Graduation 2025!

University Centre South Essex Graduation

University Centre South Essex (part of South Essex Colleges Group) students celebrated their higher education achievements at the university’s annual graduation ceremony.

The event, which took place at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend, saw 171 students receive higher education awards in a range of subjects, with 18 graduates receiving special awards.

The diplomas were awarded by special guest, Dominic Chinea, who graduated from the University Centre in 2009 with a BA in Graphic Design.

He is best known for his master metal work in The Repair Shop and Repair Shop on the Road. He’s also fronted Make It At Market, heartland territory for him, supporting amateur makers to turn their passion and skills into a viable business. His latest project, Dom Chinea’s Cornish Workshop will air on U & Yesterday in 2026.

Having previously worked across many mediums including  set design, prop making, metal work, sign writing & restoration; Dom’s skills and interests help him turn his hand to a huge variety of projects, bringing the same enthusiasm and energy to all his pursuits.

Dom is an advocate of heritage crafts and his passions include restoring anything with wheels and sign writing. Dom is the proud owner of Ranalah Ltd and has started manufacturing this English wheeling machine again determined to celebrate all the history the company has been involved with. You can follow the journey on his successful YouTube channel.

Dom is also the author of two successful books, Tools: A Visual History and the follow up Machines: A Visual History.

Dom said: “I absolutely loved doing my degree at the university, it gave me the freedom to explore new things. It is a huge honour to return to where I studied and have the privilege of handing the diplomas to the graduates.”

Chair of the College Corporation, Dame Sally Dicketts addressed the graduates saying: “This evening shows that you can achieve anything through hard work, dedication and self-belief. Keep the memory of this occasion to help you overcome any tough times so that you can succeed for the rest of your life.” 

Group Chief Executive of South Essex Colleges Group, Denise Brown, added her congratulations to all the award winners, saying: “Graduation is always a special occasion, and we are immensely proud of our students and all they have achieved this year. We wish them every success in the future. I would also like to extend our thanks to everyone who joined us in celebration, including our distinguished guests, The Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Nigel Folkard and Chair of the College Corporation, Dame Sally Dicketts.”

For more information about the University Centre’s higher education courses, visit our website.