Student police officers graduate from The University of Northampton
Friday, 22 July, 2011
Thursday's Summer Graduation Ceremonies at The University of Northampton celebrated the hard work of graduates from the Schools of Science and Technology and Social Sciences.
Amongst the graduating cohort from the School of Social Sciences were 68 student police officers who have successfully completed the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) and 44 graduates from the Foundation Degree in Police and Criminal Justice Services.
There was also the first graduating cohort from the Foundation Degree in Offender Management, a course which offers those working with offenders and other vulnerable members of society the chance to understand the challenges such groups present, and to examine relevant academic perspectives and learn new skills, ideas and techniques to apply directly to their area of work.
Picking up a Master in Philosophy was David Cooper, who has studied an ONC, HND, MSC and now his MPhil focusing on Lift Engineering - all at The University of Northampton. Doctor of Philosophy Rose Macarthur's study has been funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) - a first for The University of Northampton. In conjunction with the AHRC, Rose has been researching the history of Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire, and the items within the building.
The School of Science and Technology recognised their students with a special prize-giving ceremony; Kevin Curtis was awarded the Orange Instruments Award for Best Technology Dissertation, whilst David Quick was awarded the HMGCC prize for Best Dissertation. Jonathan Stearnes also picked up the British Computer Society (BCS) Northampton Branch award for Best Technical Student.
The School of Social Sciences held several celebratory events for their graduates across campus, including a special Police gathering and a reception in the Naseby building.
Receiving Honorary awards from The University of Northampton were Nick Blakey, Head of the Waste Research Team, Sustainable Consumption and Production and Waste Evidence at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and Gerry Gable, a founding member of Searchlight Magazine, exposing racism and fascism.
Nick had three top tips for the graduating cohort:
"Jobs don't pop up out of the ether on a plate; you have to be prepared to push the doors. Keep an open mind on potential career paths open to you and work at what comes your way - at the outset, this may not have been what you set your heart on but use those circumstances to develop yourself. All of you receiving your qualifications today have proved you have the skills to learn and the ambition to succeed, so build on this."
Gerry Gable commented during his speech:
"I am proud to receive this recognition. Don't be afraid, use the skills and capabilities that your studies have equipped you with."
The University of Northampton's final day of Graduations this week is for Northampton Business School. Watch their ceremonies live online at 10.45am and 2pm at
www.northampton.ac.uk/graduationlive
