phd graduation uk

Degree ceremonies

Booking your degree ceremony, on the day: useful links for guests.

University of Oxford degrees are conferred at degree ceremonies, held in the Sheldonian Theatre. You may graduate in person or in absence, either straight after you've finished your degree, or many years later. If you choose to graduate in person, you will be presented by your college, hall or society.

• Undergraduate or Taught Master's students:  you will automatically receive an email in Michaelmas Term of your final year of study with instructions regarding when and how to book your degree ceremony. If you have not received an email at this time, please contact your college for further information. They will be able to assist you or forward your query onto the Degree Ceremonies team for further investigation.
• Research students:  you will automatically receive an email with instructions on how to book your degree ceremony once you have been granted leave to supplicate. If you do not receive an invitation at this time, contact the  Degree Ceremonies team .
• Conferring your degree  in absentia:  Students can select to have their degrees conferred  in absentia  on Self Service when invited to register for a ceremony. If you are a member of the University of Oxford’s alumni and would like to have your degree conferred  in absentia , please contact your college who will arrange for your degree to be conferred at the next ceremony.

Your college will communicate with you regarding arrival, gowning, catering arrangements, and any charges you may be required to pay.

Managing your Degree Ceremony Booking

Please note that colleges will present graduands only on certain dates. If you completed your degree a number of years ago and haven’t yet graduated, or if you are a candidate for the Oxford MA, please contact your college to confirm which dates will be available to you.

Important:  Degree ceremony bookings close 30 days prior to the ceremony date. Please note that cancellation – or changing to another ceremony – is not permitted within 60 days of a booked ceremony.

If you decide to withdraw from the ceremony during this time, your degree will be conferred at the ceremony in absentia and you will not be able to attend a future date. Your place may be offered to graduands on the waiting list for that ceremony.

If you are, due to exceptional circumstances, required to withdraw from the degree ceremony within the 60-day non-cancellation period your college may, on your behalf, seek permission from the Vice-Chancellor and Proctors (via the Degree Conferral Office) to exceptionally permit you to apply for a place at another ceremony. Exceptional circumstances might include, but are not limited to: students or their guests with serious illness (including covid-19), or other comparable serious and unavoidable difficulties. Exceptional circumstances do not include work-related, volunteering, or personal (e.g. holidays) commitments, volunteering commitments, holidays, visa issues (where visas applications have been left too late to be processed in time for the ceremony), the unavailability of guests or similar. You will be asked to provide evidence of these circumstances.

You should only ask to rearrange your ceremony in these exceptional circumstances, as vacant places cannot be filled at short notice and rearrangement will result in gaps in ceremonies and unnecessary delays for other students waiting to book a ceremony. 

Dates and times of confirmed degree ceremonies in 2025

• Saturday 18 January 2025 (in absence only)
• Saturday 1 March 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Saturday 8 March 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Friday 16 May 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Saturday 17 May 2025 (10:30, 13:30, 16:15)
• Saturday 31 May 2025 (10:30, 13:30, 16:15)
• Saturday 19 July 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Tuesday 29 July 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Friday 1 August 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Saturday 2 August 2025 (10:30, 13:30, 16:15)
• Saturday 9 August 2025 (10:30, 13:30, 16:15)
• Friday 26 September 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Saturday 27 September 2025 (10:30, 13:30, 16:15)
• Friday 7 November 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Saturday 8 November 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Friday 14 November 2025 (10:30, 13:30)
• Saturday 15 November 2025 (10:30, 13:30)

Dates and times of confirmed degree ceremonies in early 2026

• Saturday 24 January 2026 (in absence only)
• Saturday 28 February 2026 (10:30, 13:30)
• Saturday 7 March 2026 (10:30, 13:30)
• Friday 15 May 2026 (10:30, 13:30)
• Saturday 16 May 2026 (10:30, 13:30, 16:15)
• Saturday 23 May 2026 (10:30, 13:30, 16:15)

Note: If you wish to know at which ceremonies a college is scheduled to attend, please enquire with them directly.

Booking my ceremony

Can i book a place at a ceremony if i have not completed my degree.

Taught students in their final year of studies will receive an invitation to book a ceremony. Students on taught courses, who are not in their final year, will not be able to book a place until the start of their final year.

Research students will not be able to book a ceremony until they have been granted leave to supplicate.

What if I cannot attend a degree ceremony on the dates I have been offered?

You may choose either to graduate in absence or contact your college for the next suitable date. If you do not book onto an available ceremony before the booking window closes, you might not be able to graduate for at least a calendar year, because the degree ceremonies run on a cyclical basis and are allocated to capacity.

Am I able to attend a ceremony with my friends?

Once you have received your email invitation to book your ceremony, you may wish to discuss with your friends about selecting the same graduation date if available. The University cannot arrange for groups to attend together due to space limitations and the dates your college is presenting.

Will I be able to amend the details of my booking?

If you booked through Student Self Service (rather than your college), you will be able to amend your details, excluding the ceremony date, up until 60 days before your chosen ceremony (30 days for research and some modular course students). After that date you should contact your college.

If you need to amend the ceremony date please contact your college. 

Why am I being asked to provide information on the ‘Additional Nominated Contact’ when booking my ceremony?

Your college may use the additional contact details when sending information about college graduation events.

Can more than one degree be conferred at the same ceremony?

Yes, but only the most senior of your degrees will be conferred in person; the remainder will be conferred in absentia. You may also have multiple degrees conferred in absence at the same ceremony. If you are unsure which of your degrees is more senior, please contact your college who will be able to advise.

If you have been invited to a ceremony for your most recently awarded degree, but have previous Oxford degrees which have not been conferred; you may attend to confer your most senior degree and confer your other degree(s) in absence at the same time.

If you would like to attend a ceremony in person for each of your degrees, you must decline the invitation for your most recent degree and contact your college.

How do I request the non-Christian formula?

During a degree ceremony the awards MA, DD, DCL, DM, and MCh are admitted, by default, with the University's traditional Christian formula. If you wish to be admitted with the non-Christian formula, this has to be made clear when booking your degree ceremony.

Am I eligible for the Master of Arts?

The status of Master of Arts is a mark of seniority within the University which may be conferred twenty-one terms after matriculation. This is not an automatic process and to obtain your MA you must apply through your college to graduate at a degree ceremony (either in person or in absentia).

You must have had your BA or BFA conferred in order to take your MA. They can be conferred at the same ceremony provided that sufficient time has elapsed since you matriculated. You are not eligible to take an MA if your undergraduate degree is an Oxford integrated Master’s degree (MBiochem, MChem, MEng, MMath etc).

The Oxford MA allows you to reach a new status within the University and is not an upgrade of your BA or an additional qualification, it therefore has no subject or class. The University does not issue ECTS statements as proof of your MA. Please use your degree certificate as evidence of this award.

If you have conferred the Oxford MA you should list this instead of, not in addition to, your BA/BFA when listing your postnominals: E.g. Name, MA Oxf. 

There is an administrative fee of £105 for the MA conferral and certificate, paid through the University Store. A link will be sent by your college at the point of booking. 

Before the ceremony

How many guest tickets can i have, and is there a dress code for guests.

Graduands are entitled to two guest tickets. There is no formal dress code, however most guests dress for a formal occasion. Check with your college about any special considerations for your college graduation event.

IMPORTANT: Guests will not be allowed to enter the Sheldonian Theatre without a guest ticket. If you bring additional guests, or if your guests lose their tickets, they will be denied entry. 

What do I do if my guests or I have special requirements for seating at the Sheldonian?

Please indicate at the time of your booking if you have special requirements (for example due to a disability), and inform your college of your guests’ accessibility requirements, so that the event organisers can plan where to accommodate you most comfortably and conveniently.

The Sheldonian Theatre is a Grade I listed building. Please note that there are no lift facilities and the majority of seats are benches, some without back rests. Guests should be made aware that they may have to climb several flights of stairs to be seated.

Do I need to pay anything for graduation?

You will only pay a fee if you are having your MA conferred, which will cost £100. Please contact your college to enquire about how to pay the MA fee and if they require a payment for gowns, lunch etc. 

Failure to pay the MA fee before 30 days before your ceremony will result in your place in the ceremony being cancelled.

Is there anything that can prevent me from graduating?

The conferral of your degree is conditional on the passing of all required examinations. If you have any debts or dues outstanding to the University you may not be permitted to graduate.

If you are a research student, you must also submit an electronic copy of your thesis at least five working days before the degree ceremony. Candidates who fail to submit thesis copies prior to their ceremony date will forfeit their opportunity to graduate in person at a later ceremony. 

I need to submit my thesis. What should I do?

To graduate at a degree ceremony (even in absentia) DPhil, DClinPsych, MLitt, and MSc (Res) students will need to submit an electronic copy of their thesis to the  Oxford University Research Archive (ORA)  a minimum of five working days prior to their graduation date. If you matriculated prior to 1 October 2007, and have not yet submitted a copy of your thesis, you must submit a hard copy if an electronic copy is unavailable. 

If access to a student’s thesis needs to be restricted, please email  [email protected] .

How do I obtain my degree certificate and can I have my certificate before the graduation ceremony?

Your degree must be conferred at a graduation ceremony before a degree certificate can be issued. If you need proof of your degree before the ceremony, please register on our eDocuments service to access your  degree confirmation letter .

Once you have your degree conferred at a degree ceremony either in person or in absentia, you will automatically receive a degree certificate. If you have already had your degree conferred, but did not receive a certificate following the ceremony, or your certificate has been lost, destroyed, damaged or stolen, visit the  degree certificates  page.

For all ceremonies, if you have not received your degree certificate within three months of the date of your ceremony  and you fail to notify us of this within that period, you will be charged for a replacement certificate. Replacement certificates can be ordered through our  online shop .

