More than 1,500 students will don their caps and gowns next week to graduate from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

The ceremonies – which are usually held a Preston Guild Hall – will take place at the transformed Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, after the Guild Hall shut earlier this year.

The undergraduates, postgraduates and doctorate students will take to the stage between Monday, 9 December, and Wednesday, 11^th December, for the prestigious Degree and Award Ceremonies.

The University will host eight graduation ceremonies over the space of two-and-a-half days and surrounding University buildings will be used to accommodate gown hire, official photography and celebratory post-event reception.

Read more: Preston university academics recognised for their outstanding teaching

During the ceremonies, the University will also recognise the careers of Dr Eric Northey, Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE and Dr Susan Scurlock MBE.

Honorary Doctorates will be conferred to Dr Northey and Professor Croisdale-Appleby while Dr Scurlock will receive an Honorary Fellowship.

Playwright and mental health activist Dr Northey is being recognised to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to the University through his leadership in the establishment and development of the Whittingham Lives Association.

Professor Croisdale-Appleby, who is recognised worldwide for his campaigns around the injustice of apartheid, is being honoured for the significant contribution he has made to the health and social care sector, particularly through his development of social work education.

UCLan alumna Dr Scurlock, who created national charity Primary Engineer, is being recognised for the significant contribution she has made to education and engineering.

Are you graduating from UCLan this time? Let us know in the comments section