Historic milestone as inaugural cohort completes degrees at university’s Healthcare Education Centre
THE first cohort of nursing students to study at Aberystwyth University has graduated, marking a major milestone for the institution’s healthcare education programme.
The students began their studies in September 2022, when the University’s new Healthcare Education Centre first opened opposite Bronglais Hospital.
The £1.7 million facility, which received £500,000 in Welsh Government funding, features high-quality clinical practice rooms designed to prepare students for careers in the NHS and wider healthcare sector.
Almost 40 students graduated this year, completing degrees in either adult nursing or mental health nursing. The programme has grown rapidly since its launch, with 239 students enrolled during the current academic year.
The courses also offer students the opportunity to complete up to half of their studies through the medium of Welsh.
A special reception was held following the graduation ceremony, where students were congratulated by university staff, academic leaders and partner organisations.
Amanda Jones, Head of Healthcare Education at Aberystwyth University, said: “It is so heartening to see our students at this wonderful moment in their lives – many congratulations to them all. It has been an honour to be part of history, teaching the first ever cohort of nursing students here in Aberystwyth. I wish them all every success for the future.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis described the graduation as a significant moment for the university.
“This is a very special day – I’m so delighted to see the nursing students graduate,” he said.
“As a university, we are extremely proud to train the next generation of nurses for the NHS and the healthcare sector. That is exactly the type of role we as an organisation should be undertaking and want to do even more. It’s at the heart of our agenda to change lives for the better, grow knowledge, build communities and strengthen Wales.”
