Doc Martin TV star Martin Clunes pictured as he officially becomes chancellor of Hartpury University

Martin Clunes has been officially installed as Hartpury University's inaugural Chancellor, following his installation as Hartpury College Chancellor in June. Martin’s installation took place during a jubilant session in which graduates from a range of animal-related degrees were recognised.

Hartpury University students returned to the spectacular setting of Gloucester Cathedral on November 7 and 8, 2024, for its annual graduation ceremony. Students graduating from a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were supported and celebrated by their friends, family and university faculty.

Students from conservation, animal management, training and human-animal interaction programmes were the first to shake the hand of the esteemed British actor, who recently spoke of his love for animals and the way they support us on ITV’s Lorraine.

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Professor Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Hartpury University said: “I’d like to express my gratitude to the team for organising another spectacular graduation ceremony. Both days were once again filled with immense joy and it was a significant milestone in our institution’s history, as we officially installed Martin Clunes as Hartpury University’s Chancellor.

“These ceremonies serve as a celebration of the students’ achievements and accomplishments, as well as a symbolic handover of the baton to the graduates as they embark on their respective careers. It is a recognition of their knowledge and skills, which enable them to shape their career paths while addressing the challenges in their specialised industries. We eagerly await the positive impact our class of 2024 will make.”

Hartpury University’s graduate employability rates are notably high with 97% of Hartpury University graduates in employment, further study, or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes 2024), placing the institution first in Gloucestershire and in the top 10% of UK universities for graduate employability.

The graduation ceremonies also provided an opportunity to recognise individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in their respective industry.

Lucinda Green MBE was awarded an honorary degree for her outstanding contribution to equestrian sport and coaching. Widely regarded as one of the greatest eventing riders in history, Lucinda is a six-time Badminton champion, dual Burghley winner, Olympic team silver medallist, and world and double European champion.

Since the early 1980s, she has shared her vast knowledge by teaching riders at all levels, from grassroots enthusiasts to Olympic contenders. In recent years, Lucinda has gained significant recognition through the Lucinda Green Cross Country Academy, where she showcases her teaching abilities while collaborating with experts worldwide to enhance her members' skills in horse management, training, and competition.

Charlie Whitehouse, a fourth-generation farmer based in the Forest of Dean, was awarded an honorary degree for his role in the development of Hartpury and contribution to the agricultural industry. Charlie joined the board of Hartpury College in 2005 after expanding and diversifying his family farm. Before his retirement in 2022, his deep knowledge and passion for agriculture made him a key contributor to Hartpury’s growth, with Charlie chairing several committees and serving as Vice Chair.

More than 30 Hartpury students, along with local schools and colleges, have gained valuable work experience on his farm. Beyond his work with Hartpury, Charlie has chaired several Agricultural Societies, including Gloucestershire Root, Fruit and Grain, and The Herefordshire Agricultural Club.

Recognising Hartpury University’s commitment to leading in areas such as equine welfare, the ceremony saw the first cohort of graduates from the BSc (Hons) Equine Behaviour and Welfare, and MSc Equitation Science degrees.

The first cohort of MSc Sports Management students to graduate off the back of completing live business consultancy projects, thanks, in part, due to Shared Prosperity Funding secured from Gloucester City Council. were also celebrated. It’s been a strong year for Hartpury Sport, enjoying sporting success across its academies and ranking fourth in the UK for Sport Science in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

A strong class of veterinary nursing graduates progressed from a range of degrees that were reaccredited earlier this year by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Veterinary Nurse Education Committee. The 2024 graduation ceremony observed the first group of graduates from the non-equine postgraduate certificate pathways (Postgraduate Certificate Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Clinical Nursing and Client Support) and Postgraduate Certificate Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Perioperative Nursing and Patient Safety)). The department has another busy twelve months ahead with the Veterinary Nursing and Technical Skills Centre set for completion early in 2025.

As is customary, Hartpury Agriculture once again produced an outstanding crop of graduates equipped with skills in all areas of crop production, engineering, agri-tech and livestock management.