BSDC students celebrate at HE Graduation

On Friday 30th September 2022, Burton and South Derbyshire College hosted its annual graduation event at The Hilton, St. George’s Park to celebrate the success of higher education students completing their studies.

In keeping with tradition, the students wore full academic dress and had official photographs taken in the grounds of St. George’s Park prior to the celebrations. The caps and gowns set the scene for the formal proceedings, which created a buzz of excitement amongst graduands and guests.

During the ceremony at The Hilton, students were presented with certificates to mark their success in a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including honours degrees; foundation degrees; higher national diplomas; higher national certificates and professional qualifications. 

Honorary fellowships were also awarded to Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds for her commitment to further education and lifelong learning and Ben Webster, Manufacturing Manager at Brecknell Willis for his services to industry and his commitment to raising aspirations of young people through his previous role as a Governor.

Burton and South Derbyshire College offers a wide range of Higher Education courses, including a number of courses run in partnership with and awarded by Staffordshire University. Studying Higher Education at BSDC provides students with a cost-effective route to gaining a university level qualification. 

The Higher Education Learner of the Year Award went to Joe Kirkland who came to the College on a Level 2 Sports course and progressed up to a degree level coaching course. Alongside his studies, he works as a Football Coach for Burton Albion FC and Woodville Rangers, as well as running his own football coaching company. Joe has been part of many international football coaching summer schools, including coaching trips to Spain, Ghana and America. He is now going on to study a teacher training qualification at BSDC and is hoping to continue down the women's coaching pathway in the future.

Chief Executive, Dawn Ward CBE DL said: “The HE Graduation Ceremony is a highlight of the College calendar. It has never been more important for people to ensure they have the high level skills necessary for success in the world of work. Continuing education with a Higher Education course at college is a fantastic way to advance career prospects and we wish our students all the best in their future careers.”