WATERBEAR GRADUATIONS

From our first graduating class in 2019 we’ve celebrated an incredible community of artists, musicians and music industry professionals, each taking their own path and building their future in music. Take a look back at some of the highlights from our graduation ceremonies in Brighton and Sheffield.

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WaterBear Graduation Sheffield 2026

We celebrated a landmark occasion for WaterBear Sheffield as our first-ever BA (Hons) cohort graduated, alongside our Sheffield MA graduates, at the Octagon Centre. Joined by friends and family, our graduates received their awards from our partner, Falmouth University, with a keynote speech from Andy Copping, a leading UK music promoter best known for his work with Live Nation and Download Festival.

WaterBear Sheffield

Class of 2026

WaterBear Sheffield

Keynote Speaker Andy Copping

WaterBear Sheffield

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WaterBear Graduation Brighton 2026

A huge congratulations to the Class of 2026. We welcomed our Brighton and online MA and BA (Hons) graduates to Brighton Dome to celebrate their achievements and receive their awards from our partner, Falmouth University. The ceremony featured a keynote speech from the incredible songwriter, musician and producer Guy Chambers.

WaterBear Brighton

Class of 2026

WaterBear Brighton

Keynote Speaker Guy Chambers

WaterBear Graduation 2025

We want to share some graduation moments of the Class of 2025. The event was held at the fabulous Brighton Dome, where our MA and BA (Hons) students from Brighton, Sheffield, and online welcomed their friends and family to celebrate their awards from our partner Falmouth University. Our keynote speaker was the inspirational Mark Davyd of the Music Venue Trust (MVT).

Online

Class of 2025

MA Brighton and Sheffield

Class of 2025

WaterBear

Class of 2025

WaterBear CEO

Adam Bushell

Falmouth University Partnership Director

Rasha Shaheen

Head of Education (Online)

Kaya Herstad-Carney

Keynote Speaker – Music Venue Trust Founder and CEO

Mark David

Head of Undergraduate Studies (Brighton)

Tom Stevens

Head of Postgraduate Studies (Brighton)

Mike Sturgis

Head of Education (Sheffield)

Jason Rungapadiachy

GRADUATION GALLERY

Since opening in 2018, we’ve seen hundreds of our BA (Hons) and Master’s students graduate. To say we’re proud is an understatement. Each one of our students has shaped the college into what it is today through their unique creativity and drive.

Class of 2019

Our first Master’s students undertake their graduation at the historic Chichester Cathedral.

CLASS OF 2020

Our second Master’s graduation took place online during Covid.

Class of 2021

We proudly celebrate the graduation of our pioneer BA (Hons) musicians and artists.

Class of 2022

We celebrate our first official in-person graduation ceremony for BA (Hons) and MA programmes at the historic Brighton Dome, featuring keynote speeches from Frank Turner and Mark Richardson, drummer of Skunk Anansie.

class of 2023

Over 500 guests joined our Brighton and online BA (Hons) and Master’s graduates at the Brighton Dome.

class of 2024

We welcome our first Waterbear Sheffield master’s graduates and guest speaker, Jeremy Pritchard from Everything Everything to the Brighton Dome.

class of 2025

Congratulations to the Class of 2025. This year, we welcomed keynote speaker Mark Davyd of the Music Venue Trust (MVT), who gave an inspirational speech to motivate and inspire our new graduates.”

WaterBear Brighton

Class of 2026

Congratulations to our Brighton and online MA and BA (Hons) graduates, who celebrated at Brighton Dome with keynote speaker Guy Chambers.

WaterBear Sheffield

Class of 2026

Congratulations to our first-ever Sheffield BA (Hons) and MA graduates, who celebrated at the Octagon Centre with keynote speaker Andy Copping of Live Nation and Download Festival.

FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY

WaterBear is a proud academic partner and College of Falmouth University, one of the UK’s most prestigious creative arts institutions. All courses delivered at WaterBear are approved and awarded by Falmouth, meaning you’ll graduate with a Falmouth University degree or master’s qualification.

FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY

BRIGHTON DOME

Since 2022, WaterBear Graduation has taken place at the iconic Brighton Dome, a historic building that has seen the likes of Abba and Jimi Hendrix grace its stage. It’s the perfect place to celebrate with family and friends.

Brighton Dome