The ceremony day for students

Where can i find the itinerary for my ceremony.

Your college will be in touch in the weeks leading up to your ceremony day to confirm your itinerary. They may also provide information such as how to register your attendance at the ceremony, obtain your guest tickets, gowning information, and details for any college events that are taking place before or after your ceremony. If you have any queries, please get in touch with your college. 

What should I wear to my degree ceremony?

Full academic dress must be worn at degree ceremonies, including a mortar board or soft-cap, and your preferred  sub fusc . Members of the University serving in H.M. Forces are permitted to wear dress uniform together with a gown. The uniform cap must be removed when in the Sheldonian Theatre. Ministers of religion may wear clerical dress, with a gown over, when attending ceremonies.

If you wear a headdress/scarf for religious reasons, a black scarf should be worn.

Those having a DPhil or Higher Doctorate conferred should wear the gown of their existing University of Oxford status (and the hood if there is one) during the first part of the ceremony. You will change into the gown (and hood if applicable) of your new degree at the appropriate time during the ceremony.

Students having a graduate masters degree conferred, and students having the degree of BA, BFA, BTh, Undergraduate Masters (e.g. MBiochem, MChem, MMath etc.) conferred, should consult their college as to whether they should enter the ceremony wearing the gown of their current status, or the status which will be conferred. In all cases, the gown and hood of the status to be conferred will be required as a minimum.

Your college will advise you as to which gown(s) and hood(s) you will need.

You will be refused admission to the degree ceremony if you are not properly dressed. 

Will my name appear in the degree day brochure?

If you are having your degree conferred in person, your name will be printed in the brochure, providing you have given permission for this to happen when you book onto a ceremony. If you haven’t told us you would like your name printed, or are receiving your degree in absentia, your name will not be included. If you are attending in person and would like to update your preference (up until 30 days before the ceremony), you may do so by contacting your college office. It is not possible to make any changes within 30 days of the ceremony.

I’m conferring my degree in absentia; will my name still be read out during the ceremony?

Only the names of those having their degrees conferred in person will have their names called out during the ceremony.

The ceremony day for guests

When should guests arrive and how will guests be seated.

Only guests with a ceremony ticket will be allowed to enter the theatre. If you bring additional guests, or if guests lose their tickets, they will be denied entry.

Guests should arrive at the Sheldonian Theatre 45 minutes before the ceremony start time. Seating is on a first come, first seated basis so please arrive with your whole party should you wish to sit together.

What Health and Safety requirements do I need to be aware of at the Sheldonian Theatre during Degree Ceremonies?

Can children attend the ceremony.

Children may attend the ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre. However, it is important to follow the instructions of the Theatre's Stewards on the day as the following restrictions will apply:

- Babies and children under the age of two do not need their own ticket if they are able to be seated on a guest’s lap.

- Children aged two and over will require their own seat and Guest ticket.

- Guests with young children will be seated in the Stewards Gallery and away from the front row. This area has easy access to toilet facilities as well as the family-friendly Cecil Jackson room.

- Guests with unsettled children may be asked to relocate to the Cecil Jackson room if the ceremony or other guests are disrupted. This is a family-friendly, safer and more comfortable room, where live streaming of the ceremony is broadcast. Please note that Guest tickets are still required to use this room. Please do notify your college if you think it applicable to your guests.

NOTE: These restrictions are necessary due to the solemn nature of the ceremony as well as the Sheldonian Theatre being a Grade I listed building, with dated seating areas. On the day, please seek guidance from the Sheldonian's Stewards who can provide assistance for all Guests.

Can guests store personal items during the ceremony?

Please note there is limited space to store pushchairs or luggage but we will try to assist where we can.

Is it possible for guests to take photographs or record videos during the graduation ceremony?

We ask that you and your guests refrain from taking photographs or recording videos during the ceremony. This will avoid disrupting the experience for other students and guests. There are opportunities to applaud the graduands on the day at certain points during the ceremonies.

Following the ceremony, a copy of the recording will be available to purchase as a digital download. Please visit  Degree Ceremony Filming  for more information.

Will the ceremony be filmed, to allow friends and family who cannot attend the ceremony in person to watch too?

For friends and family who do not have a guest ticket, live streaming of the ceremony will be available at  https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/odc-livestream . Just click on the correct date and time of your ceremony; the live stream will start a few minutes before the ceremony begins. In addition, some colleges organise viewing facilities on college premises for those that do not have tickets for the ceremony. Please confirm with your college as to whether they offer this. Following the ceremony, a copy of the recording will be available to purchase as a digital download. Please visit  Degree Ceremony Filming  for more information. Please be aware that by attending a degree ceremony at the University of Oxford, either as a graduand or as a guest, you may be captured in photography or film footage. Note that not all students choose to graduate in person at a graduation ceremony – you can also choose to graduate in absentia.

After the ceremony

When can i use the title ‘dr’ after completing my dphil.

The title of doctor should only be used once the DPhil degree has been conferred at a degree ceremony, whether this is attended or the degree conferred in absence. Students who have completed their viva or submitted corrections should not use the title until such time as the DPhil degree has been conferred, at which point it is officially recognised by the University. 

You may of course opt not to use the title of doctor and instead include ‘DPhil’ after your name, again once the degree has been conferred, although you should not use both the title of Dr and DPhil following the name at the same time. 

How can I stay in touch with the University?

Please click here for the digital  Degree Ceremony Brochure  which provides a detailed explanation of the ceremony, complete with a translation of the Latin Script.

For friends and family who do not have a guest ticket, the link for live streaming of the ceremony will be available  here . Just click on the correct date and time of your ceremony; the live stream will start a few minutes before the ceremony begins.

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Related documents 

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• Degree Ceremony brochure

Did you know?

You can watch a degree ceremony by live stream at  https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/odc-livestream

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Finishing Your Doctorate - a guide for students approaching the end of their studies

Learn about the different stages you will go through to complete your doctorate. find out about the timescales and the issues you will need to consider..

• Introduction

As you approach the end of your doctoral studies there are many things to consider including finishing off your research, writing and submitting your thesis, preparing for your viva voce examination and completing any corrections before your doctorate is awarded.

This step-by-step guide will help you understand the different stages you will need to go through. If you are completing an MPhil, please contact your supervisor or the Doctoral Programmes Administrator in the Doctoral College for specific advice for finishing your award as the process will be different. They are on hand to provide help and further detailed information about each step.

• Timeline for completion of your doctorate

The timeline from when you formally tell us that you intend to submit your thesis or portfolio to when your award is approved, can vary from six to 18 months, depending on the outcome of your viva voce examination. You can see the timeline in full on this diagram .

You should aim to submit in advance of your expected registration end date, in order to allow time for the examination process to be completed before your registration period runs out.

Funding and visa issues

If you are in receipt of funding for a fixed period, you should bear this in mind when considering when to submit. Whilst technically it is still possible to submit your thesis on the last day of your formal registration period, or after your funding ends, you are strongly advised not to do this: you will need extensions to cover the examination period and you will still be required to pay fees until the date you submit your thesis. If you are a student visa holder, you may also need to consider that your visa could expire before your viva examination can be held.

For those students who find themselves in financial difficulty, The University of Bath Financial Support Fund is available.

• Step 1: Decide how to submit your thesis

A doctoral thesis submitted for the award of MPhil, PhD, DBA, DPRP or DHealth may be submitted in one of two differing formats:

a traditional thesis consisting of chapters

an alternative format thesis which integrates academic papers into the text.

You will need to decide, if you haven’t already, which format you plan to submit. Ideally, you will have discussed with your supervisory team at an appropriately early stage in your studies how you wish to present your work.

The programme regulations for each Degree will describe how the research work may be presented: in a thesis, a portfolio (EngD, and DClinPsy only) or via a body of published works (MD MS only). Only students registered on an EdD prior to 2014 are able to present their work in either a thesis or portfolio format.

Further details of the University’s specifications for Higher Degree Theses and Portfolios can be found in Appendix 6 of QA7 . You may also want to read the Alternative Format Thesis FAQs .

You can access the Library’s collection of successful thesis submissions online via the Research Portal. You may wish to look at a few from your department as examples, taking note of content and organisation.

• Step 2: Transfer to Submission Pending Status

Once you have completed the minimum period of study required for your particular degree as stipulated in Regulation 16 , and you have finished the specified amount of work, you may be able to apply for transfer to 'Submission Pending' status, subject to approval by Board of Studies (Doctoral).

In determining whether the status should be adjusted, the Board of Studies (Doctoral) will consider a number of factors, including but not limited to:

• Whether any active research is complete
• Whether data collection is complete (incl. use of laboratories)
• Whether the student’s workplan supports their case that they are in the final stages of preparing for submission of their thesis/portfolio

The fee associated with submission pending status represents a significant drop from the regular fee rate. Students will need to submit a workplan to accompany their request, including a detailed timeline to submission, which will need to be supported by both supervisor and Director of Studies (DoS) to provide assurance that the application is appropriate and timescale realistic.

Students granted ‘submission-pending’ status will continue to receive supervision and submit progress reports, retain access to Library resources, remain registered, and their university email remains active.

Approval process

You should consider making an application for transfer to submission pending status at the earliest point, as changes of status may take time to be approved. In order to apply to transfer to submission pending status and for your fee status to be changed you must:

complete the PGR10 form

ask your lead supervisor and your Director of Studies to sign the form to support the change in your status

submit the form to your Doctoral Programmes Administrator in the Doctoral College for consideration by Board of Studies (Doctoral) for formal approval.

Impact of change of status

You should note that if you are in receipt of funding, such as a full studentship or a fee waiver, this funding will end at the point at which you transfer to submission pending status. You should also be aware that a change in your status may impact on your liability to pay Council Tax .

