A graduation ceremony complete with gowns and mortar boards has been held for Uxbridge College students who have completed university-level qualifications.

The students celebrated their Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) at their graduation ceremony at Brunel University on Wednesday November 5.

Awards were presented to graduates in business, computing, engineering and travel and tourism.

Laraine Smith, Principal of Uxbridge College, said: “This year we’ve seen a total of 70 people graduate through Uxbridge College at HNC and HND level and I would like to congratulate every one of them.

“It is obvious from what these graduates are doing now that these qualifications are extremely useful in the real world. We have people running their own businesses, entering degree courses in the third or fourth year, and finding their job and salary prospects improved as a result of these achievements.

“Whether you want to continue into further study or make your way in the workplace, Higher Education qualifications are an excellent way to both.”

The graduates received their certificates and diplomas from Professor Mariann Rand-Weaver, a Pro Vice Chancellor at Brunel University and a member of the Board of Governors at Uxbridge College.

Around 50% of the college’s HND graduates each year go straight into the third year of an Honours degree, or the fourth in the case of sandwich courses. The rest may continue working, often in a new role at a senior or management level.

Awards were presented for the following qualifications: the BTEC HNC Level 4 Diploma in Business and in Electrical and Electronic Engineering; and the BTEC HND Level 5 Diploma in: Business; Computing Games Development; Computing & Systems Development; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; and Travel and Tourism Management.