Originally from Anglesey, Dylan Wyn Hughes is looking forward to the future after graduating today in Childhood Studies. In the future, he would like to become a social worker but will need to find work in September.

He explains, “I will be working with disabled children over the summer – in summer camps in Anglesey. This is something I’m really looking forward to doing as the rewards I get out of it are great. I’m looking forward to the future and hope to work with disabled children.”

Brother and sister, Telor Hedd and Sioned Haf Dyer were both graduating today. Telor graduated with a Law degree and older sister Sioned, graduated with a Masters in Welsh History. Sioned, 24, graduated from Aber in 2008 in Welsh and History and studied for her Masters straight after.

She explains “I’m very relieved and quite shocked that the day has finally arrived! I work for Welsh Government in Aberystwyth, and have done for three years. At times it was hard to juggle work and the dissertation, but it was definitely worth it.”

Telor, 21, says, “I’ll be studying a Legal Practice Course next year, again at Aber, and hope to be a lawyer in future. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in here and look forward to coming back next term.”

The Peacock family were celebrating today. Phillip James Peackock graduated in Modern and Contemporary History, exactly three years after his older brother, Williams David Peacock, graduated from Aber in Education and History.

Phillip James Peacock says, “One of the factors in coming here was because of my brother, but the others were the reputation of the History Department and the University itself. I might do a Masters in future, but at present, I’d like to pursue a career in radio broadcasting.

“I have loved every minute of Aber. The Department was great and have been very supportive from the beginning.”

Daniel Shelley-Smith knew from a very young age that he wanted a future in writing. Since he was four years old, he has been interested in books. The 24-year-old graduated today in Creative Writing and will continue with his PhD studies next term at Aber.

Originally from Wolverhampton, Daniel says, “I won a scholarship to come here and have enjoyed every minute of it. I came here based on a friend’s recommendation, and it’s the best move that I’ve done. Aber is such a wonderful place to study. I would like to teach in future.”

When Myapreet Gill was seven years old, she announced to her parents that she would be a lawyer one day. The 23-year-old is one step closer to her dream because today Myapreet graduated in Law. The next step will be a Legal Practice Course in September.

From Birmingham, Myapreet said, “I know that I did the right thing coming to Aber to study. I needed to break away from everyone and concentrate on my study. My inspiration is my mother and father – they gave me everything and I want to give them something back. Coming to Aber was the best choice I made.”

Alice Heath, 22, from Neath graduated today in History. She came to Aber because she used to spend her holidays here as a child and had very fond memories of the area and the sea. She intends to stay on at Aber next term to study a Masters degree.

She explains, ”I’m the first one from my family to come to University, so today is a very proud day for all of the family. I chose Aber also because of the reputation of the History Department and the University. Everyone has been so supportive and friendly, and I’ve loved every minute of being here.”

Arron Hunter, from Macclesfield, gained a History degree from Aber today. In future, he hopes to follow a career in politics. He fell in love with Aber when he came to an open day and knew straight away that he wanted to study here.

The 21-year-old explains, “I used to come here on holiday as a youngster and so that link was there already. I was awarded an archery sports bursary to come here. I’ve made some great friends and I’ll miss it!”

Husband and wife, Rhun and Lowri Emlyn, both graduated today from Aber. Rhun gained a PhD in History and Lowri gained a Masters degree in creative writing. The pair, who live in Penrhyncoch, Aberystwyth, are delighted to be celebrating together on this special day.

Rhun said, “I was made a lecturer of Aber’s History Department in September and I very much look forward to the future within the department. The course was fantastic and I enjoyed every minute of the work."

Lowri, who also works for the University in the Careers Department, adds, “I’d like to thank everyone in the English Department who have been so helpful and friendly - It’s been a joy to study here.”

Kelsey Redmore, 20, graduated today in English Literature. From Port Talbot, Kelsey decided to study at Aber because of its location by the sea.  She is hoping to study a broadcast journalism post-graduate course at Cardiff University next year.
She says, “I fell in love with Aber instantly. I just had to come here to study because it felt right. I’ve made such amazing friends during my time here. Over the next year, the plan is to look for work experience in the broadcasting industry.”

