UCS Graduation 2025

Over 240 graduates from University Centre Somerset (UCS) took to the stage at Wellsprings Leisure Centre on Friday as the Class of 2025 officially celebrated their academic success, and their vital role in shaping the future of Somerset’s workforce.

Graduates came from a wide range of degree programmes including Nursing, Engineering, Counselling, Animal Management, Agricultural Management, Computing, and Makeup Artistry, many of which have strong connections to Somerset’s industries and communities.

As a key part of the UCS College Group, UCS is committed to developing the region’s talent and keeping it local, training students not just for qualifications, but for careers that matter to Somerset. Many students are now progressing into roles with local employers including the NHS, engineering firms, schools, farms, and creative agencies.

   

Speaking at the event, Andy Berry CBE, CEO of UCS College Group, said:

“UCS is about delivering degrees for real life, and for real communities like ours. This graduating class are not just students, they’re future nurses, engineers, teachers, designers and leaders for Somerset. We’re proud of everything they’ve achieved, and even prouder that so many of them are choosing to stay here, work here and make a difference here.”

The ceremony was attended by proud families and friends, alongside special guests including Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset Mr Clinton Rogers, High Sheriff of Somerset Janet Montgomery, and the Deputy Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Bev Fernandes. Representatives from partner universities including the University of Plymouth, UWE Bristol and The Open University conferred awards.

As always, UCS recognised outstanding student achievements with a series of special prizes:

• Student of the Year Alina Cerghizan (Business Management HND) and Georgina Catling (PGCE)
• Principal’s Prize Natasha Green (BA (Hons) Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making)
• Best Dissertation or Final Project Ben Hooper (BSc Computing) and Chloe Eyles (BSc Agricultural Management)
• University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Award Milly Denning (BSc Agricultural Management)
• UCS Special Recognition Award John Jenkins (BEng Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear)

Graduates were also inspired by fellow students Phoebe Pedler and Dan Goodfellow, who delivered the traditional Student Votes of Thanks during the morning and afternoon ceremonies.

   

UCS continues to grow its offer across Somerset, giving local students the opportunity to gain university-level qualifications without leaving the county and in many cases, going on to work in the communities they’ve always called home.

For more about studying at UCS and courses starting in 2026, visit www.somerset.ac.uk/courses