Thousands of students donned their gowns and mortar boards this week as they celebrated years of hard work at their university graduation. 

Bucks New University graduates made the memorable walk across the stage at the Wycombe Swan to collect their degree certificates in ceremonies held throughout the week. 

The High Wycombe-based university, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, presented degrees to graduates across a range of courses, including fashion, design, business, music production, nursing and social work. 

Television star, and Bucks New University graduate, Jimmy De Ville and former Chief Nursing Officer Dame Christine Beasley DBE - a former Chair of Council at the university - also picked up honorary degrees.

De Ville, 39, studied Product Design at the university in Queen Alexandra Road and stars as an ‘extreme engineer’ in the programme Engine Addict with Jimmy De Ville on Quest, which starts tonight (Friday).

He was presented with an honorary master’s degree.

Dame Christine was honoured for her career and her broad experience of policy development and leadership and awarded an honorary doctorate. 

Other honorary degree recipients were Carol Gaskin, governor with responsibility for safer custody, healthcare and segregation at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, and Angie Camden, of Independent Voices, an organisation involved in the recruitment and training of nurses and social workers at the university.

Bucks New University vice-chancellor Professor Rebecca Bunting said: “Nearly 2,000 students have attended ceremonies, bringing around 5,000 guests with them, so this week is a wonderful celebration for the town, university, our students and their families and friends.

“Originally, we were a craft school, set up to train young people and war veterans for the trades. Now we offer more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and short courses. We’re also excited to offer degree apprenticeships for people in employment. 

“We have certainly grown and changed over the years but what hasn’t changed is our focus on students and creative and professional knowledge and skills, all of which should serve our students well in their careers.

“Our students are highly motivated, creative and innovative and I really hope they go on to build on their talent to develop successful and enjoyable future careers.”

  • Pick up this week's Bucks Free Press for an eight page Graduation picture special - in stores now.