A university student proposed to his girlfriend at his graduation ceremony.

Joe Walters, from Peacehaven, popped the question as he graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in sociology.

The 23-year-old got down on one knee to girlfriend of six years, Emily Hunt, in front of friends and family at the university's after graduation party, ‘Gradstock’ at the Bath Recreation ground.

Emily said yes.

"I was just so happy to finally ask Emily to marry me, it was so special,” said Joe.

The couple have been together for six yearsThe couple have been together for six years (Image: Niklas Aarre/ SWNS)

“It was my graduation day, but I wanted to share that big moment with starting our next chapter together as a couple, so it felt like the perfect moment to propose.

"I couldn’t have got through university without Emily at my side, so I wanted to make the day a double celebration."

Emily, originally from Uckfield, graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in dance one year ago and said the proposal was a lovely surprise.

“We have been together for almost six years and he always said he would propose at graduation but I presumed he meant mine,” she said.

"So when nothing happened last year, I just put it out of my mind.

"I had no idea he would pop the question at his own graduation, but it was such a lovely surprise.

“We were surrounded by our uni friends and close family, so it was even more special.

''Some of them even knew he was going to ask me, and I can’t believe they managed to keep it a secret.”

Emily was delightedEmily was delighted (Image: Niklas Aarre/ SWNS)

Joe, who manages a coffee shop, said: "I was still dressed in my cap and gown as we had come straight from the graduation ceremony where I picked up my degree, but as the time started to get closer, I began to feel really nervous as I realised how many people were around."

Joe proposed with his great grandma’s ring, which he collected from his mum on a recent holiday with Emily to Spain.

“We are so close to our families, and everyone is so happy for us. Having Joe’s Great Grandma’s ring is just beautiful,” said Emily.

The pair celebrating with friendsThe pair celebrating with friends (Image: Niklas Aarre/ SWNS)

The proposal was filmed by friends and family and Emily uploaded the moment to TikTok, which has already been viewed by over a quarter of a million people, with tens of thousands of people liking and commenting to congratulate the happy couple.

Emily, who works as a dance teacher, said: “The reaction on social media has been incredible, we have had well wishes from strangers all over the world, I think people like a happy love story, and we are so grateful to share ours with everyone.”

The couple, who met at college near Brighton six years ago, chose Bath Spa University because they wanted to stay and study together and BSU had courses they both wanted to apply for.

They have now both decided to stay living and working in Bath as they love the city so much.

Emily says she would love to get married abroad, somewhere warm and sunny, and then have a big party in the UK for all their friends and family.