Summer graduation 2024

More than 5,300 students officially graduated from LJMU this week across 15 ceremonies at Liverpool Cathedral.

The university’s latest graduates were able to celebrate in style alongside their personal supporters and cheerleaders, as well as staff from all five academic faculties and representatives from the university’s professional supporting services who have been with the students during every step of their studies.

Speaking during the ceremonies, LJMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Power, said: “As you move to the next stage of your journey, I have a few words of personal advice as your Vice-Chancellor. Be open to different cultures and experiences; follow a path that makes you happy and follow that path with purpose; take time to always understand and respect those around you and act with courage and integrity.

“The university crest which is on your certificate and adorns your formal academic robes today carries with it an inscription in Latin – transcribed it reads – fortune favours the brave – and you have been brave in realising the dreams and ambitions that brought you here today. I would urge you to carry on with the same sense of purpose in whatever path you now choose to follow.”

Following their formal ceremonies students ‘toasted to their success’ alongside friends, family and fellow graduates as they gathered to receive special school prizes and awards at additional celebratory events hosted by the university.

Summer graduation stories

On Monday, graduates from the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences and School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences were the first to wear their graduation gowns as they marked the end of their university studies. Among them was Charlotte Montgomery who gave birth to her daughter at the start of her final year of a sport and exercise science degree, who thanked her family for ensuring she could finish her studies.

Tuesday saw celebrations for those from Liverpool Screen School and School of Justice Studies. In a first for the university, more than 60 students marked their graduation from two courses that provide professional qualifications for probation officers. Plus, media production graduate Peter Eric Lang was delighted to be back in Liverpool Cathedral where he took his exams to become a Liverpool tour guide. He did this alongside running his own media company, The Liverpudlian, and expanding his knowledge through his studies and developing further business skills with help from the university’s Start-Up Hub.  

The halfway point of summer graduation, Wednesday, recognised graduates from the School of Law and Liverpool Business School. There was a third LJMU graduation for Dr Jennifer Graham, this time celebrating her PhD which looked at the ground-breaking topic of AI regulation, and a double celebration for sport business graduate Rio Boothe who attended graduation the day after competing in the European Para Laser Run Championships.   

Thursday was dedicated to students graduating from the School of Engineering, School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Astrophysics Research Institute, School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, School of Nursing and Allied Health, School of Psychology, and School of Public and Allied Health. Oliver Farnworth was delighted to celebrate his graduation having completed a degree apprenticeship in civil engineering, gaining his degree with the support of his employers Liverpool-based highways engineers Flinders Chase.

And finally, Friday brought the week of celebrations to a close with the ceremonies for the Liverpool School of Art and Design, School of Humanities and Social Science and School of Education. Among those crossing the stage during the final celebratory ceremonies was History of Art and Museum Studies graduate Madeleine Pedley, who has experienced an action-packed three years at university exemplifying how to get the absolute most out of the opportunities available to students studying at LJMU.  

The university also welcomed local primary and secondary school children to the cathedral who engaged with a variety of LJMU projects to experience graduation first hand.

Graduation photos and staying connected to LJMU as an alum

Photos and videos from the ceremonies will be shared on LJMU Connect, the university’s alumni network which graduates can sign-up for to stay in touch with the university about future events, reunions, graduate support, networking and mentoring opportunities.

LJMU Connect is not just for graduates, members of LJMU staff can also sign-up to LJMU Connect and network with the wider LJMU family.

Graduation 2025

The university’s next graduation ceremonies will take place in March 2025 (spring graduation) and then July 2025 (summer graduation).

Invitations for the spring 2025 ceremonies will be sent to eligible LJMU students in the autumn.