The University of Pretoria’s (UP) spring graduation ceremonies take place from 2 to 6 September when 1 582 students will be awarded qualifications ranging from certificates, diplomas and degrees. Of this number, 162 students will be receiving doctorate degrees, 452 will be receiving master’s degrees and 477 will be receiving honours degrees.

Below is a breakdown of the number of graduates who will receive their qualifications:

• Distance Education: 214
• Engineering and the Built Environment and Information Technology: 347
• Economic Management Sciences: 147
• Gordon Institute of Business Science: 94
• Veterinary Sciences: 141
• Natural and Agricultural Sciences: 213
• Theology/Law: 103
• Education: 160
• Health Sciences: 163

A highlight of the graduation ceremonies will be former member of the UP Executive Professor Antony Melck travelling from Austria to hood his son, Marcus Melck, who will be receiving his doctorate in History during the Faculty of Humanities’ graduation ceremony on 4 September. He will also hood his daughter-in-law, Misha Melck, who will be receiving her master’s in music.

During his time at UP, Prof Melck made a significant contribution to the University, particularly in art and music.

Ninety-one percent of UP graduates are able to find work within six months of graduating. Their success in the workplace is because of the University’s Work Readiness and Entrepreneurship programmes, which equip students with attributes required for success in the world of work.

UP also contributes to the production of skilled individuals in a broad range of fields important for the advancement of South Africa. Almost half of the University’s contact-enrolled students are in scarce skills-related study programmes identified as crucial for the country’s socio-economic development. The University produces: 18,3% of all master’s-level graduates, 14,3% of all doctoral-level graduates, 25,7% of engineering degrees, 17,9% of health sciences degrees, 16,7% of natural science degrees, 100% of all veterinary degrees.