Ms Lloyd began a foundation degree course in 2016 before graduating with a BA in professional studies and has now completed a master’s focusing on knife crime initiatives in England and Scotland.
She received help from the university’s Lifelong Learning Centre, which supports mature and under-represented students.
She said: “It was an amazing opportunity and I never looked back.
“They have been amazing and I have made lifelong friends with both staff and students.”
While studying last year, Ms Lloyd co-created and featured in an award-winning film “Cut Short – Fighting against Knives in the North” in which she warned young people against carrying knives.
Her son’s death inspired her into campaigning and she has delivered teaching packages in schools as well as talks to young offenders and community groups.
She said she was now planning to take on a PhD.
“I am always striving to push myself further to make social change and so I want to do a PhD,” she said.
“I want to make life better for young people caught up in violence – especially girls who seem to be joining gangs in growing numbers. They need to be encouraged to take a different path.”
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