Melissa, 22, comes from County Antrim in Northern Ireland and has graduated in Irish Language and Literature and English Literature.  Most of her friends opted for Scottish Universities but she decided she wanted to study in Wales. She will be starting a Masters in Irish next year and thinks Aber is definitely the place to be.

“Today feels very strange but in a good way, I've got to the finishing line. I'll always remember the sunshine, sunsets on the beach and watching the dolphins on South Beach.”

Azul was inspired by her teacher in Argentina, Hazel Charles Evans, when she first learned Welsh 10 years ago in Esquel. She visited Wales for the first time in 2000 before returning in 2003 to live with her mother in Cardiff. Azul will begin working with the Government in Cardiff this summer before following an MA in Translation at Swansea.

"I remember Hazel taking us on a trip to Aberystwyth when I visited the Eisteddfod at Llanelli in 2000. We drove along South Beach and turned the corner and I saw the Old College, and instantly thought "I want to come here"! And I got here and have a degree in Welsh and French!"

Lucky, 25, from New Delhi, India, has completed his MBA and praises the University to the stars for the quality of staff, the standard of the course and the scholarship he was awarded that enabled him to study here.

“It is a great pleasure to be part of this event, this is one of the best days of my life. I have been offered a placement at a financial institution and I intend to follow an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) course in 2013. One of the highlights of my period here was our visit to the HQ of Audi in Germany.”

Gareth's father and mother also studied in Aberystwyth, and this was certainly a major influence on his choice when the time came to decide on higher education. Today (Thursday 12 July) he received his PhD in Mathematics.

Gareth, 30, from Barry said: "My parents met while at Aberystwyth University and I was aware that it is an excellent place for studying mathematics. It's been very hard work, but I have many good memories about my time here, being part of the graduation procession last year and seeing my first students graduate.”

Hannah comes from Hertfordshire and chose to follow a course in Physical Geography. Having graduated, she now hopes to pursue a career in the charity sector. The Geography Society played a vital role in contributing to her social life at university.

"Today is a very exciting day but feels a bit strange. I chose to come to Aber after attending the Open Day, I felt that there was a close relationship between "town & gown" and that it is also very safe community.”

Adam gets his MSc in Glaciology today (Thursday 12 July) and will shortly be starting work as a HR manager with the NHS. He came to Aber because of the reputation of the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences. It was an opportunity to leave land-locked Leicester and live by the sea!

“Geography is a good discipline to study and a lot of employers are impressed by it. I particularly enjoyed studying glaciology, it was a fascinating subject. I came to Aber because I wanted to study in Wales and I had a great social life here revolving around sports.”

Llywarch  from Llanrwst has followed in his father’s footsteps, in choosing to study at Aberystwyth University.  He graduated in Geography and is considering doing a Masters or embarking on a career in the conservation sector. During the summer holidays he will be working on Llanddwyn, Anglesey with the Countryside Council for Wales.

"The fact that the University teaches Geography through the medium of Welsh clinched it for me. I have fond memories of living in Pantycelyn, of playing for the town's rugby club where I befriended many locals, as well as making friends in the college. Finishing the course was a relief but I learned a lot during my time here including how to cook!”

Mari, 20, is from Benllech, Anglesey and graduated in Mathematics after three memorable years at the College by the Sea. She has been accepted on a secondary PGCE course at Bangor and ideally would love to get work as a Maths teacher in north Wales.

Mari said:"Everyone was so friendly at the University - we all, students and lecturers are one big family, and it was crucial that the Department of Mathematics offers modules in Welsh. "

Her twin sister, Teleri obtained a First class degree in Welsh and will be returning next year to study for an MPhil. She will be making a study of twins in literature, as well as looking at the medical problems and the negative views associated with twins, seeking to prove to this to the contrary. Teleri was also joint-winner of the Sir Thomas Parry-Williams Scholarship this year.

Teleri added: "Today is a very important milestone – I hope my degree will open other doors for me, I am very happy with my result, it has crowned three years of hard work and sheer enjoyment.”

