Frequently asked questions

When can I book my place at the ceremony?

We'll send you an email with details of your ceremony and a link to the online booking system. If you're graduating at the ceremonies in November/December, you'll receive your email by Friday 24 August 2012.

Emails will be sent to your University email address only. If you think you should be graduating but do not receive our email, contact us as soon as possible.

As a graduand, your ticket is free of charge.

I'm not bringing any guests to the ceremony, do I still need to complete the application process?

Yes, it's essential that you complete the application process - places for graduands are not automatically allocated. Note that as a graduand, your ticket will be free of charge.

I will not be attending the ceremony - do I still need to complete the application process?

Yes, you'll still need to complete the application process, as we need to know how many people will be attending.

I'm still waiting for my results. Should I wait until they are published before completing the application process?

No, you should complete the application process as soon as possible, to ensure that you're allocated tickets. Booking for the ceremonies will close on Wednesday 24 October 2012. We cannot guarantee that tickets will still be available if you apply after 24 October 2012. If you don't pass your final assessments, you'll be refunded in full for any tickets you've bought.

How can I book guest tickets?

When you receive our email invitation to the online booking system, you'll have the option to book up to four guest tickets. Guest tickets are £25 each.

How many Tickets can I purchase?

You may purchase as many tickets as you like however, we can only guarantee four.  You will be refunded if we are unable to allocate all of the tickets you have requested.

Can I buy tickets on the day?

There may be a limited number of tickets available on the day, but this is not guaranteed. We strongly recommend that you order all your tickets by completing the online booking process.

Can I bring children to the ceremony?

Whilst we understand that your ceremony is a family celebration, the ceremonies are formal occasions and we would recommend that children do not attend the ceremony.  If you do decide to bring children you will need to purchase a ticket for them, please note that there are no concessions. Child care facilities are not available at the venue.

Is there any wheelchair space available?

Yes, but please note that wheelchair seating is limited and should be booked in advance. If you or your guests have any special requirements, please note this when requested during the online booking process or, if you have already booked, contact the Ceremonies Office directly.

I need a visa support letter for myself/for my family to attend the ceremony - what should I do?

We can provide you with a supporting letter for your visa application, but please note that we cannot include the names of your guests on the letter. Visit our Booking your place page for further details.

How will I receive my tickets?

Graduand and guest tickets are not sent out - you will need to collect your tickets from the venue on the day of the ceremony. You will have received an E-Ticket prior to the ceremony and must bring this with you to collect your tickets.

Is there a dress code?

All graduating students are required to wear academic dress, which can be hired from Ede & Ravenscroft. We also recommend that graduands wear a shirt or blouse, to enable the hood of the gown to be attached to one of the buttons. For more information, visit our Graduation gowns page.

For guests, there is no official dress code. However, as the ceremony is a formal event, we recommend that guests wear smart dress.

Where do I order my graduation gown? How much will it cost?

Your gown should be ordered at least three weeks before the ceremony from Ede & Ravenscroft, who are the University's official gown supplier. The cost of hiring an academic gown is dependent on your level of award, but typically costs between £42 and £65.

What time do the ceremonies start and finish?

The ceremonies. You'll need to arrive at least one hour before your ceremony is due to start, to make sure you have enough time to collect your tickets and gown.

Each ceremony lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

For more details on the schedule, visit the Your Presentation Ceremony page.

Where is the venue and how do I get there?

In 2012, the ceremonies will be held at the Royal Festival Hall. For more details about the venue and getting there, visit the Your Presentation Ceremony page.

Where will I sit at the ceremony? Will I sit with my guests?

You will sit with other graduands at the front of the auditorium, organised alphabetically by award and course. Each course is announced, followed by the names of all graduands attending. If you have achieved a First Class Honours or Distinction, this will also be announced. As your name is read out, you will walk across the stage to shake hands with the Vice-Chancellor or Chair of Governors.

Guests will sit in a separate area, in the rear stalls and balcony of the auditorium.

Can I bring a camera and video camera to the ceremony?

Yes, but please be considerate of those sitting around you if photographing or filming during the event. Professional photographs and a film of the ceremony will be available to purchase after the ceremony

Tempest are the official photographers for the ceremonies and will be present at each event. You can get your photos taken on the day and can then either buy the prints straightaway at the ceremony or buy them online after the event. The cost of the prints varies depending on the package you want to buy - for more details, visit the Graduation photography page.

Visit the Tempest website for more details.

When will I receive my certificate?

We will send your certificate by post to your home address, usually within eight to ten weeks of your award being confirmed.

If you have any queries regarding your certificate, or you do not receive your certificate within three months of your award being confirmed, contact the Conferments Office by email.

For more information, visit our Award Certificates page.

How can I contact the Ceremonies Office?

You can visit us in person between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. You can also contact us by phone or email.