Principal Bernard King said that the past decade had seen enormous positive change for Abertay during which the university has established an international reputation.

Students from the faculty of computing and advanced technology and the Dundee Business School were officially conferred at the ceremony held in the Caird Hall.

In a change from previous years, two ceremonies will take place on consecutive days with the remainder of the 660 graduands receiving their awards tomorrow.

He congratulated the graduates on their hard work and said “you are now reaping the rewards for all your efforts”, before thanking them for their contribution to the development of the university.

“We are creating a university campus fit for the 21st century,” said Professor King.

He said that the university is continuing to move forward with the development of the student centre and next year will see the completion of the student village.

He also recognised how the university had grown over the years, both in terms of student numbers and the range of subjects on offer.

“Our academic community grows ever stronger, and Abertay now has a firmly established international presence.

“Furthermore, when 10 years ago Abertay’s student population was largely local, now it is increasingly cosmopolitan, while still retaining a reputation as the natural choice for local students. We have led the way in Scotland in portfolio development.

“Of the 10 courses attracting the most applicants for next session, five did not exist even seven years ago.”

Professor King said that Abertay’s mission today remained that of being the most innovative and dynamic modern university in Scotland and has been a world leader in computer games, while being the first to introduce a range of other subjects.

“We clearly continue to respond vigorously to the demands of the new economy. To put it into context, Abertay introduced the world’s first Masters in Software Engineering for Computer Games, Europe’s first mechatronics masters degree, Scotland’s first masters in bioinformatics, Scotland’s first biotechnology degree, Scotland’s first computer games degree, its first honours degree in nursing, and its first degrees in computer arts, sport coaching and development, and internet and communications technologies.

“In addition, Abertay is one of the most successful universities in widening access to higher education and has routinely been cited as a national example because of its long-standing commitment to offering lifelong learning opportunities to all who can benefit from them.”During today’s ceremony, two honorary degrees were awarded to philanthropist and businessman Sir James Cayzer and former international athlete Myra Nimmo.

Sir James, who received an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters, has had a very significant influence on Scottish economic and cultural development, and through Caledonia Investments, on international finance.

Professor Myra Nimmo was awarded honorary doctor of science. She is Professor of Exercise Physiology and Head of the Department of Applied Physiology at the University of Strathclyde.