Burnley College University Courses Class of 2023 share their pride with the borough

Proud Graduates of Burnley College University Courses were joined by civic leaders, dignitaries, their family and friends to process through the heart of the town to celebrate their graduation.

Lecturers and support staff paraded alongside Graduates from the Princess Way Campus to Burnley Mechanics, led by Dean of Burnley College University Courses (BCUC) Nina Parkin. The culmination of the Graduates’ years of dedicated study was celebrated at the Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony.

Nina Parkin said:

“Graduation day is one of huge pride for our ambitious graduates and marks a milestone in their lives.

“Recognising and saluting the achievements of our incredible graduates has been amazing.

“It is the culmination of years of study and commitment and is the start of a new chapter for them as they launch successful careers, progress to further study and become future leaders with the drive and innovation to shape their chosen sectors.”

Due to the growth and success of Burnley College University Courses, this year two graduation ceremonies were staged to accommodate the large number of Graduates completing their studies.

Guest speaker at the ceremonies was inspirational Lancashire-born Royal Marine Commando Matt Mason. Matt took on ‘the world’s most dangerous row’ across the Atlantic Ocean in 2021 as part of the Ocean Revival team of four, sponsored by Burnley College. They completed the epic challenge to raise awareness of the plight of the world’s oceans and support veterans’ charities.

Matt has just completed his third significant rowing challenge, completing 550 miles across the Arctic Ocean, gaining his place in the record book by being part of the first four-man team to complete the challenge.

BCUC Graduate Aoife Hamilton responded on behalf of graduates. Aoife achieved a first-class BA Honours Degree in Professional Practice Working with Children and Young People at BCUC, igniting a passion to change career paths from primary school teaching to higher education, a move she credits to her inspirational Lecturers.

Karen Buchanan, Principal of Burnley College, said it is a day which always fills her with pride:

“Our Graduates are testament to the passion, the dedication, the desire to improve and succeed which drives us here at Burnley College.

“It’s an honour to be asked to attend and experience first-hand the joy of friends and family and to celebrate the outstanding achievements of everyone who has put so much time and effort into these exceptional qualifications.”

Work has started on a three-storey extension of BCUC’s already impressive facilities in the heart of Burnley College’s Campus. The £6.6 million project is scheduled to be completed in 2024 and will include a cutting-edge lecture theatre, a cyber security suite and state-of-the-art laboratories.

For more information on how you could change your life through degree-level study in Burnley, contact 01282 733400 or email hesupport@burnley.ac.uk. Our specialist advisors will show how you can harness your ambition and become an industry-shaping future leader.