Hats off to our 1,000 graduates

The graduands, ranging in age from 19 to 67, are from around the UK and 50 other countries including USA, Nigeria, Cyprus, China, India, Iraq and Russia.

Professor Debra Humphris, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “Students can be extremely proud of their achievements – and so too can their families, friends and everyone at the University for the support they have given.

“Our talented graduates embody the vital role that universities play in society and I am certain they will make significant and positive contributions to society and the challenges we face.”

There will be special awards during the Winter Graduation day.

Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell

Emily Brooke MBE

Author and illustrator Cressida Cowell, the second University of Brighton graduate since 2015 to be named Children’s Laureate, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts for her major contribution to children’s literature and illustration and the promotion of children’s literacy.

Ms Cowell, who studied MA Narrative Illustration at the university, is best known for her How to Train Your Dragon books, which have been adapted into film and television series. She follows Brighton alumnus and honorary graduate Chris Riddell, who held the Children’s Laureate role from 2015 to 2017.

Ms Cowell, a number one bestselling author-illustrator, is an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, a trustee for World Book Day and a founder patron of the Children's Media Foundation.

Graduate Emily Brooke MBE will receive an Honorary Doctor of Engineering for her major contribution to product design and the promotion of entrepreneurship.

Emily is the Founder and Chairwoman of Beryl (formerly Blaze), a London based technology company with the sole purpose of, ‘Building a better world by getting more people in cities on bikes’. Her first product, the ‘Laserlight’, tackles the greatest barrier to cycling, personal safety, and was Emily’s final year Product Design project at the University of Brighton.

Beryl's technology has been adopted by the bike share schemes of London, New York, Glasgow and Montreal and Beryl also co-designed the new Santander Cycle for London, providing lights, lasers, GPS, sensors, connectivity and all on-board technology.

Family members, friends and supporters will be attending the ceremonies during the day, with many more watching via Livestream.