It was a case of like mother, like daughter at a university graduation that proved to be a family affair.

Bridie Pearson-Jones (MA in international journalism) and her mum Debbie Pearson (MSc in charity marketing and fundraising) shared their proud moment together at the Barbican, in the first of three City Uni graduation ceremonies last week.

Debbie, who sat in the audience watching her daughter take the stage before she graduated herself, said: “I left my job in BT as I wanted to work in the charity sector, and when I heard that I could do a degree on charity with Cass, I immediately applied.

“It is an amazing coincidence that we have got to do this on the same day.”

Bridie added: “I am really proud of my mum, as she has had to balance her career and education while looking after me and my brother. It felt good to watch her take the stage. She did not trip – and she may have even stolen my thunder.”