• Step 3: Notice of intention to submit

At least two months before you intend to submit your thesis or portfolio, and before your registration period ends, you should complete the HD1 form, which can be accessed through your SAMIS in-tray.

By completing this form you are providing formal notice of your intention to submit, which then prompts your supervisors and Director of Studies to start the appointment of examiners process by nominating an appropriate internal and an external examiner. It will also alert the graduation team that you are likely to be completing in the near future, so your name can be added to the invitation list for the next available graduation ceremony.

Most students will receive an email notification, reminding them to complete the HD1 form, six months prior to their registration end date. Students on the DClinPsy programme will be told by their Programme team when and how to complete a version of HD1. If you wish to submit your HD1 form earlier than six months before your end date, please contact your Doctoral Programme Administrator in the Doctoral College.

• Step 4: Restriction of access to your thesis

You should talk to your supervisor and/or funder about whether there is a need to restrict access to your thesis. Typical reasons for restricting access can include:

contractual agreements with companies or funders to not make findings public for a fixed period

deferral of open release of the e-thesis until after a paper’s publication

delay in making results public as they are being used to prepare patent applications.

If, for reasons of confidentiality, you want to restrict access to your thesis, it is possible to request a 12 month restriction. This applies to the electronic copy of the final thesis at the point when it is uploaded to the Library repository, Pure .

If you wish to secure a more comprehensive restriction of both the electronic and printed copies, or would like a restriction of a longer duration, you will need to make a formal request for approval from the Board of Studies (Doctoral) using the PGR7 form . On this form you will need to indicate why you need access to be restricted, and for how long.

The University has an open access policy on research outputs, and the expectation is that all theses/ portfolios will be available within the Library repository, therefore you will need to provide some details about why your work should not be shared. You will then need to submit the form to your Doctoral Programmes Administrator in the Doctoral College.

• Step 5: Appointment and role of examiners

Your supervisors and your departmental Director of Studies are responsible for nominating a Board of Examiners for the viva voce examination of your thesis or portfolio. This team will consist of an internal examiner who is usually, but not always, an academic from your department, and an external examiner from another university or organisation.

The team of examiners may also consist of an additional examiner, as a condition of funding, or an independent chairperson who can be appointed when the Director of Studies considers that the presence of an additional academic would be of assistance.

Criteria for appointment and role of examiners

For information on the criteria for the appointment of examiners, see section 27 of Regulation 16. You can also find further information in QA7 (section 13) .

Nominations for doctoral examiners will be submitted using the PGR13 form: Appointment of Examiners for Doctoral Research Degrees. This form includes details of who the proposed examiners are and what previous examination experience they have, and it is signed by the lead supervisor and the Director of Studies.

The appointment of examiners needs to be approved by Board of Studies (Doctoral) before a viva voce examination can take place, so this form should be submitted to your Doctoral Programmes Administrator in the Doctoral College in good time prior to the submission of your thesis or portfolio. When you submit your Notice of Intention to Submit form you might want to also check with your lead supervisor that they have begun the process of identifying potential examiners.

• Step 6: Final preparation for submission

Word counts

The guidelines on word limits for final theses/portfolios vary by faculty or department. In order to be sure that you stay within any prescribed limits please consult the Doctoral College guidance document on word counts .

Plagiarism is a serious academic offence. You will have by now completed the academic integrity training and are expected to be aware of the rules around plagiarism.

All theses are checked for plagiarism using appropriate software. Whether it is detected by the supervisor when proof-reading a draft copy, or by the examiners in a thesis actually submitted for examination, the procedure for inquiring into Allegations of Misconduct in Research outlines the investigation process that will be followed if a suspected plagiarism offence is detected. The viva examination cannot go ahead until the investigation is completed, and where plagiarism is found to have taken place this may result in a disciplinary hearing where an appropriate penalty will be decided.

For a refresher on academic integrity whilst writing your thesis, see the Library guide on citing references and how to avoid plagiarism .

Seeking advice from your supervisor on draft(s)

The lead supervisor is responsible for advising you on the format of the thesis to be adopted and for carrying out a critical reading of the draft. When you are ready, your lead supervisor should read a complete draft of your thesis or portfolio and advise you of any changes or additions that should be made prior to submission. You may need to produce more than one draft before it is finalised.

You should give your supervisors not less than two weeks notice that you will be providing them with a copy of the draft thesis. They will need at least six weeks to read the draft and make their comments. The supervisor’s opinion is only advisory, and you have the right to decide whether to make any of the edits they recommend, and to decide when you are ready to submit your work for examination (subject to the requirements of the Regulations for the degree for which you are registered). Addressing the comments made by your supervisor does not guarantee that your thesis/portfolio will subsequently be passed by the examiners.

Specification for submission

There are detailed specifications for the presentation of a thesis or portfolio for examination and these can be found in Appendix 6 of QA7 . Please take note of these before submitting your work.

• Step 7: Submission of your thesis/portfolio

What do I submit?

You are required to submit your thesis/portfolio in electronic format to the Doctoral College Submission page in Moodle where it will be checked for plagiarism. If an investigation into a potential plagiarism offence has to take place, the examination process will be stopped until this is concluded.

You will also need to complete the HD2 form: Record of submission of a thesis or portfolio , and email it to your Doctoral Programmes Administrator. Upon receipt of the HD2 form, and your submission onto Moodle, the Doctoral College will email you, your supervisor and the Director of Studies to formally confirm receipt of your submission.

When do I submit?

You are strongly advised to submit before the last day of your formal registration period so that the examination process can be completed before your registration ends, and if you are a Student visa holder, before your visa runs out.

If you do not submit before your registration end date, you will have to seek permission from Board of Studies to re-register as a student.

Your registration end date can be found on your SAMIS page or you can check this with your Doctoral College Programme Administrator.

If your visa runs out before the examination process is complete, you may be required to obtain a new visa (such as a short-term study visa) or return to your home country. If this happens, it may be possible to return to the UK at a later date to attend the viva voce examination in person, or alternatively a video conference can be arranged to facilitate the examination.  Find out more about visas .

What happens to my tuition fees after I submit?

Tuition fees will no longer be incurred but may still be charged from the point of submission. Depending on the outcome of your viva examination, and the level of access you may need to supervision and resources in order to complete your corrections/revisions, you may be charged a writing up fee for the corrections period.

Do I have to start paying Council Tax after I submit?

Full-time students are exempt from paying Council Tax until their expected, or actual, end date of registration. If you submit your thesis/portfolio on, or close to, your end date, you will need to contact your Doctoral Programmes Administrator to request an examination extension, which will extend your end of registration date. The actual end date of registration will then be the day of the Board of Studies (Doctoral) meeting where your final award is approved.

• Step 8: Preparing for the viva voce examination

Purpose of the viva voce

The main purpose of the viva voce is for you to defend the content of your thesis/portfolio and demonstrate your understanding of the broader aspects of the field of research and the subject of the thesis. It is an essential part of the examination process, and you must pass the viva as well as present a satisfactory thesis/portfolio in order to gain the award.

The examiners will test your ability to defend the work presented for examination. They need to ensure that your work is robust and that you fully understand the implications of your findings. They want to check the foundations of your research to ensure that the basic assumptions underpinning the work are sound, and that nothing major has been overlooked. Being able to discuss the work with you in person is of particular help if there is disagreement between the examiners about the outcome, or when the decision is marginal.

Think about the viva voce as more than an examination. It is an opportunity for you to discuss and develop ideas with experts in the field, to receive guidance on future publication plans and to receive constructive feedback on your work.

When should the examination take place?

The viva voce examination should normally take place within three months of the submission of the thesis/portfolio. Efforts will be made, where possible, to arrange the viva examination on a date convenient to all parties involved, and to minimise the amount of time a student has to wait for a viva examination.

You will be advised of the date of the examination as soon as possible after the thesis has been submitted. As a minimum, you will be given at least one week’s notice of the date of the exam. Those Student visa students on an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) course who are coming back to the UK for their viva examination may require more notice, so that they can apply and receive their new ATAS certificate. The Doctoral Programmes Administrator for your department or programme/supervisor will work with the examiners to check availability and agree a date and time.

Where should the examination take place?

The venue for the viva voce examination will vary by discipline. In some cases it will take place in the office of the internal examiner. In other cases a room may be booked. In all cases, the venue should be a quiet, comfortable environment free from interruptions.

Video Conferencing

In certain circumstances, the use of video conferencing facilities may be permitted for your viva examination, although some programmes may have their own expectations with regards to the use of these facilities. This might be an option if you or your examiner are based outside the UK and for reasons of cost, time or restricted mobility are unable to travel to the University of Bath in order to participate in the viva exam at an appropriate time. Should you require further advice on this, or should you want to take advantage of this facility, you should contact your Doctoral Programmes Administrator as soon as you are notified of your viva date.

For further information on the use of video conferencing in viva examinations see QA7 Appendix 3 .

Who will attend?

In line with UK practice, the viva voce will be a closed examination rather than a public event. You and the examiners will attend, along with an independent Chairperson if they have been appointed. You may ask that your supervisor is permitted to attend the viva voce examination to provide moral support or reassurance, but they must not play an active role in the examination. If you want your supervisor to be in attendance you will need to notify the Doctoral College on your HD2 form at the point of submission.

Some departments may also require you to undertake a public lecture or presentation before your viva voce. Please contact your supervisor for further information about whether this applies to you.

Can I ask for adjustments to help me participate in the viva examination?

The University is responsible for ensuring that appropriate facilities are made available should you need them. Please raise details of any reasonable adjustments that you may require to enable you to participate fully in the viva examination at your earliest opportunity. These adjustments can be related to a long-standing disability or a short-term medical issue, for example a back problem. Student Support can provide you with advice about adjustments and will generate a Disability Action Plan to record the adjustments where appropriate.

