School of Health & Medical Sciences celebrates inaugural graduations

The School of Health & Medical Sciences (SHMS), City St George’s, University of London held its first graduation ceremonies as an integrated School in July at the Barbican Centre. They were the first Summer graduation ceremonies to take place since the formal merger of City, University of London and St George's, University of London in August 2024

‘A truly special occasion’

Professor Natalie Armstrong, Executive Dean, SHMS welcomed the graduating students saying: ‘This is a truly special occasion. Today, we celebrate not only your remarkable individual achievements, but also a proud milestone for our university too: the first graduations from the School of Health & Medical Sciences at the newly formed City St George’s.’

She went on to say: ‘Today is a proud day. A day where your efforts, your perseverance, and your dreams come together in a moment worthy of both celebration and reflection. What you’ve achieved is no small feat.’

Echoing this sentiment, family, friends and staff cheered on the jubilant students as they crossed the stage to receive their degrees.

Speaking of the graduation, President of City St George's, Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein said, ‘Your achievements are a great pride to us all at City St George’s, and undoubtedly to those who have been by your side and who have supported you in reaching the finish line.

‘We have done our best to prepare you to live with, and learn from, change, and we are confident that you will handle whatever comes your way once you enter the working world.’

‘Age is just a number’

SHMS graduates of all ages celebrated at ceremonies held at the Barbican, including 69-year-old Naeem Ahmad, who graduated with a Master’s in Clinical, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience and 51-year-old Susan Mooney who graduated with a Master’s in Organisational Psychology.

Speaking of his experience of returning to university after 40 years, Naeem said: ‘I am here celebrating with my two daughters and my two granddaughters. I would tell others thinking of returning to university that one should not be limited by age. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. The sky’s the limit.’

Read more about Naeem and Susan’s journeys here.

Honorary degree and fellowships

At the graduation ceremonies honorary degrees and fellowships were also awarded to a selection of very deserving individuals.

• 15 July 2025 - Jillian Hartin, a leader in the field of critical care outreach, received anHonorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of her exceptional contributions to patient safety, clinical leadership and healthcare education. Read more about Jillian here.
• 21 July 2025 - Tim Beacon, received an Honorary Fellowship of City St George's, University of London. Tim is the Founder and Chief Executive of Medical Aid International, a global social enterprise committed to improving healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, disaster zones, and conflict areas.
• 30 July 2025 - Helen Tomkinson received the Honorary Fellowship of City St George's, University of London. Helen is an independent Clinical Pharmacology Consultant with more than 30 years’ experience of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. She has held executive positions at AstraZeneca, leading the Oncology Clinical Pharmacology team and the Global Integrated Bioanalysis Department.
• 30 July 2025 - Frances Brown PLY received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science. Frances is a Physiotherapist and Paralympian. She trained as a Physiotherapist at legacy St George’s becoming the first wheelchair user in the UK to qualify and go on to work in both the NHS and private practice. She has won nine world titles across track and road cycling disciplines as well as a silver medal in the Road Time trial at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and honorees!

You can read more about the City St George’s, University of London graduations here.