After completing his A Levels at school Mushtaq Quraishi was unsure what to do.

“I decided I didn’t want to move away to University as I wanted to stay close to home” he said. A bright student with As at A Level, Mushtaq snubbed the traditional University route and decided to enrol on a BA (Hons) History and Politics degree at Blackburn College.

Now, three years on, Mushtaq is the proud owner of a First Class Honours degree and was among 1,000 students from University Centre at Blackburn College who took part in a traditional procession, flanked with trumpeters and distinguished guests to mark their graduation.

“It was really important to me that the degree was validated by Lancaster University – I achieved a First Class Honours degree without having to move there.”

“I’ve gained such a lot from the course – my favourite part of it was the dissertation which enabled me to look at the professionalisation of football over time. I’m now assessing my options for jobs I want to apply for” said Mushtaq. “Not moving away made it so much more convenient as well as much cheaper.” Mushtaq got the benefit of working in small class sizes, additional one to one support and a cash bonus during his degree.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the College’s University partners: Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire, University of Cumbria and the University of South Wales, as well as the College’s Leadership Team and Governors.

Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Thomas Moore, said the procession was a first for the College. “We had close to 1,000 students graduating this year and wanted to celebrate by letting Blackburn see our graduates in their caps and gowns. This was a first for Blackburn and was an impressive sight to behold.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations to all our students who graduated, and also praise the staff at University Centre at Blackburn College for their dedication, commitment and professionalism in helping our students realise their full potential.”

Blackburn College graduates are making a huge contribution to the UK’s graduate economy, shadowing the national trend.

New statistics show that nine out of 10 of graduates from University Centre at Blackburn College are in work or further study, just six months after graduation for the second year in a row.

In addition, 100 percent of PGCE students were employed or in further study from last year’s intake.

For more information, visit the college’s Open Event on Thursday 27th November 2014, from 4:30pm until 8pm.