Sanjeev will be taking his prize home to his parents this summer, after being away from his hometown of Bangalore, India, for two years. The 28 year old previously worked in IT before doing an MBA, and will be looking for a job in the IT sector.  Aber’s main attraction was the reasonable fees of the MBA course, and of course there was the opportunity to live for two years in a house overlooking the sea - a dream come true.

“I am very proud for my parents, friend and teachers, they have all been very supportive of me during my studies, which have been a big part of my life. Having the opportunity to do an MBA was something I had aspired to do for 10 years. I will always cherish the friendships I made here, it was a peaceful place to live and I especially enjoyed walking up Consti!”

Todd's inspiration was his mum who graduated in Physics in 2005. Karen Stacey, a single mum of 3 followed an OU course in Pembrokeshire and was accepted at Aberystwyth University to study Physics. Her son, Todd, already has his own events management company, Blackhouse, based on campus and has also been the Beach Breaks Festival marketing co-ordinator in Aber for the past 2 years.

“Mum has always inspired me and it was her determination that influenced me to move to Aber and follow a marketing course here. I could see the value of having a degree. It’s been of immense help to me and I look forward to applying what I have learned here to my future career. I had a great time, playing football for Phoenix FC, becoming the top scorer in the league and bringing No1 artistes Chase and Status here for a gig.”

Good luck to Todd in Cardiff and to Karen who starts as a lab technician in Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig in September.

Zhuo Ke Li, 23, from China is really excited and relieved after graduating in Accounting and Finance with Spanish. It’s been 4 years of hard graft with a year spent at a language school in Madrid, but graduation day certainly has the Wow Factor! Zhuo hopes to study for a Masters in Business Management here and then look for a job in the UK.

“The Business School has a fantastic reputation and that's what brought me to Aberystwyth. I wanted to challenge myself by studying abroad. I love the place and the people and am grateful for all the experiences I have had here. Aber is a place full of good will.”

Emily, 21 from Talgarreg, Ceredigion, has graduated in Business Management with Computer Science and is looking forward to starting the next chapter of her life. She attended the University Summer School and enjoyed it and so decided to study here.

“I can't believe how fast the last 3 years have flown by, I'm hoping to find a job in the events industry or get involved in a business which is connected to music. Aber is a really friendly place and I particularly enjoyed the live music scene which the town has to offer.”

Cassandra and her parents flew in from Trinidad and are taking a holiday to celebrate their daughter's success. The 34 year old works as a librarian for Trinidad National Library Service and followed a part-time distance learning course. 

“I'm looking forward to a break from studying  then I'll tackle a Masters degree. Today is quite nerve wracking and exciting at the same time, but I am so relieved to get my degree. My father paid for the trip over and we have had a great time meeting the other international students and singing karoke!”

Dawn graduated in Information Studies in her 50th year, following a distance learning course which took 9 years to complete, whilst working for Wolverhampton City Council Library Service. Dawn wanted to be a librarian since she was 8 years old and was aware that Aberystwyth was the place to come.

"The highlight of the course was attending the summer school because I got the opportunity to act as a student, forget about washing dishes, go to the beach and make some good friends. I'm relieved that all the hard work is over but I must admit I'm addicted to study now, in fact I intend to pursue an MA degree in History next!

Karl certainly burnt some rubber to get to his graduation ceremony today. First thing this morning he left home in Carmarthen for an interview in Cardiff, before returning home to collect his family and making it to the ceremony this afternoon. The 22 year old, who graduates with a degree in Computer Science, considers today to be one of the proudest days of his life. His physics teacher studied here and the open day convinced him that it should be his first choice.

“I come from a single parent family and it goes to show that one can lift oneself out of poverty and a disadvantaged background and achieve great things through education. When I was a child my Mum was on the dole, but through sheer grit and determination she got herself a job and things got better. Handing in my dissertation was the ultimate, because I was really happy with it, but the hard work paid off and I got a first for it.”

Today is the culmination of five years hard work for the 23 year old graduate form Dolgellau. Next week he will be flying out to Kuala Lumpur where he starts an internship with SyQic Capital  developing mobile applications.

“I was attracted to Aber by its friendly atmosphere and by the first class reputation of the Department of Computer Science. One of my best memories wil be of the laughs we had in the Solarium at the department. Today feels great and I am looking forward to an interesting and fruitful career.”

