Dr Neil Munro and son Harry Munro

Engineering graduate Harry Munro will be following in his father's footsteps at his graduation ceremony this morning (Friday 22 July) - his dad will be crossing the stage at Brighton Dome first, to receive his doctorate in education at the same ceremony.

Father and son found the courses they were looking for at Sussex: Harry, 22, opted for a four-year mechanical engineering degree while father Neil, 57, a GP from Leatherhead in Surrey, wanted to carry on with research begun in London into doctors' careers development.

Harry was attracted by the Sussex engineering course's foundation year programme, the campus and the bright lights of Brighton.

Neil, a busy doctor who also works as an associate specialist in diabetes at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, was impressed by the research work of Sussex academic  Professor Michael Eraut, and the flexibility of studying for his doctorate part-time.

Having his father at the same University didn't appear to cramp Harry's style. He made full use of his time at Sussex, joining the University Royal Navy Unit (URNU), the rugby team and the mountain-biking club, before landing a job with an engineering contractor in London. Harry says: "The nature of Dad's work was different to mine, so we didn't cross paths. And I think his lecture attendance needed a little improvement!"

Neil replies: "I was too busy trying to pay for Harry's university fees and accommodation! I also had a number of day jobs. I did appreciate the flexibility the University showed."

Neil adds: "When I realised that our graduations might coincide my instinct was to steer away from the day - other than to be there as Harry's parent. However, Harry would have none of it. I feel very proud, but it also feels just a bit strange!"

As Sussex prepares to celebrate its 50^th anniversary, there is growing evidence that the University's graduates like to keep their higher education in the family. No less than 27 former students will be attending this summer's five ceremonies as parents, grandparents, partners or children of graduating students.

You can watch the graduation ceremonies live on the Sussex website.