UCL celebrates the classes of 2020 and 2021 with in-person graduations

25 separate celebration events took place over 9 days at the ExCel’s ICC Auditorium, with departments also hosting events and activities back on campus to give graduates a chance to reunite with classmates and teachers. 

It was clear that the opportunity to celebrate with friends, family and staff was hugely appreciated, with a joyful and festive atmosphere, queues forming on campus for attendees to get their photo taken by the Portico, and even (we think) our first graduation engagement, for two of our Civil Engineering graduates who met in their first year at UCL! 

Over 10,000 graduates and 24,000 guests attended, and livestreaming of the events meant that another 100,000 people tuned in to share in the celebrations with their loved ones. A further million viewed or engaged with @UCL social media coverage of the celebrations.

Mirei Ikushima, a UCL Psychology and Language Sciences graduate said:  

“I feel like I've been able to have a proper closure with this graduation, and being able to do things I have been longing for – wearing a gown, taking photos, and seeing my tutors and friends after all we have been through. We were able to chat and catch up naturally, as if the past two years had never happened. The ceremony was wonderful, and I know I will never forget about this day. In fact – I'm now ready to move on to achieve further in my life.” 

We were delighted to welcome 20 speakers from our alumni and supporter community to deliver inspirational graduation addresses. Familiar faces delivering speeches included architect, TV presenter and campaigner for charities and housing organisations George Clarke; businesswoman, activist and political leader of the True & Fair Party Gina Miller; former Olympic athlete and member of UCL Council Christine Ohuruogu MBE; TikTok CEO Shouzi Chew and award-winning broadcaster and historian Misha Glenny. Take a look at some of the highlights on the UCL Alumni website, and watch their speeches on our graduations microsite.

Browse our slideshow of images

These incredibly important celebrations could not have gone ahead without the help of so many across the university who gave their time, expertise and enthusiasm to make these events such a success. A UCL Laws graduate told us: "I am grateful for the effort that UCL has put in to ensure that those affected by COVID-19 are able to still have some sense of normalcy.” 

We’d like to thank to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part – from our student ambassadors who acted as ushers and registration staff, to faculty and departmental colleagues who organised on-campus events, those who took part in the platform parties, and hundreds of others. We know that all our graduates were thrilled at the chance to get a ‘proper’ graduation ceremony, celebrate in person with their friends, peers and teachers and capture those all-important moments in front of UCL’s iconic Portico. 

Professor Dame Hazel Genn, Vice-President (External Engagement) said: 

“This has been an extraordinary feat. After the COVID lockdown forced graduation ceremonies from the past two years online, we were finally able to give over 10,000 graduates and nearly 24,000 guests an unforgettable chance to celebrate in person through 25 ceremonies. The response from across UCL has been stupendous. The result even more so.   

It has also been real testament to the spirit of One UCL, bringing together teams across Vice-President External Engagement, Office of the Vice-President (Advancement), Office of the Vice-President (Operations) including Estates and Finance, all the Faculties, Education & Student Experience and so many more. Many of you participated yourselves, providing invigorating support in our Platform Parties and through a multitude of campus events and experiences. A particular thanks also goes to OVPA for their integral input and for bringing world-leading speakers to our graduates.” 

Watch the Provost's message to our graduates

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