• Tips and advice for your viva voce

The following tips and advice will help you to prepare:

• expect to be challenged!
• be active - anticipate the questions that are likely to be asked in the viva examination
• use your research skills to identify commonly asked questions, and, after they’ve proof-read the thesis, ask your supervisors to suggest some potential questions too
• be prepared to discuss both the strengths and weaknesses of your work
• if you’ve presented your work at a conference or departmental seminar consider the questions that other researchers have raised about your work
• re-familiarise yourself with your examiners’ work in the field, as this can help you anticipate some of their likely questions
• be ready to summarise their most significant findings or area of greatest strength in your thesis
• be objective, and identify any areas of weaknesses within the body of work and be ready to discuss these, too
• ask your supervisory team, fellow researchers, or doctoral students in your office to hold a practice viva voce examination, in order to gain experience in answering questions about your work.
• re-read the thesis, particularly the first chapters that you wrote, in order to familiarise yourself with the contents once more
• attend the DoctoralSkills workshop ' Preparing for your doctoral viva '. You'll discuss what is expected of you in the examination and there will be a Q&A session with experienced examiners. Alternatively, you can complete the online learning module . Find out more by emailing DoctoralSkills .
• Further information about the viva voce

There are several useful resources in the library catalogue, the following list may be accessed online: Murray, R., (2009) How to Survive Your Viva: Defending a Thesis in an Oral Examination. Mansfield, N., (2007) Final hurdle: a guide to a successful viva. Potter, S., (2006) Doing postgraduate research.

The following Vitae guides may also prove helpful:

• Finishing your doctorate
• Completing your doctorate
• Writing and submitting your doctoral thesis
• Defending your thesis: the PhD viva
• Thesis defence checklist
• Thesis outcomes and corrections
• I had my doctoral viva and I enjoyed it

ATAS requirements

If you are a visa-holding student on an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) course coming back to the UK for your viva voce examination on a short-term study visa, you will need to ensure that a new ATAS certificate has been applied for, and received, in good time before making your new visa application. This includes nationals who are able to ask for permission to enter the UK on arrival at the border, rather than apply for a visa in advance. If you return to the UK for your viva voce without having a new ATAS certificate in place then it may not be possible to proceed with the examination.

• Step 9: Examiners' role in the viva voce

What do the examiners do?

Once appointed, internal and external examiners will read your thesis and each complete a preliminary report which records their initial independent thoughts on the work presented for examination. The examiners will refer back to these reports when they ask you questions in the viva voce examination. After the viva examination is concluded, the examiners will ask you to leave the room whilst they make their decision. You will be called back in, with your supervisor, to hear the examiners’ recommended outcome of the examination.

Examiners are asked to assess doctoral candidates' research and confirm their research as:

• making an original and significant contribution to knowledge
• giving evidence of originality of mind and critical judgement in a particular subject
• containing material worthy of peer-reviewed publication
• being satisfactory in its literary and/or technical presentation and structure with a full bibliography and references
• demonstrating an understanding of the context of the research: this must include, as appropriate for the subject of the thesis, the scientific, engineering, commercial and social contexts

And passing a viva voce examination on the broader aspects of the field of research in addition to the subject of the thesis

Examiners' Report

On the day of the viva the examiners will complete an Examiners’ Report, which summarises how the examination went, their recommended outcome, and any minor corrections or revisions that are required. It is not always possible for these to be outlined in detail on the day of the examination, so the full list of corrections/revisions may be supplied by the examiners up to two weeks later.

The Examiners Report, and corrections list, goes to Board of Studies (Doctoral) for consideration and approval, and until this point their recommendations are only provisional. The official outcome of the examination will be confirmed to you by email from the Doctoral College/Secretary of the Board of Studies (Doctoral).

More information about the role and responsibilities of the Board of Examiners and how the examination will be conducted can be found in the Guidelines for Research Examiners .

Contact with examiners

You should have no contact with your examiners prior to the viva voce examination, other than with the internal examiner to arrange the date and time of your examination. After the examination, advice and supervision in support of any required corrections or revisions will be provided by your supervisors, not the examiners. If needed, your supervisor or the Doctoral College can liaise with examiners on your behalf.

Please note that examiners usually need between four and six weeks to read a thesis and prepare for the examination. Later, when presented with a corrected thesis, the internal examiner may take up to four weeks to determine whether the corrections have been done satisfactorily. Examiners should not be pressured to set an early viva date, or examine to a foreshortened schedule.

• Step 10: Possible outcomes of the viva voce examination

The Board of Examiners will agree a recommended outcome following your viva examination. The list of potential outcomes of the examination are set out fully in both QA7 Section 17 and Regulation 16 but in summary, the examiners can recommend the following outcomes:

• Pass with minor corrections (3 months)
• Pass with major corrections (6 months)
• Fail viva but pass thesis/portfolio element (possibly with minor or major corrections), and require repeat of the viva voce for overall pass
• Fail with permission to resubmit thesis/portfolio (within 12 months). A second viva voce may be held at the discretion of the Board of Examiners.
• Fail, but recommendation to award Master of Philosophy (MPhil) with minor or major corrections

Communication of the recommendation

You will be informed verbally of the recommended outcome by your examiners at the end of the viva examination. Your supervisor should have joined the meeting and be in attendance at this point. The recommended outcome is unconfirmed, and subject to approval by the Board of Studies (Doctoral).

In cases where the examiners require corrections or revisions substantial to be completed, the examiners will send their report and the details of the corrections/or revisions to the Board of Studies (Doctoral) for consideration.

The Board of Studies (Doctoral) is responsible for checking that the examiners’ recommended outcome is supported by what is written in their report, and that any minor corrections, major corrections, or thesis/portfolio revisions specified by the examiners may reasonably be expected to be completed within the amount of time allowed. Written confirmation of the outcome of the exam will then be sent to you, and you will have up to 3 months to complete minor corrections, up to 6 months to complete major corrections, or up to 12 months to complete a revised thesis or portfolio. You can find out more about Corrections in Step 12.

Meeting your corrections or revisions deadline

It is important that you meet the deadline for submission of your corrections or revised thesis/portfolio, missing the deadline may result in a fail outcome. You should upload the corrected or revised thesis/portfolio to Moodle before the deadline expires. This will generate a record of the submission, so do not send them directly to your internal examiner.

In exceptional circumstances you may request a short extension to the deadline for submitting the corrected or revised thesis/portfolio. Please contact your Doctoral Programme Administrator for information. If you have a disability access plan that relates to your ability to meet the deadline, please contact your Doctoral Programme Administrator.

• Step 11: Approval by Board of Studies (Doctoral)

The Board of Studies (Doctoral) normally meets approximately every four-six weeks. You will receive formal notification of the outcome of your examination shortly after it is approved by Committee.

You are permitted to use your new academic title of ‘Doctor’ from the point at which you are awarded your degree by the Board of Studies (Doctoral). You will no longer hold student status from the date of the Board of Studies meeting where your award is approved.

You can appeal against an academic decision made by the Board of Studies (Doctoral) about your degree award. Regulation 17 sets out the grounds, process and timescales for which you can do this.

If you wish to raise an issue you are encouraged to:

speak with your supervisor or Director of Studies

seek independent advice from the Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre

-seek advice from the University Independent Advisors for Postgraduate Research Students

• seek support from Student Services

-speak to the Doctoral College .

• Step 12: Corrections to your Thesis or Portfolio

No Corrections

If no corrections are required, you will need to submit your thesis/ portfolio to Pure , before the outcome of your viva examination can be approved by the Board of Studies (Doctoral) - see Step 13, below.

Minor Corrections

Depending on the outcome of your examination, you may be required to complete some minor corrections. It is uncommon for a thesis or portfolio to be accepted without requiring some form of correction following the examination. You will normally be permitted up to 3 months to complete minor corrections.

When the minor corrections are completed, you will need to submit the corrected thesis/portfolio to Moodle.

The internal examiner will access the corrected thesis via Moodle and then determine, on behalf of the Board of Examiners, whether the corrections have been completed satisfactorily, and whether you may now receive the award. It may help your examiner to do this if you complete the corrections in a different colour font, and/or provide a document listing how each of the required changes has been addressed. If the examiner is not satisfied with the corrections, they may ask you to undertake further work to bring the thesis up to the required standard. This may require an extension to the usual time limit for corrections (up to four weeks).

The internal examiner will update the examiners’ recommended outcome, and inform the Doctoral College. The Doctoral College will email you to inform you of the updated recommendation that will go to Board of Studies (Doctoral) for approval. When you receive an email, confirming that the recommendation is now a ‘pass’ you should start the process of uploading your thesis/portfolio to PURE (see Step 13 below).

Major Corrections

Depending on the outcome of your examination, you may be required to complete some major corrections. It is uncommon for a thesis or portfolio to be accepted without requiring some form of correction following the examination. You will normally be permitted up to 6 months to complete major corrections.

When the major corrections are completed, you will need to submit the corrected thesis/portfolio to Moodle.

The internal examiner will update the examiners’ recommended outcome, and inform the Doctoral College. The Doctoral College will email you to inform you of the updated recommendation that will go to Board of Studies (Doctoral) for approval. When you receive an email confirming that the recommendation is now a ‘pass’, you should start the process of uploading an electronic version to Moodle and to PURE (see Step 13 below).

Revised thesis/portfolio

If the recommendation is to submit a revised thesis/portfolio, you will be given a reasonable time frame to complete the work, usually up to 12 months. You may also be required to attend a second viva. Before this deadline expires, the revised thesis or portfolio should be submitted to Moodle in the same way as you did for the first submission.

