And there are many graduates who have gone on to make waves in academia, economics, politics, culture, sport, law and more besides.
Here are 9 prominent individuals who gained a degree from the University of Sheffield that you probably didn’t know about.
5. Stephen Daldry
Director and producer Stephen Daldry studied English Literature at Sheffield University - his work includes the films Billy Elliott and The Hours, as well as the hit Netflix series The Crown. Photo: Jeff Spicer
6. George Ergatoudis
George Ergatoudis is Apple's UK head of music - previously he was Spotify's chief tastemaker, and before that he ran Radio 1's playlist. He grew up in Leeds and studied architecture at Sheffield University. Photo: Dean Atkins
7. Amy Johnson
Pioneering aviator Amy Johnson became the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia in 1930. She studied Latin, French and Economics at Sheffield University. Photo: Getty Images
8. Lord David Blunkett
Former home secretary and ex-Labour MP Lord Blunkett studied politics at Sheffield University. Photo: Ian Forsyth