Boyfriend and girlfriend Grant and Emma met on the same course at the University and both start work in teaching jobs at regional schools in September.
English Education (Hons) graduates Grant Ridley, 23, and Emma Small, 21, have much to celebrate after receiving their academic awards at the summer graduation ceremonies.
Grant, from Hebburn, will take up the teaching role he successfully applied for at Kingsmeadow School in Gateshead, while Emma, from Stakeford near Morpeth, will begin work at Bede Academy in Blyth, where she completed a work placement and was asked to stay on.
Emma, did the placement at Bede Academy as part of her three-year undergraduate degree course, on her experience at University Emma commented: "It's a really supportive place to study, the tutors are there when you need support, around the clock. Going into education is definitely rewarding, I can't wait to get started now I've graduated."
To line up his graduate job Grant responded to a job advert, went for interview and was "delighted to be appointed into his dream teaching role so soon after finishing my degree and receiving QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)".
Grant continued: "My time at the University of Sunderland has been great, there have been so many different opportunities that I've really made the most of. The whole thing has been challenging but enjoyable - I've done two teaching placements, blogged for the University's 'Lives Online' channel, worked at Metro radio and even tried glass-blowing! I really have embraced every opportunity that came my way."
Asked what advice he would give to students thinking of following a similar path Grant said: "The course is hard work and you have to be focused. The workload is heavy but if you're determined and want to work with children it's very rewarding, I'm extremely excited to start my job as a teacher in September."
And a last word from Grant on the University of Sunderland... "It's life-changing! It really is what it says it is."