Spiridoula, 33 obtained a HND in Countryside Conservation and is originally from Athens, Greece. Aberystwyth appealed to her because of the quality of the course that the department offered, and the rather limited opportunities within the Greek conservation sector.

“It is the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one in my life. After spending some time with my family in Greece during the summer I hope to get a job in the UK and consolidate my qualifications by following another course. I have met some great people in the town and on campus during my time here in Aber.”

Ben, 23 from Swansea has obtained a Higher National Diploma in Agriculture, but today was his first day at the University! Ben along with some of the other HND students followed their course at Gelli Aur Agricultural College, Carmarthenshire through a franchise agreement between the 2 institutions.  He worked on a dairy farm in Gorseinon during his studies and hopes to run his own farm at a future date, concentrating on the beef sector.

“It's a big achievement for me, I'd never thought I'd get such an accolade and I've worked hard to get here today. The course opened my eyes and gave me a wider perspective on agriculture and will definitely improve my judgement in raising stock.

Alex from Solihull has graduated in Spanish and Film and Theatre Studies. His four year course also included a year teaching English at a language school in Spain.

“Today's a memorable day and a milestone in my life, and I also feel very proud of myself for what I have achieved. Aberystwyth has some amazing scenery and is a great location. When I attended the open day the univeristy's setting sold it to me... as well as the course offered, naturally!”

Les, 65, decided to follow the Fine Art degree after he retired. He was a talented art student in school, and his teacher tried to persuade him to follow a higher education course. However his parents were not too impressed by the thought and he opted for a career in the Royal Navy. Following that he spent time in the prison service and working with people who suffered from serious mental health problems.

“It’s wonderful to think that I have got to this point in life and achieved a degree, something that I'd never thought I'd get. I intend to spend my time painting the beautiful landscape that surrounds my home and the mountains of Snowdonia.  Aber has given me so much, not just in the quality of the course it offered but in the friendships that I formed over my 3 years here. Having spent so many years working in very confrontational contexts, this really was a breath of fresh air and today feels wonderful”

Tom Voyce, 23 has just graduated in Fine Art specialising in painting. Tom who is from Burton on Trent is hoping to follow a Masters in Fine Art and is happy that all the hard work over the last three years has paid off.

“I was initially attracted to Aberystwyth because of its great location and also found that the course  offered by the University was just up my street. I have had a great time here and met some great people on the course and had some fantastic tutors.”

21 year old twin sisters Greta and Hannah from Deepcut in Surrey, have graduated in Equine Studies and are looking forward to the next chapter in their lives, which will see them both working on an Arab stud farm in Herefordshire for the next two years.

Hannah said “I attended the open day before taking a gap year in Australia and knew immediately it was the place for me. Today is a milestone in my life, I have learned so much about horses during my course and it’s thanks to this university and the teaching staff that I have achieved this degree.”

Greta added “I feel so happy and proud today and am so excited to be awarded this degree. The equine course was recommended to me and it was amazing. There are so many windows of opportunity coming from this course and hopefully both my sister and I will one day run our own stud farm.”

21 year old Lewis from the Rhondda has graduated in Film and Television studies. He is very sad to be bidding farwell to student life and friends, but is looking forward to the next chapter in his life. He has a number of options for the future, ranging from studying for an MA in Aber or Cardiff, saving up to travel around Europe, or as a recently qualified TEFL teacher, teaching English as a second language.

"There were several reasons for choosing Aber, the financial support of the Assembly is clearly a factor, and the fact that the Welsh language course offers an opportunity to study in smaller groups and have closer working relationships with lecturers. Aber is also extremely beautiful and cheap. My favorite memories are the noise and smell of the sea, the breath-taking views, the long evenings with friends and the fry-up breakfast at the Upper Limit Cafe!"

Will Pritchard, 22, from Bristol graduated in Drama today (Tuesday 10 July) and is spending the next year in London considering his options and applying what he learnt at Aberystwyth to his work in Theatreland.  It was Theatre, Film and Television Studies Department that attracted him to the university, and their emphasis on radical theatre practices. According to Will the best thing about Aber is that it’s a beautiful town, and small enough to keep running into your friends.

