Spring Graduation 2022

This year's spring graduation returned to University of London's iconic Senate House, with a total of eight ceremonies taking place across 3, 4, and 5 May, seeing 1,029 students graduate.

The graduates were addressed by David Latchman, Vice-Chancellor; Baroness Joan Bakewell, President; Professor Joanna Bourke, College Orator; academic staff; alumni; and four new Fellows of the College: Lisa Nandy, MP; former Dean of Arts, Professor Hilary Fraser; Birkbeck Alumna and Chief Executive of Ofcom, Dame Melanie Dawes; and emeritus Professor of Philosophy, Dorothy Edgington.

Here are some remarkable stories, excited conversations and words of wisdom from those who graduated.

Graduation stories: blogs

"Because of Birkbeck I'm living my dream as a writer"

Tasneem Abdur-Rashid tells her story of studying MA Creative Writing, landing a book deal, and how she is now pursuing her dream of becoming a writer.

"Birkbeck opened the door to my new life"

33 years after witnessing the violent exploitation of human rights in Georgia, Catherine Bourne shares the story of how she came to embark on a career change by studying MA Human Rights.

Overcoming an initial language barrier

From being incredibly worried that her language skills might hold her back academically, to winning multiple prizes for her dissertation, Martina Innocenti shares her experience of studying MSc in Childhood, Youth and International Development.

"I had great exposure to leading scholars"

PhD graduate Cobus Van Rooyen has now completed three courses at Birkbeck, and talks about the vast amount of knowledge and experience gained through his time at the College.

Graduation Stories: Videos

"Commuting to Birkbeck from Bristol was a great way to study"

MA European History graduate Timothy shares his story about commuting to Birkbeck from Bristol, after reaching a stage in his career where he wanted a change and to do something completely new.

"I'm addicted to Birkbeck"

MA Screenwriting graduates Yasser and Cashmira share how they were supported on their course, and what they enjoyed about their time at Birkbeck.

"I've always wanted to be a published writer"

More from MA Creative Writing graduate, Tasneem, as she shares her story on how studying at Birkbeck enabled her to become a published writer while having a family, and what it was like returning to education after 18 years.

Changing careers from graphic design to teaching psychology

MSc Psychology graduate, Wadha Alnusif, talks about how studying at Birkbeck has enabled her to change career.

"I had the experience, but now I also have the knowledge"

MSc Human Resource Management graduate, Amanda Logan, shares her story of being an international student, why she loves Birkbeck’s central London location and how studying equipped her with the knowledge to support her career in human resources.

Choosing a UK university as an international student

MSc Information Technology graduate, Eric Andre Rodriguez, and his aunt discuss his move from Colombia to the UK to study and how she helped him with the process of choosing to study at Birkbeck.

"We are now lifelong friends and collaborators"

Dr Kirsty Lauder and her supervisor, Professor of Organisational Psychology, Almuth McDowall, talk through the process and inspiring results of Kirsty's PhD, as well as what makes Birkbeck unique.

From the Fellows

"The future is yours, so go out and shape it."

Newly elected Fellow, Lisa Nandy MP, gives her advice to graduates.

Find out more about our Birkbeck Fellows.

"It was incredibly important, it set me up."

Newly elected Fellow, Dame Melanie Dawes, talks about what makes Birkbeck such a unique institution.

Find out more about our Birkbeck Fellows.