Graduate being handed their scroll by the presiding officer on the ceremony stage

What happens on the day?


 

Find out exactly what's happening and when for your ceremony day. If you're unsure what time your ceremony starts, check our graduation ceremony timetable.

A map showing the locations of all activity on the day alongside information on how to get to campus will be available closer to July 2024.

Get more out of your ceremony by visiting the photography studios, and florist and merchandise stands. You can find out more information about photos and merchandise here.

 

Time

Activity

Location

2 Hours before the start of your ceremony 

Registration is open 2 hours before the ceremony. 

Registration will close 30 minutes before the ceremony start time, however we recommend you arrive as early as possible to ensure you don’t miss the briefing.  

You need to register on arrival, please bring a photo ID with you. At registration you will be given a red card with your name and award details. The red card will be read out whilst you are receiving your award on stage. Please keep this with you at all times.

Windsor Building Foyer 

Once Registered 

Once registered, please make your way to the gowning room on the ground floor of the Windsor Building 

Please have your booking details and red card to hand. The gowning assistants will need these to find your gown.

Please ask your guests to wait outside while you collect your gown.

If you arrive in good time, we recommend you visit the photography studios and merchandise stands after collecting your gown to avoid queues after the ceremony. You can find out more information about food, drink, photos and merchandise here.

Windsor Building

Gowning room - 

Ground Floor 002/003

Photography studios 

First floor 102/103

1 hour before the ceremony 

Guards will announce the opening of the venue 1 hour before the ceremony is due to take place with a fanfare.

Founders Square steps 

1 hour before the ceremony 

Please make your way to Founder's Field with your guests. 

Do take this opportunity to take photos in front of the Founders Building, grab a coffee, snack, Pimms or slushy before heading into the venue. 

Ceremony Hall - Founder's Field 

15 minutes before the ceremony

We ask that all guests and graduands have taken their seats no later than 15 minutes before the ceremony. 

Late arrivals may not be permitted to avoid disruption and ensure the ceremony starts on time. 

Ceremony Hall - Founder's Field 

Ceremony advertised start time

Ceremony commences

The ceremony will start with a welcome from the Presiding Officer followed by your Executive Dean. As the speech comes to an end, staff will start to get you lined up. You will be asked to line up row by row against the side of the room before taking to the stage to be presented to the Presiding Officer. As you approach the Presiding Officer to collect your scroll, you will stop in front of them doff your cap (you can find what this means in our FAQs) and receive your scroll (these are not official certificates, only ceremonial scrolls). A photograph will be taken at the moment you receive your scroll. You will then make your way across the stage and then move back to your assigned seats. 

Ceremony Hall - Founder's Field 

Following the ceremony 

Following the ceremony the departmental photographs will take place.

Guests are welcome to join graduates. 

 

Following the departmental Photographs

Once the photos have been taken, we invite you to raise a glass with your guests at your reception

Founder's Square 

 

 

 

 

Travelling to Graduation

Founders autumn