Honorary Education Degrees

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Bath Spa University celebrates more than 740 teaching graduates from 1948-1981 with honorary degrees

Bath Spa University, the largest provider of teacher education in the south west, is awarding Honorary BA Education Degrees to more than 740 of its teaching alumni who previously studied for a Certificate in Education at one of its predecessor colleges between 1948 and 1981.

Three days of ceremonies will be taking place across the University’s Bath and Corsham-based campuses on 9, 10 and 11 August to mark the conferring of the honorary degrees, and to celebrate the achievements of those who completed their courses as far back as the same year the National Health Service was founded.

Due to an overhaul of the education system in the 1940s, and a shortage of teachers after the Second World War, many new training colleges were established. As such, Bath Spa University is proud to be made up of three predecessor institutions; Bath Academy of Art, Bath College of Domestic Science, and Newton Park Teacher Training College – each of them tied together through the training of teachers.

During the week’s events, more than 400 of the honorary graduates in attendance will be joined by their friends and families. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sue Rigby, and Head of School of Education, Kyriaki Anagnostopoulou, will be giving speeches in recognition of the alumni’s hard work and dedication, and the lives they transformed through their decades of teaching.

Each honorary graduate will be announced by a Master of Ceremonies through a roll call of their names and presented with a scroll. They will also be invited to have a class photograph, followed by cake and tea with current staff, and encouraged to reminisce and regale memories from years gone by.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sue Rigby, said:

“I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to all our alumni who are receiving an Honorary Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree. The award is given in recognition of the academic rigour demanded by the Certificate in Education and for subsequent services to education they have all given.

“Together we are celebrating Bath Spa University, the colleges that came before, and all the lives that have been touched through teaching. The impact of education and teaching has been and will continue to be one of the most defining areas of growth throughout our communities; and we thank you for all you have done during your careers. It is our honour to bestow this recognition on you. On behalf of all the staff, students and lives you have touched, we wish you every happiness.”

Head of School of Education, Kyriaki Anagnostopoulou, added:

“I'm absolutely delighted that we're offering honorary degrees to our alumni. I think it's a brilliant idea, and a wonderful opportunity to showcase their contribution to society as a whole and to the region, as well as nationally and internationally. My message to them is: ‘You've had amazing careers. You have influenced so many lives, and you’ve done an amazing job. Thank you for giving back’.”

Bath Spa University’s School of Education is now one of the highest rated providers of teacher education in the country, and the largest provider of teacher education in the south west.

In 2015, all of the University’s School of Education teacher training routes were once again graded as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted – reflecting the same grit, determination and commitment to training great teachers established more than 75 years ago.