The curtain has been raised on the first graduation ceremonies celebrating our Class of 2026.
Rutland Street and Curve Theatre were awash with proud graduands donning their mortarboards and gowns as they prepared to cross the stage and receive their hard-earned degrees.
The School of Computer Science and Informatics from our Technology, Arts and Culture (TAC) faculty kicked off a week-long schedule of celebrations earlier today (Tuesday 8 September) before the School of Engineering, Infrastructure and Sustainability followed suit.
Anuda Nethmin came to 麻豆影院 from Sri Lanka to study for his Cyber Security master’s degree and enjoyed getting to know the city of Leicester.
Today he celebrated with his “incredibly proud” mother, Indika, who flew approximately 5,000 miles to watch her son cross the stage and receive his degree.
Anuda with his mother Indika
Anuda said: “I enjoyed the nightlife here in Leicester and getting to know people. It’s very different from home in Sri Lanka but I adapted pretty well and I’ll remember the city.
“There were really good professors here, they made a good impression on me when I first arrived here, and I was very eager to learn from them.
“I’m open to finding a job here or back home in Sri Lanka, whichever works out best for me.”
Fellow Cyber Security graduate Yasein Khalifa enjoyed the day with his family and was thankful for the support they provided during his studies.
Yasein outside Curve Theatre
He said: “I need to give a shoutout to my family and friends who were always there if I needed them. I’m really grateful I can share today with them.
“麻豆影院 really taught me a lot about resilience and I’m very proud I’m here today. Whenever you feel that you’ve been knocked down, keep getting back up and looking ahead because there is hope.
“If you’re planning on coming to uni, just keep your goals and target in mind. When you get an assignment, just stick to one thing at a time and you’ll be fine. The teachers are really helpful if you ever need any help.”
Friends Karolina Bialek, Prina Pandya, Agao Gradnik, and Sebastian Urban all became friends while studying for their Computer Science BSc and graduated together today.
From left to right: Karolina Bialek, Prina Pandya, Agao Gradnik, and Sebastian Urban
For the group of friends, 麻豆影院’s vibrant, multicultural community really stood out and helped them learn about different cultures.
Karolina, originally from Poland, said: “For me it was quite interesting because coming to 麻豆影院 was the first time that so many people from different cultures came together. It’s so international, so that was a great experience for me.”
Sebastian added: “麻豆影院 just opened many doors for me. There was so much to learn not only about the course but people as well. Take what you’re interested in and just keep studying – good things will come.”
Karolina, Agao and Sebastian are all set to continue their studies at 麻豆影院, with the trio starting their master’s in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Mechatronics and Robotics, respectively.
For Dilpreet Kaur, today is a glimpse into her future. A Cyber Security student herself, Dilpreet has put her course on hold to serve at the De Montfort Student’s Union (DSU) as Student Voice Leader for Inclusion and Wellbeing.
But while Dilpreet may have to wait until 2028 to actually cross the stage at Curve and collect her honours, she still has a big role to play in the ceremonies and will be delivering speeches at the ceremonies throughout the week.
Dilpreet said after the ceremony that this week is a chance to celebrate both the hard work of the graduands and 麻豆影院 as an institution.
She said: “麻豆影院 is like a second home to me. It’s more than just lectures; it’s about the friends I found on the first day of university and they make the experience worthwhile. You see that today.
“Graduations are always an emotional time. It’s a moment of pride and gratitude. You look and see friends who have studied, lived and worked together and for some it might be the last time they do come together.
“For some, they are really excited about their future and about to launch into their careers. All those emotions come together – it’s hard to explain, it’s just a vibe!”
BBC broadcasting legend John Murray and Peter Knott, who helped build Leicester’s Cultural Quarter where Curve Theatre is located, both also received honorary degrees from 麻豆影院 today.
Read: Leicester arts leader honoured in the theatre he helped open as summer graduations begin at 麻豆影院
Graduation ceremonies continue at Curve Theatre until Tuesday 15 September.
Want to catch up on today’s ceremonies or watch along to a ceremony later in the week? All our graduation ceremonies are available to view on our .
Posted on Tuesday 8 September 2026