More than 1,500 university students celebrated the completion of their degrees during ceremonies in Chelmsford last week.

Students at Anglia Ruskin University were awarded their certificates at Chelmsford Cathedral.

The cathedral saw 14 ceremonies over the course of the week.

Among the students celebrating were the first cohort of Paramedic Science students, who crossed the stage on October 13 and have now fully qualified for positions with the East of England Ambulance Service.

The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Duncan Lumley, and Mayoress, Edna Lumley, attended a ceremony on Wednesday, October 11, where Nursing and Midwifery students received their awards.

There were also two Student Leader Awards given out on Wednesday to Thea Maragkakis, who studied Early Childhood Professional Studies, and Alice Siegwart, who graduated in Education Studies. A number of other graduates were invited to give speeches to their fellow students at the end of each ceremony.

Professor Iain Martin, Anglia Ruskin’s Vice Chancellor, said: “It is a tremendous pleasure for all at Anglia Ruskin University to see our students cross the stage and be rewarded for their hard work and success over the course of their degrees.

“All our graduates should be very proud of what they have achieved. The atmosphere around campus and Chelmsford during this time is always a joy to be a part of.”

As well as celebrating the success of students, honorary degrees were given to cyclist Alex Dowsett and leading economist Dr Andrew Sentance.

British, Commonwealth and European cycling time trial champion Mr Dowsett received the award of Honorary Doctor of Health Science and business economist Dr Sentance CBE received the award of Honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

Professor Martin said: “Andrew Sentance has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a business economist. As a hugely respected economist, adviser, author and academic, Andrew will be an outstanding role model to our students.”