Celebrating her graduation at the Barbican Centre, Tamara Bonsu secured top honours in her Master of Social Work.
Date: 23 July 2026
A mother returned to London Metropolitan University to complete a master’s degree after a 15-year break from education, during which time she had six children.
Tamara Bonsu graduated with a master’s degree in Social Work, achieving a Distinction for her efforts.
Tamara, from Barnet in north London, was delighted to return to the institution where she had previously studied Business and Management in 2009.
“London Met has been my home,” she said. “I was there in 2009 for my degree in Business and Management, and I came back in 2024 to 2026 and graduated with a Distinction in Social Work.”
Tamara had all six of her children – now aged between three and 15 – before returning to education once more.
She said balancing her master’s with raising a family and working part-time was a real challenge, but praised London Met staff for their support.
“The journey was not easy at all, but the tutors were fantastic right up to the final stages of my dissertation. I got so much help and I am so grateful. I made it, and I’m here today.”
Tamara graduated alongside thousands of London Met students at the Barbican Centre on 20 July, joined by her partner, Thomas Oheneba Boakye, and her children.
“I was incredibly proud to graduate because there were so many obstacles along the way,” she said. “Each time I faced a challenge, I fought through and refused to give up. Walking across that stage made me realise that all the hard work, determination, and sacrifices had finally paid off.”
Looking ahead, Tamara hopes to put her qualification to work in local government.
“I would love to join Westminster City Council, where I completed my two placements, to undertake my Assessed and Supported Year in Employment,” she said. “I am also open to opportunities with other borough councils, and I am ready to contribute my skills and dedication as a qualified social worker.”
Accredited by Social Work England, the Social Work MSc is rooted in the principles of equality and social justice. It covers a wide range of social work subjects, helping students to become a reflective and resilient practitioner who can work in a variety of settings.