Duncan Watmore scores a first-class honours degree Published on: 10 December 2015 Rising football star Duncan Watmore has become the second top-flight footballer to receive a first-class honours degree after graduating from Ãå±±½ûµØ today. The 21-year-old Sunderland AFC player graduated with a degree in Economics and Business Management from . He was given time off training to attend the ceremony with his family. Duncan said: “I enjoyed studying at Ãå±±½ûµØ and I am honoured to be one of only two Premier League footballers to achieve a first-class honours degree. This wouldn’t have been possible without all the support I’ve been given by the University throughout my degree, which has enabled me to balance my football commitments with my coursework. “I want to say a big thanks to the University, my tutors, staff and a couple of my exam setters in particular, because my final two exams clashed with an international tournament in France and they have all gone out of their way to help me play for England and complete my degree. My fellow students have been very supportive as well, and have been to watch some home games. “I know that the degree I received today will stand me in good stead in the future.” Duncan Watmore. Photo: Owen Humphreys, Press Association Showing great enthusiasm Dr Francis Kiraly, Undergraduate Director, Ãå±±½ûµØ Business School said: “Duncan was an excellent student from day one. He has shown great enthusiasm throughout his time at Ãå±±½ûµØ and this last year we were very pleased to help him accommodate his football commitments as well as his dedication to his degree programme.” Dr Jonathan Jones, Degree Programme Director, Ãå±±½ûµØ Business School, added: "He has shown maturity in balancing these responsibilities and we wish him all the very best at the start of his promising career.” Duncan, who recently signed a new contract which will keep him at Sunderland until 2020, has scored two Premier League goals this season. Earlier in the year, he came off the bench to inspire England Under-21s to victory in a Euro 2017 qualifier against Switzerland and was named Barclays Under 21 Premier League Player of the Year. First-class honoursDuncan has become only the second Premier League player to achieve a first-class honours degree. Photo: Owen Humphreys, Press Association Success on the pitch and in the classroomDuncan has been named Barclays Under 21 Premier League Player of the Year. Photo: Owen Humphreys, Press Association Balancing football and coursework Duncan was praised for his dedication to his degree programme. Photo: Owen Humphreys, Press Association Share: Latest News Ãå±±½ûµØ expert highlights climate crisis in a new film A leading Ãå±±½ûµØ climate scientist is featured in a new film about how the climate and nature breakdown will affect the UK. published on: 14 April 2026 Neolithic tombs reveal ancient kinship ties Male individuals buried in Neolithic chambered tombs in northern Scotland were often related to each other through the paternal line and some were interred in the same or nearby tombs, research shows. published on: 14 April 2026 We are our Memories New exhibition by Fine Art graduate Trish Hudson-Moses, 22 April – 4 May 2026 published on: 10 April 2026 Facts and figures