The ceremonies saw students from across a range of disciplines celebrate the exciting milestone
Date: 24 July 2026
Nearly 2,500 students from London Metropolitan University celebrated their academic achievements this week as they graduated during summer ceremonies at the Barbican.
The ceremonies brought together graduates, families, friends and staff across six ceremonies hosted on Monday 20 July and Tuesday 21 July.
Addressing the audience at the Barbican, Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of London Metropolitan University, said:
“Today we celebrate not only your achievement, but the effort, focus and resilience it took to get here. Many of you balanced your studies with work, family or other commitments. You have shown determination and adaptability, qualities that matter more than ever in a changing world.
“New technologies like artificial intelligence are already transforming the way we live and work. But employers are not just looking for technical skills. They are looking for people who are curious, reflective and willing to grow. That is exactly what you have shown here.”
Chair of the Board of Governors, Tijs Broeke, attended Monday’s ceremonies and reflected on the atmosphere inside the Barbican:
“Unless you attend London Met graduation in person, you don’t realise how joyful and loud it is. The cheering starts before the first name is even called, with whole families on their feet. It's such a wonderful celebration of our students’ hard work.
“There were so many amazing stories too; a grandmother picked up her degree; a husband and wife graduated together. We celebrated graduates from Singapore, Sri Lanka, and across Europe, alongside those who grew up just minutes from our doors in Islington, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets. That blend of global reach and local roots is ‘the Real London’, and I couldn't be prouder to be part of it.”
Across the two days, graduates received qualifications in a wide range of disciplines, including art and design, nursing, social work, engineering, architecture and cyber security. Many will now move directly into professions that are vital to London's economy and public services.
The latest Graduate Outcomes Survey shows a record proportion of the University’s graduates progressing into Manager, Director and Senior Official roles over the past five years, with London Met outperforming all other modern universities in London for graduate progression into leadership positions.
The celebrations also come at a time of growing recognition for the student experience at London Met. According to Times Higher Education's analysis of the 2026 National Student Survey, the University has been ranked among the UK's top 15 universities for student satisfaction.
The University welcomed Alderman and Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney of the City of London to the opening ceremony, where he joined staff, graduates and guests in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026. London Met has a historic link with the City of London and the Guildhall University with roots dating back to 1848.