Both examiners will examine the revised thesis/portfolio. They will arrange to meet and discuss the work to decide upon an outcome. If a second viva voce is needed, you will be invited to attend. If there is no viva voce, you will be informed of the outcome on the day of this examination, along with the details of any further minor corrections that are needed. The examiners will send a new report and a new recommended outcome to the Board of Studies (Doctoral) for consideration.

• Step 13: Submitting Your Final Thesis or Portfolio

Submitting an electronic thesis/portfolio

Once your examination has been successfully completed, the final version of your thesis or portfolio should be submitted via Moodle along with a completed HD3 form to your Doctoral Programmes Administrator in the Doctoral College, before the final outcome can be approved by the Board of Studies (Doctoral).

Uploading electronic thesis/portfolio to Pure

You will also need to upload a copy of your thesis or portfolio to the University’s research information system Pure , where it will be publicly available. The University expects that your thesis/portfolio will be made available upon graduation. If there are reasons not to do this, access may be temporarily restricted. The Library provides guidance on how to deposit your thesis into Pure , including details on how to request a 12 month restriction version of access to the thesis/portfolio text.

• Step 14: Graduation

You will be contacted about the graduation ceremonies by email.

If you receive an invitation but have yet to have your final award approved, these invitations will be provisional. Deadlines for actions that must be completed before you are eligible to attend a graduation ceremony can be found here .

Your Bath student email address will be deactivated a short time after the Board of Studies (Doctoral) approves your award, so it is really important that you provide an alternate contact address within your SAMIS record. You may wish to switch to BathMail which is an @bath.edu email address that is exclusive to University of Bath graduates. Graduating students will automatically be sent a BathMail username and password to their student email account before it is deactivated.

Graduation Ceremony

The University holds graduation ceremonies twice a year, in December/January and July. Find more information on the dates of future ceremonies .

See eligibility to attend graduation ceremonies and doctoral deadlines for graduation ceremonies for more information.

If you are interested in attending a specific ceremony, please contact your Doctoral Programmes Administrator who will be able to inform you of the deadline for that ceremony.

See doctoral deadlines for graduation ceremonies , for more information on the next ceremony.

Preparation for Graduation

You can find out further information about how to prepare for your graduation ceremony . You should not book your travel until you have received confirmation that your successful outcome has been approved by Board of Studies (Doctoral) and the Graduation team have confirmed you have a place at the ceremony.

Certificate

Your degree certificate will be generated once the Vice Chancellor formally confers the award, following Board of Studies approval. Conferment is timed so that certificates can be released for the graduation ceremonies. If you decide not to attend a ceremony, or your ceremony is a while away, you can find out more information about receiving your certificate here .

Your Graduation certificate will include the following information: - your full name

degree awarded (such as Doctor of Philosophy)

date awarded

signatures from the Vice Chancellor, Director of Academic Registry and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International & Doctoral)

Please note that the University of Bath Doctoral certificate does not specify the subject studied.

Alumnus status

All graduates, former staff and students who have studied at Bath for at least one semester are members of our alumni community . Alumni receive invitations to events, regular updates about the latest news from campus and opportunities to get involved with University life.

There are University of Bath alumni groups or networks in more than 40 different locations around the world. Activities vary in each city or country, from an online network to a Chapter - where an international volunteer committee organises a programme of events for local alumni. Getting involved can be a great way to make new contacts and widen your social or professional circle.

University of Bath alumni can use the Sports Training Village and Library, which offer discounted membership and special rates to alumni. Alumni are also able to use the University Careers Service. To access these services you will need to provide your alumni ID number or other proof of alumni status, available by contacting the Alumni Relations team .

• Further information

During the above timeline, you may also be thinking about your next steps after your doctorate, in terms of your career. The University Careers Service can provide support and guidance and specialist careers information.

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Find out how you will be invited to the graduation and what the registration process are. 

Eligibility & invitations, where and when will the ceremonies take place.

We intend to host the next University of London Graduation ceremonies on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 April 2025 at The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London.

I have received an email invitation - does this confirm I am now eligible to graduate?

You must have cleared all your study-related debts with the University (it is your responsibility to do this), and your name must appear on our approved pass list. University regulations stipulate that a qualification cannot be awarded / conferred on any student who has study-related debts outstanding to the University (including library fines). Receipt of any graduation email invite DOES NOT , therefore, imply successful completion of your studies and you must ensure that you meet the above criteria in order to graduate.

Which ceremony will I be invited to?

We intend to hold three ceremonies: 

• Monday 28 April 2025 – Morning – 10.30am ceremony 
• Monday 28 April 2025 – Afternoon – 3.00pm ceremony
• Tuesday 29 April 2025 – Morning – 10.30am ceremony

Please note that these dates and times may be subject to change, and details of the confirmed four ceremonies will be included in the invitations which will be sent out via email. 

You will be invited to book the most convenient date and time for you. Please note that registration is on a first come, first served basis and places are limited.  

What happens if I register but am not eligible to attend a ceremony?

You will not be able to graduate and attend the ceremony in 2025 if your award has not been approved by Monday 17 March 2025 or if you are in debt to the University.

The Awards and Ceremonies Team will not action your registration request and your name will not appear in the graduation proceedings. 

If you have successfully completed your studies but are in debt to the University, you will be invited to the next available ceremonies after you have cleared your debt. 

If you have not completed your studies, or your award has not been approved by Monday 17 March 2025, you will be invited to attend the next available ceremonies.

What happens if I choose to graduate in absentia?

Degree certificates and graduation documents are produced by the Diploma Production Office and should usually be despatched by post six months after the confirmation of the graduate’s results.  

If you haven’t received your degree within this timeframe, you can email:  [email protected]  

You do not need to attend a graduation ceremony in order to graduate – these are celebratory events and if you have been awarded your degree, you have officially graduated. 

What happens if I want to register but registration is closed?

Once bookings for the graduation ceremonies in 2025 are closed, we will no longer be able to register any further students. 

You can apply to attend the 2026 ceremony however, please be aware that due to ever-increasing demand, tickets for 2026 graduation ceremonies will be prioritised and offered to those who have undertaken/passed assessments during the calendar year of 2024. Any further tickets will be available to you and others on the deferral list on a first come, first served basis, as we cannot guarantee availability at future events. 

Please note that you do not need to attend a ceremony in order to graduate – these are celebratory events and if you have been awarded your degree, you have officially graduated.

Why have I not received my invite yet, but others have?

We are currently inviting the following students to register:

• Students who contacted us to defer graduation from 2024 to 2025
• Eligible students who have completed their course and have been verified to us by the exam boards 

Students who have passed assessments in 2024 will be invited from the end of 2024. This is to give us time to process the awards and ensure we are sending invitations to all those who are eligible.

If you think you should have received an email invitation but haven’t, please check junk and spam folders, and then contact us with your full name, student number and date of birth and we will check if you are eligible.

If you took assessments this year up until July 2024, we anticipate inviting you to graduation from the end of November 2024. For those who graduate between July and December 2024, we anticipate inviting you to graduation early in 2025.

I need a Visa to attend the ceremony

The UoL Graduations Team can supply Visa support letters if they are needed, but you MUST carry out the application process for a Visa first. We will only consider Visa support letter requests when accompanied by a valid booking reference. If you require a letter the UK Visa team will ask for additional information. You will be asked to supply information to support your Visa when you register for graduation.

Find out more about the visa application process and check if you need a Visa and which one to apply for.

I need official confirmation that I am returning to the UK for my graduation, how do I go about obtaining a Visa letter for myself or my guests?

Students who are returning to the UK for the graduation ceremony and whose student Visa has expired, will need to apply for a  Standard Visitors Visa Online  

If you need a letter to support your application, you will be able to request a letter during the registration process. You will need the following information to hand:

• Your full name (and names of any guests who also need a Visa)
• Your booking reference number
• Your passport number (and the same for any guests who need a Visa)
• Your date of birth (and the same for any guests who need a Visa)
• Your address (and the same for any guests who need a Visa)

Applying for a UK visit Visa is genuinely quick and simple, there are 3 steps:

Check if you need a visa and which one to apply for on   GOV.UK

Apply, make payment and book your appointment at the Visa Application Centre online.  

All customers applying for a visit visa can now use our new online application form. This upgraded system is faster, simpler and user friendly. Use this link -  Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor.  

Attend your appointment at the Visa Application Centre to submit your application and biometric data. Choose one of our added value services to enhance your experience. 

When should I apply?

UK Visas & Immigration’s global service standard for visit and non-settlement Visa applications is 15 working days from submission of your application and biometric data at the Visa Application Centre. We encourage all applicants to remember this when planning their travel to the UK, and to ensure they apply for a Visa in good time.

Did you know that you can apply for a Visa to visit the UK up to 3 months in advance?

The UK Government can post-date a visit Visa for up to 3 months to accommodate your intended travel date.

Which visit Visa do I need to apply for?

There are now only four visit Visa routes to the UK.  A Standard Visitor Visa  is the most common. On a Standard Visitor Visa, you can travel to the UK for tourism, to see family and friends, to shop, and to attend Graduation Ceremonies.

How do I demonstrate my circumstances / funds / intention to leave, etc?

That depends on the type of Visa. You’ll find full guidance online. Start on  this page to get to the right information for your personal situation.  

Must I purchase a flight and submit tickets with a Visa application?

UKVI does not require that flight tickets be submitted with a Visa application. View full guidance .

If someone else is paying for my trip, do I still need to provide personal financial details?

We recognise that applicants may have a sponsor who is contributing financially to their trip.  

In all cases the UK Visa office must be satisfied that you can fund your stay in the UK, check how to evidence this at: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/documents-you-mustprovide 

Can I apply for a Visa in the country I'm living in if I'm not from there originally?

