Summer graduations for University of Cumbria take place this month

University of Cumbria graduations are returning to the splendid surroundings of Carlisle Cathedral this month where more than 1,500 students from across the globe will gather to celebrate their academic achievements. 

Under the cathedral’s famous starred ceiling, each student will cross the stage to be congratulated formally by the university vice chancellor Professor Julie Mennell DL in a series of nine ceremonies being held across three days - Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 July 2026. 

Among those celebrating will be undergraduate and postgraduate students from academic areas including the arts, teaching, science and environment, business and industry, and health.  

Accompanying those who have studied on University of Cumbria sites in Carlisle, Ambleside, Barrow, London and Lancaster, many graduates will also be in attendance who have completed their studies with partner colleges and organisations or via work-based programmes and apprenticeships run in collaboration with employers across the UK.  

These, for example, include newly qualified paramedics from several ambulance trusts across England as well as police officers from South East England completing degree apprenticeships through the University of Cumbria’s involvement in the Police Education Consortium. 

Cohorts of international students will also be converging on Carlisle, including the latest professionals who have successfully achieved MBAs delivered by the university’s partner Robert Kennedy College in Zurich, Switzerland. 

Above: Sheep farmer and author James Rebanks, University of Cumbria honorary doctorate designate

A number of special honours and prizes will also be presented during the graduation week, including an honorary doctorate for Cumbrian sheep farmer and author James Rebanks. This is the highest honorary award that the university can confer upon an individual. 

Above: University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor, Professor Julie Mennell DL

Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell DL said: “The University of Cumbria is proud to have recently been recognised as one of the top five universities in the country and again best in the Northwest for graduate employability outcomes. We recognise how graduation is a significant milestone for our students, all of whom can be confident that the skills and knowledge developed during their time with us prepares them well for the world of work and their progressing careers. 

“Seeing so many cross that stage remains a clear demonstration of our university’s inclusive place-based mission and impact. We look forward to congratulating them in person very soon and hearing more of how they are each making their way in their chosen fields, using their skills in innovative ways that support our communities, region and sectors to thrive.” 

The recognition further strengthens the University of Cumbria’s growing reputation for employability, demonstrating the impact of its long-term focus on skills, opportunity and regional growth.  

After collecting their academic awards, each graduate automatically enrols into the continuously growing University of Cumbria Alumni Association, which represents more than 75,000 graduates in over 100 countries, ensuring an ongoing connection with the university.  

Companies and organisations are invited to join the celebrations on social media, tagging @CumbriaUni along the way. 

The university is asking others to share stories of the important contributions that their own graduates from the University of Cumbria and its legacy institutions make, helping communities to thrive now and for the future. 

Hospitality and tourism businesses offering graduation-related offers and discounts can send details to news@cumbria.ac.uk and the university will seek to share details with graduands prior to the ceremonies. Details must be received before Friday 10 July. 

ENDS