HUNDREDS of students are converging on York Minster for two evenings of graduations this week.

The university centre at Askham Bryan, the higher education arm of college, held its graduation ceremonies in the cathedral last night (September 22) and will be holding a ceremony tonight.

A total of 280 graduates are receiving either their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees for the successful completion of their studies.

Among those in attendance were the very first graduating Master of Science cohorts - MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare and MSc Zoo Management and Conservation - who began in 2019 and last year’s students who were unable to have their graduation ceremony due to pandemic restrictions.

Dr Tim Whitaker, chief executive officer and principal, said: “It is wonderful to return to York Minster this year to celebrate the achievements of our graduating classes from 2021 and 2020.

"We are very grateful to the clergy and Minster staff for making this event possible and welcoming us back.

"This has been an exceptional 18 months for all involved and we are delighted to be able to bring everyone together again.

"We are especially thrilled to celebrate our first graduating Master’s cohorts who began their studies with us during a most challenging time. We wish all our new graduates the best of luck for a successful and fulfilling future.”

Graduation speakers included underwater archaeologist Gary Bankhead, who coordinates the wider research of the Durham River Wear Assemblage, and Casey Woodward, founder of AgriSound, a company using sensor technology to help solve the problem of declining bee numbers. Casey also acts as a specialist consultant and advisor to multiple start-ups, multinationals and government on agri-food innovation strategy.