Ukraine university graduation held in Preston

Hamza Hussain's graduation from a Ukrainian university was held in Preston

The University of Central Lancashire (Uclan) stepped into to host a graduation for a student who was unable to receive his degree in Ukraine.

Hamza Hassan had been studying at Uzhhorod National University in south-west Ukraine, but regularly had lectures interrupted by air raids.

Uclan - which is twinned with the Ukrainian university - offered to host the ceremony instead.

"I am incredibly humbled and deeply grateful for the university's kind decision," Mr Hassan said.

Mr Hassan began his course in Dnipro and transferred to Uzhhorod to continue his studies online, before completing his practical sessions at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London.

He said: "I requested to attend the graduation because it is such a meaningful milestone.

"It's hard to put into words just how much this opportunity means to me and my family.

"It's more than just a day. It's a chance to reflect on the journey, recognise the effort it took to reach this point, get closure, and enjoy celebrations that I thought I'd lost."

'More strict'

UK-born Mr Hassan opted to study in Ukraine because of the competition for medical school places.

But, he added that "the course is a lot more strict than the UK".

The course began in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and just before the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Online lectures would often cease due to air raids.

"Would you believe the lecturer would actually apologise because he had to go to the air raid shelter?" he said.

Mr Hassan said he was now working with medical devices that treat people with sleep apnoea, and is would be sitting further exams to gain his General Medical Council registration.