You can apply for a UK visit Visa in any country, whether you are resident there or not. Please note however, that it may take a longer to process your application, if you are not resident. If you wish to do this you must ensure that you choose the country you want to apply in on the UK Government systems to access the correct appointment information for the Visa Application Centres.

Tickets & Confirmations

When is the deadline for paying for tickets.

You must pay for your guest ceremony tickets and Alumni Evening Celebration tickets (if attending) upon registration by credit card or bank transfer. Any tickets that are not paid for by 28 February 2025 will be made available for those on waiting lists. 

How will I get my tickets?

All tickets will be emailed out to you in the form of an e-ticket before the ceremony. Please keep your e-ticket with you because it will have your seat number on it and you will need it to enter the venue on the day.

How do I book guest tickets?

Guest tickets are allocated for entrance to the ceremony room at a cost per guest. If you would like to purchase guest tickets to your ceremony booking, you can do so during the booking process. Tickets for children aged 10 and under are free, but you must reserve their seat during the booking process.

Is there a charge for tickets for myself or my guests?

Graduate tickets are free of charge.

There is a cost for each guest ticket purchased, which will be displayed for during the registration process.

What do I do if I need to make changes to my booking?

Details on how to make changes to your guest tickets, Alumni Evening Celebration tickets, gown hire or photography will be displayed on your booking confirmation. Should you need any further information, please email:  [email protected]

What should I do if I or some of my guests require accessible/flat floor seating arrangements?

You will be able to inform us if you or any of your guests are wheelchair users or require other accessible seating arrangements in the Barbican during the booking process.

If circumstances change for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible:  [email protected]

Please note that we are not   able to provide wheelchair or mobility aides.

What if one of my guests are unwell and cannot attend? 

You can request ticket(s) refund for any guest(s) who are unable to attend. You must submit your request prior to the submission deadline, which is outlined in our Cancellation and Refund Policy below.

Gowning & Photography

Do i have to wear academic robes for my ceremony.

Yes, everybody graduating and walking the stage will need to wear full Academic Robes.   If you do not already own the correct robes, you will need to hire them in advance of the date. You can do so via our official gowning and photography provider as part of the registration and booking process.   

What should I wear with my robes?

It is expected that all graduates must be smartly dressed (e.g. collar and tie, no sportswear).  

Members of the armed forces may wear the appropriate uniform and members of religious orders their normal mode of dress. Graduates may also wear their national dress. 

Where and when should I collect my robes?

Upon arrival at the Barbican, you will need to collect your robes, prior to your ceremony, and return it after before leaving the venue. There will be staff on hand to guide you to the collection and drop off points.  

TIP: Although the hood is secured with velcro to your gown, it may also be useful to bring pins or safety pins so you can secure your hood at the shoulders, so it does not slip back or slide off your shoulders.  

You may also wish to bring hair grips to help secure your hat. 

How do I book professional photography? 

Details on how to book will be outlined in your invitation. 

Please note that photography can be booked on the day, but advanced booking is highly recommended. Photography booked in advance must be booked and purchased at least two weeks before your allotted ceremony day.  

You will be able to book this during the registration process when booking your tickets and robes.  

There will also be the opportunity to purchase a photo of you crossing the stage as well as other professional photography on the day. 

If you can’t attend

What happens if i’m eligible but can’t attend the april ceremonies.

If you are eligible to attend graduation in April 2025 but can’t make the dates, please let us know and we will add you to the list for future ceremonies.

You can apply to attend the 2026 ceremony however, please be aware that due to ever-increasing demand, tickets for 2026 graduation ceremonies will be prioritised and offered to those who have undertaken/passed assessments during the calendar year of 2024.  Any further tickets will be available to you and others on the deferral list on a first come first served basis, as we cannot guarantee availability at future events. 

What should I do if I have registered to attend a ceremony and I now cannot make it, or I wish to change my options?

If you need to cancel purchased tickets, please email us at: [email protected]  

If you need to cancel your gowning, photography, please contact Marstons Robing – details can be found on your booking confirmation 

You must submit your request prior to the submission deadline, which is outlined in our Cancellation and Refund Policy below. If we receive notice of cancellation after this date no refunds will be given.

Cancellation and refund policy

Please read our revised terms and conditions for 2025 (coming soon)...

Graduation Privacy Notice

Please read our revised Graduation Privacy Notice for 2025 (coming soon)...

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When will I graduate?

Future ceremony dates

Winter graduation: 11-12 December 2024 (postgraduate taught and research including PhDs)

Summer graduation: 14-18 July 2025 (undergraduate and PhDs)

Please note that all ceremony dates are subject to change.

The session at which you graduate depends on what type of qualification you will be receiving, and when your results are confirmed. There are different processes for undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programmes.

Your place at a graduation ceremony is subject to your degree being approved by your department’s exam board and confirmed by the University's Senate. Please note that final confirmation of you passing your degree may not be made until after the deadline to register for graduation.

• Students with outstanding debts to the University will not be eligible to graduate. Please arrange to pay all outstanding debts to the University before the end of your studies to ensure you will be eligible to attend.
• Students who are due to graduate will be invited to register in spring for July graduation ceremonies and early autumn for December graduation ceremonies. If you think you should be graduating, but have not received an invitation to register by the middle of March for July graduations, or the middle of October for December graduations, please contact your department or the Student Programmes and Administration to check if you are eligible to graduate.
• Undergraduates
• Postgraduate Taught Courses
• Postgraduate Research Courses

Tab Content: Undergraduates

The next undergraduate ceremonies are planned for 14th - 18th July 2025.

All dates are subject to change.

Tab Content: Postgraduate Taught Courses

Postgraduates on taught courses (Master's MA, MRes, MSc, PG Diplomas) are normally invited to attend December graduation ceremonies in the year they complete their degree. The next postgraduate ceremony session is planned to take place Wednesday 11 - Thursday 12 December 2024.

Students are arranged into a ceremony by their faculty, and sometimes faculty ceremonies are also split by the department.

Tab Content: Postgraduate Research Courses

To attend the December 2024 ceremonies, as a PhD student, you must have submitted and completed all steps by 20 September 2024 . This date extension to September is a one-off for 2024 only.

There are different deadlines and eligibility requirements for Doctoral Candidates, DClinPsy and other research students.

Doctoral candidates (PhD, DSc, DLitt, DMgt, EngD, MD) (excluding DClinPsy)

Doctoral candidates (excluding DClinPsy) are invited to the next available ceremony session. To be invited you must have completed the following steps by the eligibility deadline:

• Have had your viva voce examination;
• Made any required changes from your examiners;
• Have had your changes formally approved by your examiners;
• Have your degree award signed off by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education;
• Have uploaded a copy of your final thesis to the Library’s online repository;
• Have cleared any outstanding debts.

Eligible graduands will be invited in October for the winter graduation and in March for the summer graduation.

Other research degrees (e.g. DClinPsy, MPhil, Master's by Research)

Other research degrees are only invited to postgraduate graduation sessions; the next session is currently scheduled for 11 - 12 December 2024.

To be eligible to graduate you must have had your degree confirmed by your department’s exam board (for Master's by Research degrees), had your viva voce examination, and met the same requirements that are set out in the section above before you can graduate.

The eligibility deadline varies depending on your programme but is no later than mid-November. You may receive an invitation to attend graduation while your degree confirmation is still pending.

If you have any questions about which ceremony session to which you are due to be invited, please contact the Graduation team , providing your student ID number.

For queries related to your eligibility to graduate, please contact your department in the first instance

If you need to update aspects of your student records, such as your address, contact Student and Programme Administration  

When you register for your graduation ceremony, you will be sent a letter confirming your eligibility to attend, which can be used as a supporting document for applying for a visa to attend graduation. For further information on visas, Student-Based services has information on applying for a visa for Graduation .

If you have any questions not covered here, get in touch with the Graduation Team by emailing [email protected].  

Need more info on what you need to do before graduation day?

Information for research candidates

This web page contains information for research students who were awarded between 6 August and 13 November 2024, and are eligible for the January graduation ceremonies.

Invitations and registration

Invitations to eligible research students were emailed on 17 October.   Eligible candidates are those who were awarded their degree between 6 August and 30 September 2024 .

Further invitations were emailed 14 November to students awarded between 1 October and 13 November 2024.

Students awarded after 13 November will have their award conferred in absentia on 31 January 2025 , more information can be found on the in absentia page .

Please note, even if you do not wish to attend in person, you do still need to complete the registration form to confirm this.

Your name on your certificate will be printed exactly as it is held on your student record. It is your responsibility to check your name on your student record before submitting the registration form. If you need to make any changes to your name held on your student record you must do so by contacting SSiD before completing the form. Changes cannot be made to the name on your certificate after it has been issued.

Name pronunciation

The deadline to provide this information was Friday 15 November and therefore the form for guidance has now closed.

It is a university regulation that graduands wear the correct academic dress. You can hire or purchase these directly from the official robe makers for the University, Ede & Ravenscroft, or an alternative supplier that provides university regulation compliant academic dress.

Hire robes now

The deadline for robe hire is Friday 20 December.

Robe types and hood colours

View examples of the different types of robes and hoods for each level of study and department below:

Academic dress examples (PDF, 743kb)

Certificates 

Attending graduation.

If you attend your ceremony you will receive your certificate on the day. 

Not attending graduation

If you are not attending graduation you need to register your intention to graduate in absentia. This allows you to confirm your personal details and to provide an address for us to post your certificate to following the ceremonies. We are unable to send your certificate if you don't complete this process.

Please note, it is not possible for someone to collect your certificate on your behalf at the graduation ceremony.

