ and colleagues’.”

• View ceremony photos