Autumn graduation 2023

The 2023 Autumn graduation ceremonies returned to University of London's Senate House and saw almost 1,000 undergraduate students celebrate their academic success.

Graduating students were addressed and congratulated by Professor David Latchman CBE, Vice-Chancellor; Baroness Joan Bakewell, President; Professor Joanna Bourke, College Orator; academic staff; alumni; and new Fellows of the College: Claire Callender, Lynda Nead, Ron Smith, Sarah Hart, Trevor Fenner, Mike Oaksford.

The rich diversity of Birkbeck’s student population was apparent during the events, with graduates of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and life paths commemorating their achievements. Below are some of their remarkable stories.

Graduation stories: blogs

“Studying was a motivating force for me”

Elma Daku shares her experience of teaching herself English in order to study BSc Biomedicine.

“I'm excited for my future and becoming a probation officer”

BSc Criminology graduate Ujwal Nippani didn’t have A-levels, but now looks forward to a bright future.

From jobs in hospitality and retail to working for a member of parliament

Pierre Orsini shares how studying BA Politics helped transform his life.

“The opportunity to work and study was perfect for me”

BSc Geography graduate Adam Sewell talks about how being able to continue working while studying opened the door to higher education for him.

“I’ve made friends for life here”

Ava Wollnick-Halliday shares how studying BA Creative Writing helped her find both the direction she wanted to go in life and creative collaborators to help her do it.

I'm 53 and embarking on a career change to become a human rights lawyer

Rahat Ismail, BA Global Politics and International Relations graduate, decided to follow her dreams of working in law later in life.

Graduation Stories: Videos

“Life is about giving yourself new challenges, taking the leaps”

Kishan Sheth studied a Graduate Diploma in Law to facilitate a career pivot from dentistry into medical indemnity. Here he talks about the benefits of studying in the evenings and importance of following his passion.

Twins study a Law degree together to change their careers

Twins Nadia and Kheira Krim studied LLB Law and Commercial Law together and reflect on balancing full-time work, raising three children each, and studying together.

“I had no A-Levels and worked as a kitchen porter, now I'm going to be a probation officer”

Ujwal Nippani, BSc Criminology and Criminal Justice graduate, came to Birkbeck with no A-Levels and worked as a kitchen porter while studying.

“Don't be scared to change your career at any stage in life”

Rahat Ismail, who was married at 15, studied BA Global Politics and International Relations with the ambition of becoming a human rights lawyer. She encourages others to change careers at any stage in life.

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How has your degree changed you?

We asked graduating students an important question at the Autumn 2023 graduation ceremonies: how has your degree changed you? Watch to hear their inspiring answers.

Find out more about studying at Birkbeck.