“I feel very proud of the first performance we did in the third year, when I was assistant director. I think it was the best piece of work I was involved in during my course, it was an exceptional piece of physical theatre. It’s great to receive some form of recognition from friends, family and lecturers; I feel taken aback by that and very grateful. “

Lara Maleen Kipp from Wangen, Germany, has graduated in Scenography & Theatre Design, and is really excited that all the hard work paid off. She has applied for an Access to Masters Scholarship and hopes to go on to study for a Masters degree here at Aberystwyth. She has also applied for a place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. “I have many fond memories of my time here, singing with the Elizabethan Madrigal Singers, the 3rd year band production and Strictly Come Aber! Without forgetting those warm evenings spent on the beach having a barbecue and talking through the night,” she said.

http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ccs/staff-students/funding/atm/

Phoebe Patey-Ferguson, who is originally from Poole, graduated with a degree in Drama studies today. Now that her studies at Aberystwyth are complete she is heading to Goldsmiths to study for a Master’s degree in Performance and Culture. She will also continue to work with a theatre company she founded in Aberystwyth called Pot Of Thieves. She explains, “Founding my theatre company and being selected for the International Student Theatre Festival this summer, will be among my best memories of Aber. I chose Aber specifically because the books I was interested in were written by lecturers at this university.

Aisha has graduated in International Politics and is over the moon at having finished her degree and excited about starting the next chapter in her life. The 27 year old, who originally hails from Koln, Germany, came to Aberystwyth University because of its world class reputation for international politics and also seeing it as an opportunity to improve her English. She has now applied to follow a Masters in Critical International Politics.

“Arriving in Aberystwyth by train for the first time was incredible, so much greenery and so many sheep! I stayed in Alex for the first year and had the most amazing view of the beach and the sunsets from my window.  I have made friends for life here, had some great intellectual stimulation and it turned out to be the best experience ever!
 

Saffron Passam, 36, graduated today with a first Class Honours degree in Psychology. Saffron, from Llanon, Ceredigion, plans to continue with her academic development through post-graduate study and is very excited about the future. She explains, “I chose Aberystwyth because of its sense of community and stunning location.  The achievement I’m most proud of is completing my final year dissertation. Interviewing participants in the Psychology Department is a favourite memory, and an experience I will not forget. Today is a celebration of our achievements over the last three years, and I’m very excited about the future.”

Mathew Phillips, 21, from Port Talbot has graduated in Sport and Exercise Science gaining a 2:2 today. He starts a job as a teaching assistant in September before following a PGCE in 2013. This summer, he'll be busy working on children's play schemes as well as doing some building work. He decided to follow his degree after attending the open day and finding the University very friendly and welcoming. He said, “It’s a very proud moment for me today and a great opportunity to celebrate three years of hard work with my friends and family. My best memory of Aber will be the three years I spent playing rugby for the university and a year as the team's captain.”

Leah has graduated in Psychology after returning to education as a mature student. Aged 36, she lives in Newtown, Powys and travelled in for lectures and seminars on campus. Despite feeling a bit daunted about studying after so many years out of education, her fears were laid to rest as she found the staff helpful and immediately felt at ease. Leah hopes to continue with Psychology and has applied for a Masters. Her best memories of Aber are of being President of the Psychology Society as well as today's ceremony of course!

“Today has to be one of the proudest moments in my life. I never believed I could do a degree and even when faced with adversity in my final 2 years, I was able to achieve a great result. During the course, I battled with post viral chronic fatigue syndrome and my teenage son was diagnosed with depression.  I still look at my result with disbelief but all the hard work has paid off. I feel proud, happy and even ecstatic!

Peter Woods, originally from Southampton, graduated today in Sport and Exercise Science. The 21-year-old is in the process of applying for Warfare Officer training with the Royal Navy. Peter opted for Aberystwyth because the course offered was of a very high standard and the surrounding countryside was such a contrast to where he grew up.  He said, “Today is recognition of the effort I put into my course. I feel very proud and relieved, as it was quite a challenging course, and I particularly enjoyed the physiology module. The University offered me a great lifestyle and my best memories will be of the mates I made here and playing rugby.”