Celebrating our summer 2026 online learning graduates
There are few moments that better demonstrate the impact of our work than graduation. On 20 July, 64 online master's students travelled from around the world to visit campus for the first time and celebrate becoming University of Leeds graduates.
A global cohort of online learners
Graduates attending the in-person ceremony were part of a wider cohort of 143 online learners receiving awards this summer. While many made the trip to celebrate in Leeds, others marked the occasion where they are.
Together, this graduating class represents more than 40 countries, from Thailand to Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan to Norway, Macau to Mexico, Oman to Ireland and beyond.
This year's graduates completed programmes including Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Management, Sustainable Business Leadership and the first Masters cohort from Data Science (Statistics).
As is typical of many online students, they balanced their studies alongside professional and personal commitments.
Their success reflects not only individual resilience and ambition, but also the dedication of the academic and professional services colleagues who supported them through highs and lows, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
Meeting in-person for the first time
Following the in-person graduation ceremony, around 100 graduates, family and friends gathered in HELIX for an evening celebration. The event was organised and hosted by colleagues from Student Education and Experience, Engagement and Communications, and academic teams, with speeches, refreshments, photos and informal networking.
For many graduates, it was their first opportunity to meet classmates, tutors and support staff in person after months – and in some cases years – of collective online learning.
It’s so exciting to hear the stories of your success and the journeys you’ve taken as students. The flexibility of online study allowed you to pursue your degree in a way that worked for your lives, and today you have the opportunity to celebrate that achievement with your families, friends and classmates... You’ve learned more than just the subject itself. You’ve learned about your profession, about navigating the world in different ways, and about what you’re capable of. Studying while balancing everything else in life really tests your limits and shows you what’s possible.
- Dr Margaret Korosec (Director of Digital Education and Learning Innovation)
Sharing stories of resilience and success
There were smiles all around as graduates exchanged stories and reflected on how much they had achieved as part-time, working and distance learners.
Feedback from graduates highlighted the value of being able to celebrate alongside the people who had supported them throughout their studies:
It was absolutely fantastic to finally meet some of my fellow graduates and tutors for the first time!
Following food, drinks and plenty of conversation, graduates went on to continue their celebrations off campus.
This summer's celebration was the biggest one so far, showcasing the growth and success of our amazing student community. Graduation is the only time we get to meet our students in person, and it is wonderful to see them celebrating with each other, the academic community who have guided them throughout their studies, and our professional services teams who have provided support and pastoral care.
- Lisa Ronkowski (Student Education and Experience Manager and event organiser)
Ready for what comes next
Completing a degree while balancing a career, family and other commitments is no small feat.
The celebration at HELIX was an opportunity to recognise not only the success of our graduates, but also the community that helped make that success possible.
We look forward to seeing the impact our graduates make in their professions, communities and industries around the world.
