Students receive Essex honours at Portobello graduation

The University of Essex’s Dean of Partnerships (Education) joined hundreds of students celebrating their graduation at a partner institution.

Dr Annecy Lax offered her congratulations to the students celebrating the award of their Essex degrees at Portobello Institute in Ireland.

The partnership with Portobello involves a validation arrangement, with students receiving awards in Early Childhood Care and Education, Early Childhood Studies, Inclusive Education Practice and Sports Therapy. 

Teaching and assessment is carried out at Portobello’s campus in Dublin, with Essex overseeing quality assurance and academic standards before awarding the degrees.

In a speech to the students graduating on the day, Dr Lax highlighted the value of the partnership between Portobello and Essex.

She said: “Portobello Institute and the University of Essex have built a partnership that blends our strengths.

“This collaboration has one clear purpose: to provide education that is locally rooted, internationally recognised and shaped by research.

“Together we work for the public good by preparing graduates who improve services, challenge assumptions and lead change that lasts.”

Dr Lax added: “It was wonderful to gather the Portobello Institute community and to honour the hard work done by students.

“Our graduate community continues to grow through the partnership and I would like to congratulate all the students who graduated and wish them luck as they continue their journey forward.”