Spring graduation 2024

A total of 2,678 students officially graduated from LJMU this week across eight joyous ceremonies at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, and for the first-time gowning, official photography, and ceremony livestreaming took place at LJMU’s Sport Building.

Despite a smattering of April showers and gales, 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 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: “Graduation lifts the spirits, and it is a privilege for all of us to be here with you. This is genuinely one of life’s big moments and being in the presence of your friends and families who are here to celebrate with you makes this such a special occasion.”

Overseeing her third year of graduation ceremonies since her installation as Chancellor, Nisha Katona MBE said: “It has been my privilege to stand with our Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor to celebrate your achievements, and what achievements. What you have demonstrated is absolute dedication, humble sacrifice, and mature motivation. And these are the skills, that I think, mean the world becomes an exciting place full of endless possibilities.” 

Spring graduation stories

On Monday, Dr Nicky Knowles spoke of her pride at being awarded her Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology. Nicky studied for her doctorate alongside her work with Public Health Wales, where she is a principal behavioural science specialist. And one student’s future was perhaps written in the stars with Galaxy Nova Salo celebrating the completion of their Master’s in Astrophysics on Monday too.

A terrific Tuesday saw LJMU graduate the next generation of computer scientists with expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Sithu Ye Htun, from Myanmar, achieved the prize for best dissertation on the MA in Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning) programme and is already carrying out research into robotics.

And finally, artist Dennis Outten celebrated his second LJMU graduation on Wednesday, picking up his MA in Immersive Media after previously studying at undergraduate level with the university’s art school. Dennis was also supported by LJMU with enterprise training which enabled him to establish his own creative business in the Liverpool City Region, Focal Studios, now famous for immersive storytelling experiences around the city such as for Lunar New Year and Eurovision.  

International partners experience a Liverpool graduation

Representatives from LJMU’s International Relations Team were delighted to welcome a delegation from the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) to the final graduation ceremony of the week, as part of a wider university visit. The visitors included Professor Mahesha Kaparabundara, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International, SLIIT International, and Mr Jehan Amaratunga from the SLIIT Board of Directors.

SLIIT is a degree awarding institute offering a range of LJMU awards in subjects as diverse as quantity surveying, psychology, architecture and business at its campuses in Sri Lanka. It has been one of the university’s global education partners since 2016.

LJMU has a global network of 15,000 students studying in 30 different countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East – this creates a real sense of global citizenship at the university.

Where can I find more graduation photos? How do I stay in touch as an alumnus?

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.

Register now for summer graduation: Monday 8 July to Friday 12 July 2024

Invitations for summer ceremonies have already been sent to eligible LJMU students (students with award conferral dates of 1 February 2024 to 1 July 2024 inclusive) and ceremony registration closes on Monday 10 June.

Gown hire and photography booking for students remains open until midnight on Sunday 30 June.

Read more about LJMU’s summer 2024 graduation ceremonies.

For LJMU staff, be sure to register for the summer ceremonies by Sunday 30 June to play your role in ensuring graduation is memorable for all LJMU graduands.