Welcoming the world

As we gather for our first in-person graduation since 2019, we do so in a world reshaped by the events of the last two years. We have had to move along with this change, often making changes at short notice in response to unpredictable circumstances.  We appreciate that you too have adapted to new ways of learning and we commend you for your success.

The pandemic saw the majority of higher education institutions shift to online learning and assessment.

We were uniquely positioned to spearhead this change as the world’s oldest provider of distance and flexible learning. And on these strong and proud foundations we are continually working to improve the student experience, and the offer we make for our students and the Recognised Teaching Centres with whom we work in countries around the world.

We are doing more to make our iconic Senate House more accessible for students, providing more social spaces for those who are based here or visiting in London. And we are continually improving the experience for our students around the world with initiatives such as our federation-wide ‘Access Commitment’ and our ‘Care Leavers Guarantee’, which will help enable better attainment and more inclusive access to higher education, a feature of our University since its inception. 

It is fantastic to be able to welcome students, staff and families to London once again as the capital returns to being a hub of activity. We are incredibly proud of our position as one of London’s anchor institutions, who are working across the capital to support its recovery from the pandemic. Today’s celebration is another step on that journey, and we are honoured that you are here to enjoy it with us.

As graduates, you will all reap the benefits of a University of London education. Your degrees are prized by employers and institutions worldwide, and you join a vibrant global network of alumni. We hope you will keep in touch as you embark on your next steps.

Professor Wendy Thomson CBE
Vice-Chancellor, University of London