CAPS and gowns will be donned in Southampton from next week as graduates receive the fruits of their labour.

Southampton Guildhall will become a hive of activity as more than 2,500 students will be gowning-up and getting ready to graduate with degrees and professional qualifications from Southampton Solent University.

Ten ceremonies over five days are being held beginning on Monday which will showcase new graduate talent ranging from journalism to sport science, fashion to yacht design, and business management to TV and film production, and is all being beamed live via a webcast.

Southampton Solent University Chancellor, Admiral The Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead, and the new chair of the Board of Governors Jonathan Cheshire will preside over the university’s graduation ceremonies.

Professor Van Gore, vice-chancellor of Southampton Solent University who steps down in 2014, said: “During my seven years as vice-chancellor I have watched with great pride our students grow and develop into industry-ready professionals, who combine academic excellence and the real-world experience vital for their future careers.

"Warmest congratulations to everyone who is graduating this year and I look forward to seeing the future successes of this large and dynamic year of graduates.”

Honorary degrees go to the following academics and professionals who have made an outstanding contribution in their field of expertise. They include a host well known faces from the world of commerce, sport and performing arts.

Chief executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Jimmy Chestnutt will become a Doctor of Business, while Martyn Phillips, CEO of the UK’s largest home improvement retailer B&Q, will be presented with the same award.

Similarly the doctorate also goes to David Jamilly, co-founder of one of Europe’s most successful events companies.

From the world of performing arts former graduate Ricky Boleto will be given a Master of the Arts for his work in the field of television presenting, newsreading and journalism.

Jojar Heera Singh Taak, chairman of the Hampshire Asian Network, solicitor and Solent graduate, will be given a Master of Laws.

Geoff Quinn, CEO of T M Lewin, will be handed a Doctor of Fashion, Colin Lester will be given a Doctor of Music for his work in the field of global music management, while Eileen Cooper RA, renowned artist and first woman to be appointed an Officer of the Royal Academy, is also handed a Doctor of Arts.

Sport is also represented by Helena Lucas MBE, gold medal sailing Paralympian who becomes a Doctor of Sport.

The university’s link to the maritime industry is also recognised with the Hon Rear Admiral Sir Donald Gosling KCVO RNR becoming an Honorary Doctor of Maritime Studies and Malcolm Vincent, maritime engineer and a trustee of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, being given a doctor of Engineering.