Postage of certificates

• Certificates to the UK:  certificates sent to addresses in the UK are sent by second class mail as standard. However, if you would like your certificate sent by a tracked service, we can send it using Royal Mail Special Delivery . The deadline to purchase this service is Friday 20 December.
• Certificates to overseas addresses : Royal Mail is unable to provide a tracking service for most overseas countries. Certificates are therefore sent by standard airmail. However, if you would like to have your certificate sent using the DHL Express Worldwide service we can arrange this for you. The cost for this service is dependent on the destination country and is available to more than 220 countries worldwide. If you would like to purchase this service, more information can be found here . The deadline to purchase this service is Friday 20 December.

Certificates lost in transit

Occasionally some items will get lost in transit. In order to guarantee the delivery of your certificate, we would strongly advise you to use one of the guaranteed methods above. If your certificate doesn’t arrive using these methods please contact us. If you choose a standard service for delivery, you will need to order a replacement certificate (for which the usual fee will be charged) from Student Services.

Digital certificates

Following graduation, your digital certificate will be released in Gradintelligence. 

A maximum of 2 guest tickets are guaranteed, along with your own graduand ticket.

Your e-tickets (containing assigned seat numbers for you and your guests) will be emailed to you on Wednesday 8 January 2025.

Additional tickets

It is unlikely that tickets over the two guaranteed will be available. However, if further tickets are available, you will be notified via email as detailed below.

Special seating arrangements

You must inform us of any specific access requirements or special assistance that you or your guests may need in advance of the ceremony. There is a dedicated section on the registration form for this.

Once tickets have been allocated, we may not be able to accommodate special arrangements, but we will do our best to meet these requirements.

If you require the loan of a wheelchair for the day, visit your local British Red Cross Association

Children over the age of three will require a ticket for the ceremony.

Due to the length and formal nature, we do not recommend bringing young children to the ceremony.  Guests with young children may wish to watch the ceremony live in the Students’ Union Auditorium, where the atmosphere is informal and tickets are not required.

Children are not permitted on the platform at any time.

Travel and venue

Octagon Centre University of Sheffield Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN

We recommend using public transport or park and ride to get to graduation as parking on campus is limited. We suggest using the following car parks if you are travelling by car: 

• QPark Durham Road , across from the Octagon
• QPark Rockingham , approximately half a mile from the Octagon Centre
• A map detailing all the car parks in the city centre can be found here

Disabled parking spaces for blue badge holders are available in QPark, Durham Road.  Blue badge holders can also park on double yellow lines for a maximum of 3 hours providing there are no loading restrictions and the vehicle is not causing an obstruction.

Accessibility and support

We are committed to making graduation inclusive and accessible for all our graduands and guests. If you have accessibility or support requirements, detail these in the appropriate section of the registration form and we will do our best to ensure suitable arrangements are put in place. 

Alternatively, you can email us and we will be happy to talk through the options available to you.  Please give us sufficient notice to put arrangements in place. The Octagon Centre is accessible by ramp and has lifts and accessible toilet facilities. More detailed information can be found on AccessAble .

Items such as mobility scooters and pushchairs should be left in the cloakroom once guests have taken their seats as it is not possible to store them in the ceremony hall.

The Octagon centre can be accessed from the Student’s Union via the link bridge. More detailed information can be found on AccessAble .

Gender neutral toilets are located in the Students’ Union Building, next door to the Octagon Centre.

The Students’ Union Building (Level 2) has a Prayer Room with Wudu facilities.

Parking information can be found under travel and venue. 

Dining and activities on campus

Departmental receptions.

Some departments hold receptions before or after the ceremonies. Please contact your department about these.

Students' Union

A full list of what is taking place at the Students' Union, including club nights, will be available nearer the time. Coffee Revolution and Bar One will be open.

Inox is the perfect place for a special graduation meal on campus. The graduation menu will be available closer to the time.

A full list of the University's cafes with opening times is on the website.

Live stream

There will be a professional video recording taken of each graduation ceremony which is streamed on our website. Graduates and guests seated in the Octagon should be aware that they might appear on the live stream and on the recordings.  

A link to the live stream will be available before the ceremonies. 

Live stream to the Auditorium

Each graduation ceremony is relayed live to the Students' Union Auditorium, to enable family and friends without allocated seats to see the ceremony. 

This facility may be particularly useful for guests with young children who may not be able to remain seated throughout the ceremony. Seats in the Auditorium are not ticketed and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Whilst the Auditorium seats 400 people and does not normally reach capacity, the Events Team cannot be held responsible should seats be unavailable at busy times.

The full graduation ceremony schedule for the week can be found on the postgraduate schedule page.

Photography and souvenirs

The official photographers are Ede & Ravenscroft Photography, located in the Students' Union on each day. You can pre-book photography packages when you order your robes through Ede & Ravenscroft or you can turn up on the day.

Opening times: Information coming in November 2024

Location: Level 4 Students' Union

Gifts and souvenirs

University gifts and souvenirs are an excellent way to remember your time at the University of Sheffield. A full range of gifts and souvenirs, including 'Made in Sheffield' items, will be available on graduation days.

Graduands checklist

Terms and conditions, cancellation or postponement of the event.

While every effort will be made to host graduation ceremonies as planned, the University may cancel, delay, or postpone its graduation ceremonies due to circumstances beyond its control or where ceremonies can no longer reasonably or safely take place.

In the event of any postponement or cancellation, the University will communicate this clearly on its website and will contact each attending student directly with as much notice as is reasonably practical. 

The University will not be liable for any costs incurred by either the graduand or guests due to postponement or cancellation of the event.  This includes, but is not limited to, travel, accommodation and subsistence costs or any loss of business or earnings. 

Therefore, the University strongly advises that graduands and their guests ensure they have sufficient insurance protection to cover any losses they may incur as a result of postponement or cancellation of ceremonies and book flexible rates for travel and accommodation wherever possible.

Academic robes

By confirming your attendance at graduation, you the graduand confirm that you agree to wear official University of Sheffield academic robes provided by our official supplier, robing company Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd, or an alternative, University Regulation compliant supplier at the ceremony.

Data Protection

Publication of names.

The names of graduating students will be printed in the graduation programme which is available to all ticketed guests on the day.  If you would like your name removed from this publication, you must advise the Events Team in writing. Please email us giving your full name, student registration number and award title and clearly confirm that you wish to be removed from the programme by the deadline of Friday 22 November .

We do not print degree classification in the graduation programme.

Digital media

Graduation video - The ceremony proceedings are filmed. By electing to take part in the ceremony proceedings, you are giving permission for your image to be recorded.

Live stream of the ceremony - The graduation ceremonies are broadcast live over the University website. By electing to take part in the ceremony proceedings, you are giving permission for your image to be recorded and broadcasted.

Photography - Professional photographers will be on campus during graduation and their photographs may be used in the university's future promotional literature. By electing to take part in the ceremony proceedings, you are giving permission for your image to be photographed and used.

Graduand and guest conduct

Anyone who becomes disruptive will be asked to leave the hall.

More on data privacy and terms and conditions can be found here .

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What You Must Know About UK Graduation Ceremonies

Graduation ceremonies are one of the most anticipated events for students studying in the UK from December to January and during the summer months . Undergraduate graduation ceremonies are usually held in the summer, while postgraduate graduation ceremonies are held in the winter. As a ceremony to end your student life, you will not only be excited and nervous when you attend the graduation ceremony but also have a sense of “grandeur” that you will finally enter society as a decent adult. In this article, I will talk about the UK graduation ceremonies for undergraduate, master and doctoral students, including the graduation time, the specific process, and the dress code you are most concerned about, and we will help you sort it out!

UK Graduation Ceremony Time

In the UK, the graduation ceremony for undergraduate degrees is held around July every year, just like in China. For postgraduate students, the semester is longer. They usually hand in their final dissertation in September, and if they need to do a resit, they may have to attend the resit immediately after handing in their dissertation. After that, whether you are looking for a job or having a good time in the UK, you will be able to find out all your results and get your degree in mid to early November after waiting for two months.

You will be notified by the school through email and then attend the graduation ceremony in December or January. However, these timings vary from school to school, depending on the school’s arrangements. I have a friend who turned in his thesis in September, got his grades in December, and attended the graduation ceremony with undergraduates in July of the following year.

The graduation ceremony is usually held in the school’s auditorium because the number of graduates is significant, so it will be divided into different times according to different majors. For example, some schools hold the ceremony on certain days in mid-July, with three sessions per day, each lasting about 1.5 to 2.5 hours .

Graduation Preparation Guide

• Degree Uniform: If you have rented a degree uniform, you can collect it from the designated place the day before the commencement of the Graduation Ceremony.
• Tickets for spectators: The graduation ceremony will have “Friends and Family” tickets, usually with a maximum of two spectator places. Booked your spot? Great! Expect an e-ticket to land in your inbox a week before the graduation ceremony. This ticket is your loved ones’ golden pass to share in your big moment. Depending on the school, however, the requirements may vary.
• Plan your travels: A series of tasks await you: registration, fetching your graduation attire, and awaiting admission. All before the graduation ceremony kickstarts. Punctuality is key here. Late arrivals are usually not permitted to register for the ceremony. However, this rule varies, with some schools allowing registration up to 10 minutes before the event begins.
• Bring a photo ID: Arrive at the graduation ceremony ready for on-site registration. Carry with you a photo ID, a beacon of your identity or a BRP card.
• Ensure you’ve completed your degree: If you have delayed graduation or haven’t received your degree yet, you won’t be able to enter the graduation ceremony when you arrive on-site, so check the status of your degree on the school’s official website before doing so.

