Around 1,600 students at Bucks New University have graduated during a memorable week of celebrations.

The university’s graduation ceremonies, at Wycombe Swan theatre, also saw honorary degrees presented to leading figures in the worlds of nursing, the RAF, disabled sport and art, and to a Baroness who is President of Friends, Families and Travellers for the Education of Romany and other Travellers.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Braisby said graduates had “acquired the knowledge, skills and understanding to help make a real difference to society as they enter the next exciting phase of their lives”.

He said: “I am proud that the University is highly skilled at rising to the challenges it faces and this week we also celebrate the many successes we have enjoyed over the past year.”

Graduates included Richard Joseph, 35, who attended Sir William Ramsay School in Rose Avenue, Hazlemere, and gained a 2:1 in BA (Hons) Advertising Management and Digital Communications.

Richard had previously worked in a warehouse and juggled his studies with family life.

He said: “Returning to study in my 30s presented challenges but I would urge anyone who feels like they’re stuck in a job and want to look again at what they’re doing to consider a degree.”

Twins Scott and Justin Leatherbarrow gained firsts in BSc (Hons) Games Development.

Scott said: “We are both incredibly happy with our results, which we partly attribute to driving each other on. The course was really engaging and the lecturers ensured it was enjoyable and challenging.”

Dana Okeke, 21, achieved a first in BA (Hons) Music Business and won an award for Best Dissertation or Project.

“I have taken advantage of every opportunity I have been given to gain experience during the degree and would recommend people to study at Bucks New University,” said Dana.

For course information at Bucks New University go to www.bucks.ac.uk, call 0330 123 2023, or email advice@bucks.ac.uk