Earlier this week, I had the absolute privilege of graduating with my PhD in Media and Cultural Studies from Canterbury Christ Church University. Looking back on the long and challenging journey that brought me here, it’s hard to put into words how much this moment meant to me. Studying for my doctorate was a fascinating and deeply satisfying experience, but it was also one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. The process took a significant toll on my mental health at times, but the support of my family and friends was key in keeping me going when things got tough.
That’s why having my mum, Jane, and my eldest sister, Phoebe, there to witness both my graduation and the culmination of years of hard work was incredibly special. They've been my anchors throughout this journey, keeping me sane and motivated, and their unwavering belief in me gave me the strength to push through the difficult times. It wasn’t just a proud moment for me—it was a moment for them too, as they’ve been with me every step of the way. I was also incredibly proud that they got to meet the awesome people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and teaching throughout my time at CCCU.
Myself (Left) nervously walking to the front of the ceremony hall to shake hands with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rama Thirunamachandran (Right)
Now, I’d love to say that the applause I received was what you’d expect for any PhD graduate, but let’s be honest—it was deafening! The cheers as I made my way down the aisle were nothing short of thunderous. I actually had to do a double-take at one point to make sure Beyoncé wasn’t behind me! The sheer energy and support from the students, colleagues, and my family made me feel like a rock star for the day. Of course, part of that might have been because I looked like I’d just walked out of a Tudor portrait. Dressed in my traditional robes, I was called “Henry VIII” or a “Beefeater” at least a dozen times. All I was missing was a goblet of mead and a turkey leg! But in all seriousness, the support in the hall was overwhelming, and it’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.
Myself chuffed to bits walking down the dreaded aisle!
The day was made even more special by the fact that I got to share it with the students I’ve taught in Games Design, Graphic Design, and Media & Communications/PR. Watching them graduate and achieve their dreams was a truly proud moment. These students have worked so hard, and it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of their academic journeys.
One of the highlights was getting to catch up with Emily Dawkins, a Media and Comms/PR graduate. I was delighted to sit in the same grouping with her during the ceremony. Emily has always been a go-getter with a great attitude, producing fantastic work throughout her studies. It was wonderful to hear she’s already found a role she enjoys—she truly deserves it!
There are a few other students I want to give a special mention to, starting with Joe Ruck, a Games Design graduate whose talent and sociability never cease to amaze me. Joe has this unique ability to bring people together and make every situation more fun. Like me, Joe sometimes struggles with self-confidence, but I hope one day he realises the absolute champion he is. His future is incredibly bright, and I’m excited to see what he’ll accomplish. Meeting his mum on the day was fantastic too—she and my sister were practically best mates by the end of it!
Another standout student was Faye Button, from Media & Comms/PR. Faye and I were both nervous on the day, but I’ve always admired her quiet resilience and the way she’s faced every challenge head-on. Teaching Faye was a joy, and I know she’s going to thrive in whatever career she chooses. I had the pleasure of meeting her parents too, and they were such lovely people—it’s clear where Faye gets her kind-hearted nature from.
Will Hill (Left), Faye Button (Centre), Myself (Right) . All happy it's over!
I’ll also really miss Alex Wilks, another Media & Comms/PR graduate whose humour and banter made every class a delight. She’s incredibly hard-working and sharp, and I was so proud to see her cross the stage and get the recognition she deserves. Her sister, who’s starting her own degree soon, was just as lovely—clearly, talent and dedication run in the family!
I also want to give a special mention to Tom Hudson, one of the most inspiring students I’ve had the pleasure of teaching in Games Design. Like me, Tom has faced his own personal battles, but he’s pushed through and consistently produced stellar work. I’m so proud that he’s moving on to postgraduate study, and I’m excited to continue seeing him grow as an academic. He’s got a bright future ahead, and I can’t wait to see where it takes him.
I also caught up with Chantil Thomas, a Media & Comms/PR graduate who always took the time to chat after class and ask about postgraduate studies. She’s now pursuing an MA by Research, the same path I took, and I know she’ll excel. I’m so proud of her decision to keep moving forward in her academic journey.
