More than 1100 students will receive degrees by the end of the week, with ceremonies continuing on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Students from the schools of Humanities and Social Sciences, Communication and Creative Industries, Psychology, Education and Information Studies had their ceremonies on Monday.

Bachelor of Social Work graduate Lucy Holbrook was awarded with the inaugural Western District Department of Family Community Services and CSU Social Work Prize, which recognises a student for outstanding achievement in their final social work placement.

Ms Holbrook said she had initially been reluctant to go on her placement, but the experience was ultimately rewarding.

"After spending some time with the dedicated staff, they provided me with a really good foundation about why I want to work with community services," she said.

"It was difficult and challenging, but I'm really glad I've done it."

Ms Holbrook has just returned from India, where she was volunteering, and is now on the hunt for a job now she has completed her degree.

Students in the morning ceremony heard from Qantas captain Richard de Crespigny, who safely landed an Airbus A380 with 469 passengers on board after a mid-air explosion en route from Singapore to Sydney in 2010, who told them to be bold and seize the day.

"I told the students to be pirates - if you want a job on the high seas, don't join the navy, be a pirate," he said.

"Challenge and take every opportunity and reject the status quo, biases and groupthink."

CSU vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said the graduation ceremonies marked another big week for the university.

"It's just lovely to see the joy and relief on the faces of the students and the pride in their families," he said.

The 2011 recipient of the Kapooka-Legacy Scholarship, Amelia Thomson, graduated from a Bachelor of Primary Education degree in Monday's afternoon ceremony.