CLASS OF 2024 CELEBRATE

University Centre Farnborough’s graduating class of 2024 celebrated their achievements at a prestigious ceremony held at Guildford Cathedral. Hundreds attended the highlight of the University Centre’s calendar. Guests included graduates, their families, friends, and teaching staff.

The ceremony was presided over by Principal CEO Virginia Barrett (OBE), Chair of the Corporation Dr Femi Oduneye via video and University of Surrey Pro Chancellor Dr Jim Glover. This year’s guest speaker was former student, Ellyse Marsh, who delivered a heartfelt address that resonated with graduates and guests alike.

Principal CEO Virginia Barrett (OBE) addressed the congregation, highlighting the graduates’ academic accomplishments, personal growth, and the valuable skills and knowledge they’ve acquired throughout their studies.

Following the ceremony, the festivities continued at the University Centre campus with a lively drinks reception and canapés provided by Farnborough College of Technology catering students. Graduates relished the opportunity to share their stories, network and say farewells to staff and fellow students.

Several graduates shared their experiences, reflecting on their unique journeys and next steps for the future:

Manish, who recently completed his Business and Psychology degree, explained that he was drawn to the University Centre because of the accelerated degrees as they would allow him to get into industry quicker. Manish soon discovered after joining that he also really enjoyed the small class sizes with a more personal approach. He is now working in marketing at Apple where he hopes to apply not only his business skills, but also his knowledge of consumer psychology.

Megan studied a Sport Massage and Rehabilitation degree at University Centre Farnborough. It was an obvious choice for her as the course blended her passion for sports and desire to become a massage therapist into one. Megan’s personal experience of football gave her exposure to the importance of physiotherapy and massage in sport, so she decided to pursue it as a career. “The teachers are absolutely lovely and so supportive. It’s a very fun, practical course too which was why I liked it so much”. Megan is excited to build on her knowledge and develop her career at The Massage Company.

Albert, a proud holder of a degree in Broadcast, Media and Film Production, explained that he loved his time at the University Centre: “The course showed me everything I wanted to know about media: it’s taught me how to produce media and create media which is exactly what I wanted out of my degree.” Speaking on his next steps, he said: “I’m already working behind-the-scenes as a Multi-Skilled Operator for a telemarketing TV channel.”

Graduates Alison and Nicola studied a top-up degree in Education with a focus on Learning Support after starting out as higher level teaching assistants in local schools. They both had a desire to take their teaching further and get a degree, which is how they discovered University Centre Farnborough. Alison said: “I’d always wanted to teach, so this was perfect because it was one night a week so I could fit it in around life and children.”  Nicola added: “It’s a very clever degree because it’s literally made for people working in schools and your hours at work count towards your degree.”

Principal CEO Virginia Barrett (OBE) commented on the event, saying: “Graduation marks our farewell to a group of extraordinary individuals who have enriched our community, brightened our classrooms, and reached the culmination of all their hard work. We wish each of them all the best as they embark on their next chapter with the knowledge that they will always be a part of the Farnborough family.”

To register or for more information about University Centre Farnborough and the range of courses available, please visit www.ucfarnborough.ac.uk.