Lincoln Bishop students proudly graduate at Lincoln Cathedral

Our graduation celebrations took place on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th July 2026, over four ceremonies. 

Our graduation celebrations took place on Wednesday 29^th and Thursday 30^th July 2026, over four ceremonies. 

Colleagues and students, alongside their family and friends, attended the graduation ceremonies in Lincoln Cathedral, located a short walk from the University’s campus in the uphill quarter of Lincoln. 

Students from various academic disciplines were eligible to graduate, including undergraduate, master’s, postgraduate, doctoral programmes and apprenticeships, with hundreds of students donning their robes to cross the stage in Lincoln Cathedral.

We also presented Honorary Awards to individuals who reflect the University’s commitment to lifelong learning, and whose leadership, creativity and service are transforming lives, strengthening communities, and shaping a more inclusive and compassionate society. 

Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees was BAFTA-winning actor, Jason Watkins, a leading expert in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Gary Aubin, and Valarie Waby – a charity chief executive. 

Jason said: “I’m very proud to receive this honour in acknowledgement of my contribution to British culture. To receive this doctorship a few miles away from my father’s hometown of Cleethorpes, is all the more poignant for me and my family. 

“The satisfaction of doing well in your career should only be secondary to the love of the thing you study itself. No experience or interaction is wasted – it depends how you look at it and what your view is. 

“Cultivate your passion and the love of your subject, it’s all there if you just look.”  

In recognition of his longstanding contribution to the governance and development of Lincoln Bishop University, Dr Stephen Critchley received a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship.  

This year's ceremonies were overseen by Chancellor, Professor Tracy Borman OBE and Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Andrew Gower. 

To watch our 2026 Graduation Ceremonies, click here.