Mother and son graduate from University of Northampton

The mother and son both attended their graduation ceremony at the Northampton Saints RUFC stadium in November

A mother and a son have both attended a ceremony together having graduated from the same university.

Dr Bill Robertson-Smith completed her University of Northampton professional practice in health and social care degree course this year.

Meanwhile, her son Archie has graduated in sport rehabilitation and conditioning.

"My friends thought it was quite cool, although we never bumped into each other on campus," he said.

Dr Robertson-Smith works at Northampton General Hospital in Trauma and Orthopaedics.

"About 20 years ago, I trained to be an operating department practitioner, and after further obtaining a qualification in surgical care practice at the University of Greenwich, I became a senior surgical care practitioner, the role I've happily been in for the last 15 years.

"I absolutely loved being a student, and after my master's degree, I continued with my study by taking on a professional doctorate degree.

"I've achieved an academic goal that means I can continue committing to research and working in the role I'm dedicated to."

'My friends thought it was quite cool'

Meanwhile, her son, who works in a sport and injury clinic in Rushden, said: "My course was more 'in-person' and at Waterside campus, and mum's was more distance-learning.

"She did support me during the earlier part of my degree - her healthcare knowledge was a help if I wanted to bounce ideas off about my assignments."

Meanwhile, Archie's sister Harriet is also at the university studying adult nursing, while her other son Fred is in his second year as an architecture student at De Montfort University in Leicester.

Archie said: "I saw my sister more often. She is in her last placement before she qualifies, working at Northampton General Hospital, also in trauma and orthopaedics."

Having graduated, Dr Robertson-Smith will continue in her role at Northampton General, while Archie is looking to complete a master's degree in physiotherapy.

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