Graduated from the University of Derby began to gather at Derby Arena for the second of three days of ceremonies from before the doors opened at 8.30am.
Arts, design and technology graduates were due to receive their degrees at today's first ceremony.
They will be followed by graduates from business. computing and law in the second ceremony.
Derbyshire ceramic artist Paul Cummins was present to receive an honorary masters degree in recognition of the recent commemorative display in the moat at the Tower of London in memory of the start of the First World War.
Mr Cummins, who was accompanied by his mother, said: "I was quite nervous but it is an honour for me and my family,"
Mr Cummins is currently studying for a PhD at the university.
Other graduates also confessed to being nervous .
Chelsie Glover, of Slough, said: "I have five members of my family with me and so it was nerve-wracking but it was great to see all my friends again."