Then, I briefly spoke to Yanko, a graduating Photography student. Although I didn’t teach him, we know each other through various student circles. He’s a very talented photographer and is popular in the community due to his charming, fun, and kind character. I have no doubt he’ll go far in his career.
And then there’s Kian from Graphics Design, who stopped by for a catch-up. Kian’s work always impressed me, and his dissertation was nothing short of superb. He has all the talent and drive to succeed, and I’m sure he’ll go on to do incredible things in his career.
Of course, there were many, many more students I got to have a very quick farewell with across the departments I have the pleasure of teaching for. From the bottom of my heart, I'm so happy for you all and proud that I got to be even the smallest part of your academic journeys. Thanks for putting up with me!
Will Hill (Far-Right), myself (Far-Left) and the 2024 Graphic Design graduates having a nice hat-throw!
What made the day truly unforgettable, though, was being surrounded by colleagues who have supported me throughout this entire journey. One person who stands out above the rest is Will Hill. Will isn’t just a colleague—he’s my best mate on campus and has been a true rock for me. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering support have been invaluable. Will has always made sure I feel included and valued, especially when I’ve doubted myself, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his friendship. What’s more, his ability to balance being course director for both Graphic Design and Games Design while still finding time to encourage and support everyone around him is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication to fostering creativity and innovation in his students is something I deeply admire. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without him—he’s one of the main reasons I feel so at home at CCCU. He should also feel proud that my family are now also his biggest fans!
Of course, I also have to mention Will Henniker, who I'm glad to have seen there on the day - a man whose work ethic and empathy are a constant source of inspiration. Will manages to juggle a hundred things at once while still being one of the most supportive and kind-hearted people you’ll ever meet. He’s the type of colleague who makes everyone around him better, and I’m lucky to be able to learn from him every day.
It was great to briefly see Charlie Tidmas, a fantastic filmmaker I had the pleasure of working with on an MA module this year. His creativity and talent amaze me, and I know he’s going to make waves in the industry, even more so than he is already. And of course, I can’t forget Nick Furze, who taught me during my undergraduate days in Film, Radio & TV. Nick’s passion for teaching and his dedication to his students continue to inspire me to this day. He’s had such a lasting impact on me and countless others at CCCU. It was great to see him rocking the PhD robes once again!
But one person I have to give the biggest mention to is Professor Alan Meades. Alan has been my PhD supervisor and mentor throughout this entire process, and I truly look up to him. His ability to connect with students and inspire creativity is unparalleled, and I constantly strive to model my own teaching after his. His research is top-notch, I greatly admire his work - particularly the social and cultural look at games, but it’s his incredible knack for fostering enthusiasm and pushing students to go beyond their limits that I admire the most. Alan has this way of making you feel like you’re capable of more than you realise, and that’s something I hope to emulate in my own teaching. Having him there on my graduation day felt like a full-circle moment, and I couldn’t have been prouder to celebrate this milestone with someone I respect so deeply.
Lads on tour! Will Henniker (Left), Joe Ruck (Centre-Left), Prof. Alan Meades (Centre), Me (Centre-Right), Will Hill (Right)
Of course, the people that have positively affected my academic journey go beyond just those I saw and spoke to at graduation - the list is too big to include here. It is likely that anyone reading this that personally knows me probably doesn't realise how much I appreciate them. I hope the writing in this blog goes some way to convincing them of that.
Graduating in Canterbury Cathedral, surrounded by such an inspiring community, was an experience I’ll never forget. Yes, there were plenty of “Henry VIII” and “Beefeater” jokes thanks to the traditional robes, but despite the banter, I couldn’t have been prouder walking down that aisle. The cheers, the applause, and the overwhelming love from my students, colleagues, and family made it a day I’ll cherish forever.
Here’s to whatever comes next—thank you to everyone who’s been a part of this journey.
Dr (I need to get used to that moniker!) Dave Boyd
The second coming of Henry VIII, AKA Myself.
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