LANCASTER, England — Lancaster University has celebrated the achievements of hundreds of students during one of its July 2026 graduation ceremonies, conferring doctoral, master’s and undergraduate degrees while encouraging graduates to become leaders capable of addressing global challenges.
The ceremony brought together Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates from the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and students from Lonsdale College, alongside their families, friends and members of the university community.
Opening the congregation, Lancaster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Decent congratulated the graduating class, describing graduation as the culmination of years of commitment, perseverance and academic excellence.
He urged graduates to embrace the opportunities ahead and use their education to contribute positively to society.
“The world is changing at an unprecedented pace and you, as the graduates of today, will be the architects of tomorrow’s society,” he said, encouraging students to become “change agents” working towards a more inclusive, just and sustainable future.
Professor Decent also reminded graduates that they were joining Lancaster University’s global alumni community of more than 190,000 members spread across virtually every country in the world. The university’s graduation programme describes the alumni network as providing graduates with lifelong professional support, networking opportunities and career services.
Doctoral Research Recognised
Professor Katherine Spooner, Director of Postgraduate Research and Research Training for the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, presented candidates for the award of Doctor of Philosophy, reading each thesis title before graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees.
Among those awarded a PhD was Dr Kingsley Oyong Akam, whose doctoral thesis, “Women Filmmakers and the Remaking of New Nollywood: Gender, Politics and Governmentality,” examined the intersection of gender, politics and governance in Nigeria’s contemporary film industry.
The doctoral cohort reflected the breadth of Lancaster University’s research, with studies covering subjects including Chinese feminism, Saudi cultural heritage, women’s rights in Nigeria, British defence procurement, digital technology, Islamic art, Shakespearean law, literacy development, design leadership and wildlife governance.
Following the presentation of candidates, the Vice-Chancellor formally conferred the doctoral degrees.
Student Achievements Highlighted
During the ceremony, the university highlighted several achievements by Lonsdale College over the past academic year, including winning the JCR Executive of the Year Award, raising more than £8,000 for Movember through its football teams and reclaiming the Founders Trophy after ending Boland College’s four-year dominance.
The Vice-Chancellor also praised Lancaster University’s record fifth consecutive victory over the University of York in the annual Roses competition, Europe’s largest inter-university sporting tournament.
Chancellor’s Medal Presented
One of the ceremony’s highlights was the presentation of the Chancellor’s Medal for Exceptional Merit to Millie Turner, a Bachelor of Arts in Design graduate recognised for outstanding academic achievement. Turner was among this year’s Chancellor’s Medal recipients listed in the university’s official graduation programme.
Before closing the ceremony, graduates paid tribute to their families, friends and university staff with standing ovations in recognition of their support throughout their academic journeys.
The Vice-Chancellor concluded the event by formally declaring the congregation closed, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Class of 2026 as they join Lancaster University’s international alumni network.
