Champagne corks popped and many a selfie was taken as the UCFB Class of 2016 celebrated their graduation at Towneley Hall in Burnley.
Students donned robes and collected their degree certificates from UCFB’s Principal Paul Cassell and Head of Academics Gerald Griggs, bringing to an end their academic journey with UCFB.
The day was an emotional affair for some academic staff as well as graduates, with the cohort being the last group to graduate exclusively from UCFB’s Turf Moor campus in Burnley, following UCFB’s momentous move to the Etihad Campus in Manchester over the summer.
UCFB Graduating Students from the Class of 2016 during their group picture.
Graduates came from UCFB’s unique programmes of BA (Hons) Football Business & Marketing, BA (Hons) Football Business & Media and BA (Hons) Football Business & Finance. The ceremony also marked the final time just three courses at UCFB would have graduates, with now 12 programmes available across the two campuses in Manchester and London.
Following the graduation ceremonies, delighted graduates ate, drank, sung and danced their way into the night reminiscing on their three years together and discussing their plans for the future.
UCFB Academic Russell Preston with a message to his graduating students
From UCFB, 93% of graduates are in full time employment, with two-thirds of those working in the football and sport industries. From the Class of 2016, graduates are already employed at the likes of Manchester United, Hull City and Opta.
Amy O’Connor, who graduated with first class honours from the BA (Hons) Football Business & Marketing programme, commented on her graduation: “Everyone had such a great day and it was brilliant to be able to celebrate with our families and the friends we made over the three years in Burnley. I want to say a big thanks to the UCFB team who organised and ran the day; it was a great way to celebrate our time at UCFB and I can’t wait to take my skills and knowledge into the football industry.”
UCFB Academic David Horrocks included some of his graduating students names in his special message to them!
Jordan Hearne, who celebrated graduating from his BA (Hons) Football Business & Finance degree, added: “What a fantastic day and brilliant way to round off a superb three years at UCFB. In my time here I’ve made some great friends, experienced opportunities I never thought I’d get in higher education and most importantly have set myself up with a CV and qualification ready for the world of work.”
UCFB Academic Ian Tomlison with his graduating students from Football Business & Finance programme.
UCFB Principal Paul Cassell relayed his congratulations to this year’s graduates. He said: “Many congratulations to the Class of 2016 on successfully completing a dynamic three years of challenging work and study at UCFB; it’s something that friends and family of our graduates can be very proud of. We are confident our graduates will be high-achievers, and wish them the best of luck for the future.”
