Graduation November 2018: Celebrating the successes of over 400 online global graduates

On Friday 23 November 2018 168 University of Derby Online Learning graduates, from 28 countries, were awarded their degree certificates at Derby Arena - with a total class of over 420 graduates achieving awards in November 2018. The ceremony was followed by a reception event held at the University’s Kedleston Road site.

170 graduates and their guests travelled from across the globe from countries including Austria, Nigeria, Barbados, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Malta to experience the University of Derby in person at the reception event having successfully achieved their awards through distance learning.

The atmosphere on the day was one of exuberant celebration; students, guests and academics came together to congratulate the new graduates on their incredible achievement. The reception included a light lunch, magic and mind-reading performed by renowned magician Duncan William, the opportunity for graduates to meet their fellow students and, for many of our graduates, to visit the UK for the first time.

University of Derby Online Learning’s Director, Julie Stone, expressed her thoughts on the successes of the University’s new online graduates stating: “I speak for all of the staff at University of Derby Online Learning when I say we are all incredibly proud of the success achieved by our new online graduates, which is a testament to their continued hard work and commitment throughout their time studying with us. We hope all of our graduates find their awards from the University an invaluable tool in supporting their ambitions in both their personal and professional lives. It was simply a privilege to meet our online students from across the world at Graduation and to hear first-hand the incredible way their degrees are already shaping their futures and informing their next steps in their careers and beyond”

During the Graduation event, some of our remarkable students shared their online learning experience. Alvina Khan, who was awarded a 1^st class BSc (Hons) degree in Computing and Information Technologies (Top-Up) reflected on her time at University of Derby Online Learning: “Why is Derby University a Top University? You get support. You get support all the time. The tutors are really compromising, helpful, very flexible. Whenever you ask for help, whenever you go for help - they are there for you. So you’re not feeling alone, you are not alone on this journey”

The University of Derby Online Learning is delighted to commend our graduate prize winners, who were awarded prizes in recognition of their exceptional work. Prizes were awarded to:

• Awarded the Director of UDOL prize: Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky (MSc Health Psychology)
• Awarded the Highest Achieving Undergraduate student: Lynne Waller (BSc Hons Nursing Studies)
• Awarded the Highest Achieving Postgraduate student: Linda Smith (MSc Finance)

Professional Engineering MSc graduate Michael Ireland delivered the Vote of Thanks at the Graduation Ceremony on behalf of the student community.

Michael shared his student story with us at graduation stating “studying online, firstly, is so liberating. I simply would not have gained an MSc without online study”. Michael has also gained a promotion at work following his study at University of Derby Online Learning, stating that “the major impact” of his degree on his career is his subsequent increased confidence.

Both Linda Smith, who was awarded the title of Highest Achieving Postgraduate student, and Michael delivered inspirational speeches on their achievements at the reception event.

Find out more about our online courses

Watch the graduation reception video