THE first cohort of students graduated from University College Somerset last week.

The University launched in March 2017, following the creation of Bridgwater & Taunton College the previous year.

The inaugural graduation ceremonies started with two events in St Mary’s Church in Bridgwater, followed by a further two events in Taunton at the Temple Methodist Church last Friday.

More than 700 students graduated across more than 60 Higher Education courses this year, with more than 300 attending one of the four ceremonies.

Students had the opportunity to don the traditional graduation attire of robes and mortar boards in the colours associated with their courses, including: Oxford Brookes University, Plymouth University, University of West England and the Open University.

Students heard speeches from chair of governors, Derek Randall, new Principal Andy Berry, as well as guest speakers and former students, Darren Greenway of Bentley Motors and Paul Elliot Smith of word gets around.

As the Higher Education offer at University Centre Somerset grows, the graduation ceremonies will continue to be a significant date in the academic calendar for the College.

In May the University Centre announced that the first wave of students had been enrolled on an innovative course to help tackle the nationwide shortage of nurses.

Somerset was chosen as one of 35 pilot areas for the new nursing associates across England, delivering training to 2,000 trainee nursing associates.

A total of 24 trainees have signed up for the nursing associates foundation degree, which will help forge a new career path between health and care support workers, and graduate registered nurses.

The new University Centre Somerset prospectus for 2018/19 has recently been published for those interested in studying next year. To acquire a prospectus, or for more information about University Centre Somerset, visit somerset.ac.uk.