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Charlotte celebrates first-class success after finding her perfect path to university

A Psychology and Sociology graduate from Bothwell is celebrating academic success this summer after achieving a first-class honours degree from �鶹ӰԺ (�鶹ӰԺ), Edinburgh.

Twenty-one-year-old Charlotte Deans graduated with a BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology at �鶹ӰԺ’s graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Monday 6 July 2026.

She was joined on 6 July by �鶹ӰԺ’s Chancellor, Patrick Grant – entrepreneur and judge of BBC One’s ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’. Charlotte and her fellow graduates also celebrated alongside human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, who was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her campaigning work to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination, and to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM).

After leaving school, Charlotte spent a year at college before progressing directly into the second year of her degree at �鶹ӰԺ – a route she now describes as “the best thing that could have ever happened”.

When Charlotte first arrived at �鶹ӰԺ, everything seemed to fall into place. She said: “Everything just felt right when I came to study Psychology and Sociology at �鶹ӰԺ.

“One of the most important things about �鶹ӰԺ is the sense of community and belonging. Everyone has such an important part to play in making �鶹ӰԺ what it is, and it’s a very supportive environment to be in.”

Throughout her time at university, Charlotte embraced every opportunity available to her. Alongside her studies, she worked as an Open Day helper, supported induction events, became involved in widening participation activities, contributed to disability inclusion projects and worked with the Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS), helping fellow students make the most of university life.

“I’ve always tried to put 100% effort into my university experience so that I could get the maximum out of it,” she explained. “What made the difference was that people believed in me and encouraged me to get involved in opportunities that helped build my confidence, skills, experience and independent thinking.

I’ve always felt like I’ve had a seat at the table. My opinions were listened to, and I felt genuinely valued by staff and the people I worked with across the university. Being seen for Charlotte, and valued for who I am, has been a really important part of my experience at �鶹ӰԺ.

“I feel like I’ve received so much from the University, and being involved in different projects has allowed me to give something back in return.”

Originally from Bothwell, Charlotte said that living away from home while studying was a key part of her personal development. She explained: “Moving away from home helped me grow as a person and become more independent. It gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself and develop confidence in ways I never expected.

Charlotte credits the support of her lecturers and university staff for helping her thrive academically and personally.

She explained: “I’ve loved my lecturers and professional services staff. They’ve been incredibly supportive and have encouraged me every step of the way. Certain individuals created opportunities for me and helped me believe I was capable of doing things I might never have put myself forward for otherwise.”

With ambitions to support others in the future, Charlotte hopes to build a career in a student support or advocacy role where she can help marginalised groups to reach their potential and use her skills to drive social change. “I believe everyone deserves to be treated equally and given the opportunity to succeed, so my plan is to work part-time in student support while completing a Certificate in Counselling Skills, before progressing to a Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy.”

Reflecting on her journey from school to college and then university, Charlotte hopes her story will encourage others whose routes into higher education may look different from the traditional path.

When I got my school results, things didn’t go to plan, but that ended up leading me to an opportunity that was even better for me. Going from school to college and then university was absolutely the right path. I’ve loved every bit of my experience and I genuinely didn’t want it to come to an end.

Karen Cullen, College Partnership Manager at �鶹ӰԺ, said: “Charlotte has made an outstanding contribution to university life during her time at �鶹ӰԺ. She has embraced every opportunity, not only to enhance her own learning and development but also to make a positive difference to the experiences of others. Her energy, commitment and willingness to get involved have been truly remarkable. Whether supporting fellow students, contributing to university projects or championing inclusion and accessibility, Charlotte has consistently gone above and beyond. She is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when talent, determination and a genuine desire to help others come together, and we have no doubt she will go on to make a significant impact in her future career.”

Graduating with a first-class degree, Charlotte leaves �鶹ӰԺ equipped with a wealth of experience, renewed confidence and a clear ambition to help others fulfil their potential.