Graduation Ceremony Procedures

• Step 1: Register at the ceremony site and get your degree suited. Don’t get so excited that you forget to register. Your name will only be read during the ceremony if you register. After registering, you can go to the designated place to receive your bachelor’s degree uniform.
•   Step 2:  Generally speaking, there will be a temporary cloakroom at the graduation ceremony site where you can change into your degree uniform, but remember that large items, including luggage, cannot be brought in. However, it is essential to remember that large items, including luggage, cannot be brought in. So it is enough for you to bring your ID , mobile phone and camera .
• Step 3:  Enter the graduation ceremony. In most schools, parents or other invitees are seated in a different area from the graduates. Graduates cannot bring bags to leave their mobile phones and other items with friends and family.
• Step 4:  After the entrance, each person will be arranged according to the order of the first letter of different surnames to the seat; we will remember to keep seats. Everyone will be given a booklet with the names, degrees, majors, etc., of the school leaders present at the graduation ceremony and each graduate. Once everyone is seated, the leaders and teachers make a special formal entrance and take their seats on stage. Then the school’s orchestra will start to play solemn music or the school’s song, and after the music is finished, there may also be the entrance of the school flag or the college flag and lastly, the president or dean will make a speech!
• Step 5:  In the process of the ceremony, everyone will sit on the stage waiting, and then, according to the order of the last names, one by one, on the stage, they will shake hands with the headmaster or dean. When it’s almost your turn, a staff member will come over and verify the information of your lineup and then ask you to stand up and wait on the side of the stage. Throughout the process, your name may be confirmed several times before you go on stage to ensure everything runs smoothly. The final confirmation is done. Your name echoes through the hall. As you ascend the stage, the dean awaits, his congratulations ready. Your graduation moment has arrived!
•  Generally speaking, whether or not you should wear a cap when you go on stage to shake hands varies according to each school’s rules, and before you go on stage, someone will also help you tidy up your graduation clothes again. After all, the moment your name is called out on stage is the brightest moment of the graduation ceremony!
• Step 6: Receiving your diploma and transcripts is a milestone moment. It might happen on stage or off stage. Schools have different traditions and different ways of honouring your achievement. Imagine the commissioner receiving a commemorative canvas bag or a school badge. A symbol of trust and authenticity. Each item is a testament to your journey and your hard work.  After the handshake ceremony, there might be speeches from outstanding students and teachers, which inspire you to break through your limits and work hard to create your future, and the whole atmosphere with the diploma you just got is still very relaxed. Throughout the entire process, whether you know your friends or don’t know your classmates, everyone will applaud everyone on stage; the atmosphere is still very harmonious. In the end, the school orchestra played the British national anthem as the end, and everyone stood up and applauded themselves; committee members now think about that scene, and their hearts are still a little excited!
• Step 7: After all the graduates had gone on stage, the group circled again and exited the auditorium. Step out of the auditorium, a sea of smiles and photos awaits. Group shots everywhere, memories in the making. Many schools host a small cocktail party, a cherry on the graduation cake. Post-photo, friends gather there, swapping stories and sharing laughter. The campus buzzes with joy. Yet beyond the merriment, there’s a palpable thrill, a mix of excitement and anticipation. A new chapter in life is about to begin, right?

About Academic Dress

For students, the most ceremonial moment of the graduation ceremony is still when they put on the academic dress, right? Generally speaking, academic dresses can be rented or bought directly. The price of renting is usually 50 pounds and above; you need to book in advance, fill in your dress size online, pay the rent in advance, and fill in the contact information. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your academic attire is dispatched to the institution. Please present this email to participate in the graduation proceedings. You’ll collect your gown thereafter. If you buy it, it will be more expensive and can be sent to your address or the school.

Need help deciding what to wear under your graduation gown? According to most schools, participants must wear formal dress, so invitees should also pay attention to the dress code. Degree gowns, have you ever noticed the collar colours? They change based on the centre and degree. Sometimes, even the style varies.

• Don’t carry a backpack. Many graduation ceremonies don’t allow bags to be brought in. So when choosing your dress, try to choose one with pockets.
• Bring a pair of slippers or flat shoes. Girls, the right footwear matters. High heels may be tempting, an echo of elegance and charm. But consider this: comfort trumps style. Opt for low to medium heels.
•  Spend a little while fixing your hair because you will be wearing a graduation cap, after all.
• Don’t worry about wearing your degree suit; someone will be there to dress you up for the day. It is also recommended that you prepare a brooch or pin, as some degree dresses have collars that cannot be fixed and easily strangle your neck.

When and where do UK graduation ceremonies take place?

Graduation ceremonies in the UK usually occur between July and September, depending on the university’s academic calendar. They are held at the university campus or a nearby venue, such as a conference centre or cathedral.

Can I bring guests to my graduation ceremony?

Yes, graduates are generally allowed to bring up to 2 guests to the graduation ceremony. Arrangements vary from school to school, so you must check with the university in advance and prepare tickets for your guests.

What happens during the graduation ceremony?

The graduation ceremony typically includes a formal procession of graduates, speeches from university officials and special guests, and the presentation of degrees. Graduates are called to the stage individually to receive their degree from a university official while their name is read aloud. The ceremony ends with the throwing of hats in celebration.

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What is a Graduation Ceremony in the UK?

In University by Think Student Editor February 4, 2023 Leave a Comment

Graduation is the highest point of going to university, where all your hard work pays off and you finally celebrate having achieved your degree. However, graduation ceremonies are often a topic of mystery. This is especially true in the UK, where strange traditions are often associated with specific universities, which may confuse new students. In this article, we will reveal all the important information you need to know about graduation in the UK. We will also give you some helpful tips about how to have a good time on one of the most important days of your academic life so far.

In the UK, a graduation ceremony happens at the end of a student’s time in university, where they receive their degree officially. All students who pass will be invited, and they will shake hands with professors as well as listening to speeches to congratulate them on what they have achieved throughout their time at university.

While this should have given you a short answer to your question, please read on for more details about graduation ceremonies in the UK.

Table of Contents

What happens at a university graduation ceremony?

A university graduation ceremony can be split into three distinct sections. Each of these sections will be discussed in more detail below.

Before the ceremony

Your university will send you an email or message with information about the ceremony, such as when it is to be held, and where. Usually, it is held in the university hall or chapel, or sometimes a nearby town hall.

You will need to apply for guest tickets if you want family or friends to attend, but the number will be limited to different numbers depending on your university, so ask them for more details. It is best to do this early to avoid disappointment.

You also need to hire a gown, and your university will usually tell you where to get one that is unique to them and to your course. Most people also hire a cap. You will need to supply measurements of your head and clothing size so they can reserve the correct size for you.

More information on how to hire a graduation gown is detailed here , by Think Student.

During the ceremony

On the day, you will be expected to wear your graduation gown, as well as smart clothing underneath. More information on what to wear can be found in the section below.

After this, you will usually walk to the ceremony location with your peers and guests. You will separate from them on reaching the ceremony, to sit with the other graduates (who are about to receive their degrees).

At the start of the ceremony, there will be a procession of senior academic lecturers and staff onto the stage, as well as a welcoming speech. You will be expected to stand if you are able while they process in. There may also be some speeches and notable mentions at this point.

After this is the most well-known part of the ceremony: going to collect your degree. Each graduate is called up one by one to walk across the stage and shake the hand of the chancellor.

You also receive a piece of paper, often rolled up into a cylinder. Often you do not get your actual certificate until after the ceremony.

Some universities will take a photo of each graduate shaking the chancellor’s hand. After all the awards have been handed out, there may be more speeches and presentations of special academic awards.

You can find out more about what happens at a graduate ceremony if you read this article from the Graduate Coach.

After the ceremony

After the ceremony, the graduates stand for the academic staff to process out, then they also leave. Some people take photos outside the venue with their family and friends and sometimes have photos outside the university.

There may also be a post-ceremony celebration at a location nearby . Sometimes the university will hold a dinner with food and drinks. There may also be a professional photographer here to take photos, although these are often very expensive.

At the end of the celebration, you will need to remove and return your gown to the company if you hired it, as well as collect your actual degree certificate.

How long is a graduation ceremony?

A typical graduation ceremony will last around an hour and a half. However, this does depend on the number of students at your university, as well as how many awards and speeches are to take place.

Another key factor in the graduation ceremony length is how long the academic procession will be, and whether the students are expected to also process in for a long time.

Sometimes there will also be music, sung by a choir, or a religious service combined with the graduation. Both of these can make the graduation ceremony last significantly longer.

An example of a graduation ceremony can be found on YouTube, here . This was live-streamed by St Mary’s University in London in 2022 and shows all of the key steps in a graduation ceremony. Many ceremonies are live-streamed nowadays so that relatives can attend even if they cannot get a ticket.

More information about how long a graduation ceremony is can be found here on an article from Think Student.

When do graduation ceremonies take place in the UK?

Most universities in the UK hold graduations between June and September on the year you graduate from university. However, there are many exceptions to this, and some even hold them up to a year later.

Therefore, it is key to check with your university for specific details on when and where your graduation will take place, and this information can also be found on any tickets you have.

If you are an international student, you may have to apply for a visa in order to attend your graduation if you no longer have leave to remain in the UK. This page from Edinburgh University has more details on visas for students and their families in cases like this.

For more information on how much it can cost to attend graduation, please check out this Think Student article.

What should you wear to your university graduation ceremony?

At your graduation ceremony, you will typically wear formal clothing underneath your graduation gown and sometimes a graduation cap. These can be hired from your university’s preferred shop, and there will often be helpers on the day to make sure you put on your gown correctly and are comfortable. They can also help with any issues, such as if you have ordered the wrong size gown or do not have a cap.

This Think Student article gives more helpful information on what to wear to graduation in the UK, as well as tips for how to stay comfortable no matter the weather. It can be found here .