Student degrees will be in the post

Hundreds of university students will receive their degrees in the post as all graduation ceremonies are postponed until further notice.

The annual summer celebrations - which sees University of the West of Scotland students celebrate the end of their university education at Troon Concert Hall - will not take place in July this year.

Families of those graduating from the university usually flock to the town every year to watch their loved ones collect their certificates.

But this year it will not go ahead as planned.

Students will instead have their qualification certificates sent to them by post – with the chance to celebrate later in the year once the UK Government lifts the restrictions on large gatherings.

The Ayr university said the safety of students, staff and their families were a “top priority” during the coronavirus crisis.

Uni bosses made the decision as the government- imposed lockdown to stop the spread of Covid- 19 continues.

A University of the West of Scotland spokeswoman said: “Once restrictions on large gatherings have been lifted by the UK Government, all summer 2020 graduates will have the opportunity to attend a fantastic celebration event – where they can wear their gowns and have their photos taken – to mark their success, together with their fellow graduates, friends and family.

“The safety of our students and their friends, families and the wider university community is our first priority. Therefore, it has been agreed that all students eligible to receive their award in the summer will have their awards conferred in absentia in July 2020.

“We are committed to ensuring those who are eligible to receive heir awards do so at the normal time, to support our graduates’ ability to secure employment or pursue further education opportunities.”

The university has been closed to the public since the lockdown began in March.

Students have been encouraged to study remotely, with all buildings on the Ayr campus closed down until further notice.

Meanwhile, uni bosses have thanked all their 1,200 nursing and midwifery students and graduates who are doing amazing work at hospitals across Scotland and beyond.

UWS students have been supporting Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, and Dumfries and Galloway Health Boards, as well as some independent care providers.

Some have been supporting care homes.

UWS is Scotland’s largest provider of nursing and midwifery education in Scotland.