Students will be donning mortar boards and gowns this week as years of hard work and dedication is set to be rewarded.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: University of Suffolk at East Coast College Lowestoft campus graduation 2018. Pictures: Mick HowesUniversity of Suffolk at East Coast College Lowestoft campus graduation 2018. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

The annual University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation ceremonies will be held this Friday, October 4.

Graduating students and their proud family members will be taking over Great Yarmouth's Minster, as ceremonies for the Lowestoft and Yarmouth campuses are held this Friday at 11am and 3pm.

Both ceremonies will see graduation certificates handed out in a range of subjects and courses.

Foundation degrees and degrees in the arts, social care, health programmes and sport will be presented.

The awards will be conferred by Helen Langton, vice-chancellor of the University of Suffolk.

Professional qualifications in the care and education sector will also be presented.

Stuart Rimmer, chief executive and Principal at East Coast College, said: "Graduation is an incredibly special day not just for the graduands but for the whole of the college and the local teaching community.

"It is a day we come together to celebrate student successes, their hard work and the importance of Higher Education provision in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth".

After each ceremony, guests are invited to remain in the Minster for a reception of canapés and drinks prepared and served by East Coast College catering students.

Kerry Payne, assistant principal Higher Education, said: "The University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation ceremonies are the highlight of our academic year.

"Every student graduating has worked extremely hard with key support from our dedicated staff team."

Students graduating will have entered education at a range of different levels and been taught in a range of formats and programmes including apprenticeships.

Hundreds of friends and relatives are expected to join the celebrations, together with college staff and local dignitaries

Potential students, who are looking to start their East Coast College journey, should attend an Open Day, which are being held at both campuses between 10am and noon on October 12.