BBC's Susie Fowler-Watt graduates from University of Essex

Susie Fowler-Watt, best known as one of the faces on BBC's red sofa reading the news for East Anglia, graduated from Essex University on Wednesday with a master's degree in psychodynamic counselling.

She said her decision to return to university was because she has had a long-held interest and belief in the positive power of counselling.

She said: “I had wanted to train as a counsellor since my undergraduate days decades ago, but life got in the way.

"I really believe in the psychodynamic approach, and I felt the course would not just lead to a qualification to practice but would be fascinating in its own right.

“Becoming a student again at my age has been nothing short of wonderful. I have appreciated learning in a way I didn’t when I was younger.

“I have also loved meeting like-minded people from different age groups and backgrounds. It has been such a stimulating experience.”

Susie Fowler-Watt and her husband Alex (Image: Steve Adams) The mum-of-two admitted that getting the balance between work and study was a challenge and took one year out to focus on her BBC role.

She continued: “The juggling has been fast and furious. My BBC boss has been hugely supportive and I have just had to be very disciplined.

“I had to intermit after my first year and I did have a wobble just before restarting.

"My teenage daughter was the one who persuaded me to carry on. She could tell just how passionate I was about it and said I would regret it if I didn’t continue.

“At Essex, Professor Sue Kegerreis has been a source of constant inspiration. She is the most perceptive person I have ever met - nothing gets past Sue - as well as being a superb teacher and communicator.”

Susie is now working as a counsellor for adults in schools, alongside reading the news.

She has also set out on a professional doctorate in loco parentis, something that was inspired by her childhood growing up in a boarding school run by her parents: “It has been such a welcoming return to education for me - I have felt very supported as a postgraduate.

"My advice would be - go for it, as it will open up your life in ways you can’t imagine.”