ESSEX University’s 100,000th student graduate will be donning her mortar board and gown next week.

Sofie Samuelsson will be among graduates celebrating the completion of degrees on Thursday.

She is set to receive her Masters in Linguistics at the Wivenhoe campus as part of the university’s biggest ever graduation.

Sofie said: “Being a graduate of Essex has given me an amazing Masters on my CV.

“Linguistics is highly recommended at Essex and so it is great that I got my degree from here and that I did so well.”

“I also like that I’ll always have this connection to Colchester through the University. It’s given me great connections for the future.”

Sofie, from Sweden, is currently working at Universal Web Design, based at the university’s Knowledge Gateway research and technology park, as a search engine optimisation specialist.

She added: “I get to combine my love for writing with research skills I learnt at Essex and the ever-changing digital market. I also get to learn new techniques and tricks every day so I’m really enjoying it.”

Thousands of graduands will receive their awards next week along with a stellar cast of honorary graduands including acclaimed British film director and producer Stephen Daldry.

Janine Duvitski, an East 15 graduate and one of the most instantly recognisable faces on British television, will also be honoured.

She is best known for her roles in Waiting for God, One Foot in the Grave and Benidorm.

The honorary graduands will join 3,730 students and 7,600 guests for graduations between Monday and Friday.