UCA celebrates its ‘Class of 2026’

Across two days, three ceremonies and in front of family and friends, nearly 1,500 students graduated at one of London’s most iconic cultural venues, following in the footsteps of thousands of UCA graduates before them. 

Joint Vice-Chancellor, Professor Melanie Gray, opened with: “Creativity is in our DNA, it’s more than what we teach, it’s in every part of UCA from our technicians and tutors to our campuses and our heritage and it’s in you, our students.

“I’m so proud of what UCA stands for and none more so than now, when we collectively come together as a diverse group of individuals, with creativity at our heart.”

During the three ceremonies UCA awarded honorary doctorates to ceramicist and Great Pottery Throwdown judge Rich Miller, British fashion stylist Harry Lambert and Arts Council England's CEO Darren Henley.

Rich Miller, who is a UCA ceramics alum, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts (DArt) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of ceramics and for highlighting the value of crafts.

In his acceptance speech, Rich said: “I congratulate you for choosing the Arts.

“Creativity has the unique power to communicate complex ideas, to challenge the status quo, and to stand at the forefront of shaping the society we live in. Use that power wisely.”

Harry Lambert, best known for styling Harry Styles, is another UCA alum, graduating with a first-class honours degree in photography. He was awarded an Honorary Master of Arts (MArt), in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the fashion industry.

 “UCA completely changed my life,” Harry explained in his acceptance speech. “I realise now that inspiration doesn’t come from a postcode or a city, it comes from the people who challenge you, encourage you and help you see the world differently.

“And I still use the skills I learnt there every day… So, thank you UCA, not only for this extraordinary honour, but for seeing something in me before I could fully see it in myself.”

Harry was also surprised by a video message from actor Emma Corrin, who is a fashion client of his. They congratulated him on receiving his honorary degree.

“I don’t know anyone who works as hard and who brings more creativity, joy and inventiveness to their work,” Corrin said in the video.

Darren Henley was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) in recognition of his continued contribution to the creative and cultural industries and his support of new talent.

He added: “It’s very special to receive an Honorary Doctorate from a university that has creativity at its heart.

“I will always be a champion for specialist arts universities, for their graduates. Not only are you wonderful creators, thinkers and doers you’re also in the life-enhancement business.

“Without institutions like UCA, the Arts Council would have fewer highly skilled creative professionals to invest in.”

As the students graduate from UCA, they join an exclusive community of alumni who are shaping the future of creativity across the world. From UCA’s honourees, Rich Miller and Harry Lambert to fashion designer, Dame Zandra Rhodes, actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, ceramicist Dame Magdalene Odundo, film director Gareth Edwards and drag queen and dressmaker Nymphia Wind. They have all pushed the boundaries of what is possible. 

During the finale speech, Joint Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Ellul, added: “In the UK alone, the creative industries are worth £124 billion and supports 2.4million jobs. And I for one, cannot wait to see how you revolutionise the creative sector – You’ve already changed your world, so now go change ours.

“Remember where it all started, where it all began to feel real and your passion turned into profession. You followed your hearts, so now it’s time to continue following your dreams.”

Congratulations Class of 2026!