It’s not quite planes, trains and automobiles but having spent three days travelling across Europe to start his degree one Buckinghamshire New University graduate has heralded his three-year educational journey after gaining first-class honours.

Wheelchair user Ram Pawar, 27, from Lisbon, Portugal, has collected his degree in BSc (Hons) Software Engineering and an award for Best Overall Performance in his degree at Wycombe Swan Theatre.

Ram praised the University for being 'ideal' for a wheelchair user; “Bucks New University is a very supportive environment for a wheelchair user to study in. Everyone from students to lecturers and staff were so nice throughout my degree, always prompt to help if I needed a hand putting my wheelchair in the car boot or taking it out.”

Ram said collecting his degree was a ‘very proud moment’ and said studying at BNU had gone well from his very first day, after he’d made his way to The Chilterns via Spain and France, with a ferry across the Channel.

“I drove my adapted car to Britain from my home in Lisbon,” said Ram. “I couldn’t leave my independence behind so once I was offered a place at Bucks, I planned a route, booked a ferry and said to myself, ‘vamos Ram, it’s a time for new adventures.’

“Course Leader Mike Everett made himself available on my very first day to help me with my wheelchair and get around, and throughout that day kept checking on me to see if everything was alright or if I needed anything.

“That first day’s impression made a huge difference for my confidence and set the tone for my three years at Bucks. Disability Services Manager Maureen O’Brien was also particularly helpful, ensuring I could concentrate on studying by arranging a parking permit, providing security staff’s phone numbers, and being available for enquiries.”

Speaking about the quality of his degree, he added: “I have learned solid software engineering skills and I believe that Bucks New University has some exceptional lecturers who are highly skilled, motivated, professional and have different backgrounds which complement the variety of curriculum they teach."

“These skills will play an essential role in my first job. I am a lifetime learner and I am now looking to take short intensive courses while looking for entry level software engineering position. I will be learning more, but before anything else, I am looking forward to returning to Portugal to visit my family and friends.”

Ram was supported at his graduation by his fiancé Sónia Carsane, sister Rani and her husband Pawan. Mr Everett said Ram was ‘a first-rate student’ who showed an active interest in all aspects of his degree.

He added: “Ram was a delightful and demanding individual to teach, who happily kept you on your toes, with his enquiring mind and follow-on questions. “He could work equally as well by himself or playing a leading part in group based activities and Was at ease among his peers or speaking to tutors. Well liked by both in equal measures.”