Top jobs for graduates

Leigh Anne Walter has been a support worker at Brighton's Royal Sussex County Hospital and will step up to become a Mental Health Nurse in the city after her maternity leave.

Leigh Anne, originally from Canada and now living with her partner and ten-week-old baby son Louis in Brighton, said: "I loved my course at the University of Brighton – and I'd recommend it."

Louis, donning a mini graduation outfit, joined his mother for her ceremony at Brighton Dome where sh e received her Mental Health Nursing diploma.

His outfit travelled thousands of miles – it was made by a baby gift business in South Carolina and was brought to Brighton by Leigh Anne's mother and father who flew from their home in Canada for their daughter’s big day – and to see their grandson for the first time.

Leigh Anne Walter and her son Louis

Left to right: Melissa Flynn, James Marks and Kelly Hall

Jumping for joy were dance friends Melissa Flynn and James Marks, who gained Professional Graduate Certificates in Education (dance), and Kelly Hall (Postgraduate Certificate in Education, dance).

Melissa said: "The course was hard work but I loved it – and I’d encourage others to take it."

Melissa has gained a job as Head of Dance at a school in Surrey and James is starting work as Head of Dance at a school in London. Melissa said: "And Kelly has some great prospects."

Latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed the number of University of Brighton graduates who found work after completing their studies improved again this year.

Nine out of 10 students who completed their first degree in 2012-2013 are in employment or further study, with the majority finding jobs at a managerial and professional level.