The University of Southampton is celebrating the successes of its students with a series of graduation ceremonies.

A total of 18 ceremonies are being held over seven days – with 17 of those taking place in the O2 Guildhall Southampton.

The 18th will be at Winchester Cathedral for graduates from the University’s Winchester School of Art.

A total of 4,700 students will pick up their undergraduate degrees, masters degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

Professor Mark E. Smith, the university’s President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Graduation is such a special event for the university, as we rightfully celebrate and congratulate our fantastic students for their achievements, and wish them well as they progress onto the next stage of their careers.

“It’s also a great opportunity to raise a glass to the commitment and dedication of our staff who have supported the students through their studies.”

The ceremonies will see the university’s two new Chancellors officially appointed to their posts.

The Rt Hon Justine Greening and Lord Kamlesh Patel of Bradford will be joint Chancellors for an initial five-year term.

The Chancellor is a ceremonial figurehead, presiding over graduation ceremonies and acting as an ambassador for the university.

The University of Southampton is also awarding three honorary degrees at this summer’s graduation – for pioneers of the internet, health, and psychology.

Honorary degrees recognise those whose contributions and achievements are an inspiration, and whose expertise is valued nationally and globally.

Honorary graduates this summer are Vinton G Cerf, co-designer of the architecture of the internet; Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Advisor for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC); and eminent psychologist Gerd Gigerenzer.

Vinton Cerf said: "I feel especially honoured by this degree from the University of Southampton, not least because of its connection with the Optoelectronics Research Centre and its distinguished leader, Professor Sir David Payne.

"It was through Sir David that I came to know the University and its prominence. I will carry that respect and gratitude with me from this time forward."

Gerd Gigerenzer said: “I feel truly honoured and privileged to receive this honorary degree from the University of Southampton.

"I hope that my research on decision making under uncertainty can assist the scientific community and the university leadership to make good decisions in these uncertain times.”