IN PICTURES: Graduates' dreams come true as they celebrate degree success at ARU Peterborough

The students, who had completed an array of courses and degree apprenticeships, formally received their awards from Professor Ross Renton, the principal of ARU Peterborough, watched by proud friends and family members.

Among those graduating was mature student Paul Mould, who graduated from the Computer Science for Mobile Games Development course and has since set up a small business and is about to launch his own computer game.

Paul said: “It’s been an amazing experience all the way through.

"The lecturers are great, working with the other students has been fantastic, and the skills I have learnt have given me the tools to do what I want to do in life.

“Prior to coming to ARU Peterborough, I was working in jobs I just didn’t enjoy. I was frustrated. One day I realised the only person that could change things was me.

“I was going to do my studies during Covid but that just didn’t happen.

"By the time I tried again, ARU Peterborough had just opened, I came down and spoke to staff and it persuaded me to take the step.”

Biomedical Sciences graduate Lamin Dibba has been accepted for the NHS Cardiac Science postgraduate programme, passing an extremely competitive application process.

He hopes to become a consultant cardiac scientist.

Lamin also addressed his fellow graduates for the Vote of Thanks speech at the closing of the ceremony.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “I’ve learned so much here.

"The best thing about ARU Peterborough is the community, the students, the lecturers.

“It’s beyond words that I was accepted for the programme.

"I’ve had a lot of people help me with the application, particularly from ARU Peterborough.

"Now I can live my dream.”

Professor Renton, said: "It was wonderful to celebrate the achievements of our graduates and the ambition, determination and resilience that have brought them to this milestone.

“At ARU Peterborough, we work closely with employers to ensure our students are ready to make a difference from day one. I congratulate every graduate on their success and encourage employers across our region to harness the exceptional talent, skills and fresh thinking they bring.”

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, who also attended the graduation, said: “A huge congratulations to this year’s graduates of ARU Peterborough.

“Not only is this a personal achievement for each student, but it also highlights how vital this university has been in offering local talent first class higher education on their doorstep.

“Peterborough faced a higher education cold spot but thanks to Combined Authority funding and our partnership with Peterborough City Council and ARU, we have students graduating and leaving with the skills and confidence to succeed in great careers that will benefit the local economy.

“This is an exciting day for all involved, and all students should be proud of what they have achieved.”

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “Congratulations to everyone at ARU Peterborough who has successfully completed their studies following much effort and hard work.

“I am so very proud of the graduates, many of whom are our local residents who care for dependents and wouldn't have had an opportunity unless we had a university in our city.

“I wish them the very best of luck as they take their next steps in their careers and lives, and I hope that for many of them this will mean contributing to the enhancement and development of our city and our local economy.”