Hundreds of graduates embraced the rain to celebrate with family and friends at this year’s Winter Graduation.
Graduation is a special day for all those involved, and this year’s ceremony saw over 200 students donning caps and gowns to receive their degree awards at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on Thursday 23 January.
The University was joined for the occasion by Dennis Hardiman MBE; recognised as Liverpool’s longest standing headteacher. Dennis received a Senior Fellowship in recognition of his contribution to education in the region.
PhDs, Masters, Postgraduate Certificates and Bachelor degrees were awarded to the class of 2025, who were jubilant despite the grey skies.
The day marked a significant milestone in our graduates’ educational journey, and was an opportunity to reflect on their time spent at Hope.
Rahma studied an MA in Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood and said: “As an international student, it was a bit daunting coming here but it’s been lovely. The staff in particular are so supportive. Towards the end of my dissertation, I struggled with my wellbeing and wasn’t sure if I was able to finish but my supervisor, as well as the course coordinator were a massive help. I couldn’t have done it without the staff being so supportive. I have met some really great friends and I found my people here. To be able to celebrate with them today is wonderful.”
MA Social Work student Temitope said: “The lecturers have been amazing. They made it so easy for us to ask questions, especially as social work in the UK is different to what some of us knew. I have no regrets about my decision to study here.”
Social Work course mate Ekene echoed this sentiment, adding: “I agree that the lecturers were so supportive, especially when it came to placements. I don’t think other universities offer this level of support and that experience has been a highlight for me”.
Alen is graduating with a master’s degree in Advanced Computer Science and said: “This year was quite different to my bachelor’s degree. I thought it would be easy but it takes hard work. I never expected to be here but Hope gave me a chance. I really enjoyed the experience and made a lot of new international friends.”
The culmination of years of hard work and dedication saw many students excited about their future prospects.
Isabella, a Drama and Theatre undergraduate, spoke fondly about her Hope journey and the prospect of returning for postgraduate study, saying: “My experience at Hope has been amazing and I have met the best of friends and the memories I have made are fabulous. I’ll never forget my teachers and I can’t imagine me studying anywhere else. I really want to come back and do a masters.”
Also considering further study is Natasha, a Music Production and Creative Writing student, saying: “I had a really good time on the course and found the tutors so helpful and especially supportive while studying through the pandemic. It was a good practical course and I learnt a lot and I definitely enjoyed the campuses. I’d like to take a year out and then look at doing an education course or something around music and art therapy.”
The graduation ceremony included an address from Vice-Chancellor Professor Claire Ozanne, who acknowledged the hard work and dedication displayed by the graduands, and recognised the support shown by families, friends and partners.
Capturing the joyful mood of the day, Professor Ozanne said: “You have demonstrated resilience and adaptability; this dedication will stand you in good stead for the future, and today’s celebration offers you the chance to reflect on and feel proud of all that you have accomplished.”
Congratulations to our graduates.
Images from Winter Graduation 2025 are now available to view on the Liverpool Hope University Flickr Account