Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Hats off to success: Graduation milestones from Leeds Polytechnic to Leeds Beckett
Graduation is a momentous occasion, a milestone that signifies the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the beginning of a new chapter in life. At Leeds Beckett University, graduation is more than just a ceremony; it's a celebration of our students and their achievements, and of the vibrant spirit of the university community.
A legacy of celebrating our graduates
The roots of Leeds Beckett University stretch back over two centuries, with a rich history that reflects its evolution and growth. A number of predecessor institutions laid the foundation for what the university is today.
There were no graduation ceremonies as far back as 1964, as reported by alumni who came back to campus for their 60-year reunion recently.
Leeds Polytechnic was formed in 1970, marking the beginning of a significant era in higher education for Leeds. It brought together several colleges and institutions to create a comprehensive centre for learning. There are photographs from as far back as the early 1980s of degree-awarding ceremonies being held at the Town Hall.
This image from our archives is found in several prospectuses as early as 1985. The Lord Mayor of Leeds appears to be in attendance. Leeds City Council's links to the Polytechnic were strong in the 1980s, as they are now with Leeds Beckett.
A new era
In 1992, Leeds Polytechnic gained university status, becoming Leeds Metropolitan University. This change marked a significant shift, reflecting its expanded role and influence in higher education.
The university's position within Leeds continued to be as important as ever, if not more so now.
The image above is from the Leeds Metropolitan University era. In central positions on the stage are then Chancellor Leslie Silver and Vice Chancellor Christopher Price. The ceremony is taking place in Leeds Town Hall.
The university today
The most recent transformation occurred in 2014, when the university was rebranded as Leeds Beckett University. This change symbolized a new era of growth, innovation, and a commitment to providing exceptional education.
Since 2014, the university has not only seen immense growth and some landmark capital projects, but graduation now also looks very different from what it used to!
Some graduation milestones
Graduation ceremonies at Leeds Beckett University have been hosted in various prestigious locations, each adding a unique charm to the celebrations.
Town Hall
Historically, the Leeds Town Hall has been a significant venue for graduation ceremonies. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a fitting backdrop for such an important time in a student's life, providing graduates with a sense of tradition and accomplishment.
Over the years, graduation ceremonies have been held at the Town Hall in various years, as recently as 2018.
A photo of graduation celebrations outside Town Hall in 2018.
Headingley Campus
he Headingley Campus has continued to be an important space for the university through its two-centuries-long history. The Acre, a picturesque green space in the centre of the campus, served as the celebration space.
The actual award ceremonies were held in the beautifully decorated indoor tennis centre.
The indoor tennis centre at Headingley was transformed into an auditorium where the ceremony took place.
first direct arena
Since 2019, the First Direct Arena and the City Campus has become the primary venue for Leeds Beckett graduations. This modern and expansive arena accommodates thousands of graduates and their families, offering a vibrant and exhilarating atmosphere that reflects the excitement and joy of the occasion.
Graduation 2023 at the first direct arena.
In 2024, we are set to host over 7,500 students and more than 29,000 guests over five days and 15 ceremonies.
The year 2022 was particularly special for graduation. It celebrated the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022. Due to the pandemic, many graduates had missed out on their ceremonies, but Leeds Beckett University made sure that they had their moment to shine. The first direct arena was filled with the collective achievements of three cohorts, making it a truly historic and unforgettable event.
The spirit of Leeds Beckett
Graduation is not just about receiving a diploma; it's a time to reflect on the journey, celebrate your achievements, and look forward to the future. The ceremonies at Leeds Beckett are filled with moments that capture the essence of this transition. From the proud faces of families and friends to the inspiring speeches that encourage graduates to pursue their dreams, each ceremony is a memorable experience.
In 2021, amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Leeds Beckett University organised a special celebration event at the Headingley Campus instead of the usual summer graduation ceremonies. It was a testament to the resilience and spirit of the university community, providing graduates with a memorable celebration despite the unprecedented circumstances.
Students were given the opportunity to mark the rite of passage through the Celebration Event in 2021 instead of an official graduation.
Whether held in the historic Town Hall, the beautiful Headingley Campus, or modern auditoriums, each graduation is a testament to the university's commitment to excellence and its belief in the potential of every graduate.
As the caps are tossed in the air and the cheers echo through the halls, the graduates of Leeds Beckett University are ready to make their mark on the world.
