On arrival
You are advised to arrive at St Mary’s at least 90 minutes prior to the start of your Ceremony. On arrival Graduands must report to the Graduand Tickets and Namecards Collection Desk, which will be situated in the Refectory. At this desk, you will be asked to show your e-ticket either in your email or a printed copy if you prefer, in order to register and to collect your Namecard.
Your Namecard will include your seat number and name with phonetic spelling, if you have provided this when booking. You will need to hand this to the Presenter on the stage when your award is being conferred to ensure that your name is called. Please do not lose your Namecard.
The Chapel will open approximately 30 minutes before your Ceremony. Graduands are requested to be robed in their academic gown and in their seats at least 15 minutes before the commencement of their Ceremony. The Ceremony will last for no longer than 45 minutes to one hour.
Getting there
Directions to Campus are available on our website. We also have a Graduation Map.
Download our map
Please note that there is no parking facilities on campus. There is limited parking in the surrounding area, but please be aware this is subject to restrictions. If you are a Blue Badge holder, parking must be reserved in advance. Please contact our Graduation Team to arrange this. Parking for Blue Badge holders who have reserved a parking space should be accessed via the main entrance near the Main Reception.
We strongly recommend that, where possible, you use public transport for your journey to the ceremony. The University is easily reached by South Western trains alighting at Strawberry Hill Station.
Academic dress
It is compulsory for graduands to wear academic dress. Graduands should wear their gowns and hoods throughout the ceremony. Mortarboards should only be worn when processing out of the Chapel.
In addition to academic dress, graduands are asked to conform to the following dress code: smart formal wear.
We warmly encourage students to wear their traditional and/or cultural dress to graduation if they wish to.
Robing
Ede and Ravenscroft will be based in the Shannon Suite, where you will be robed. If you have been unable to order a gown, there will be some available to hire on the day.
The robing area will be open from 7.30am on Friday 15th March and on Saturday 16th March 2024. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to collect your gown to ensure that you are seated no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony.
Seating
Graduands are seated separately from their guests and your seat number will be given on your Namecard. Graduands will not be admitted to the Chapel unless you have registered and collected your Namecard. You are asked to be seated at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
Guests are seated in the nave, from the back of the Chapel, facing the stage. Please follow the signs to your row and seat number (e.g. A1, A2, B1, B2). Ushers will be present to help you find your seat and answer any queries. Guest seating will be on the front of the chapel, facing the stage. All available seats should be used to ensure that all guests can be seated.
Presentation
As standard, presentation will be in alphabetical order within each degree or award (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.). Please note due to extenuating circumstances there could be slight diversions from this order. An Usher will signal to Graduands when to move from their seats and regulate the flow of the procession.
Graduands must bring their namecard with them, which will be passed to the Namecard Usher at the chancel steps. Each Graduand will mount the steps as his/her name is announced. They will stop and shake hands with the Presiding Officer (Vice-Chancellor or Provost), whilst the Award Photographer captures this moment. Then, they return to their seats, as directed by the Ushers.
End of the ceremony
At the end of the ceremony, Graduands are invited to put on their mortarboards and will file out behind the procession of academic staff and High Officers of the University.
Photographs
The University wishes to remind students and guests that no video film or photographs may be taken inside the Chapel during the ceremony. Graduands are not allowed to take selfies. Our official Award Photographer will capture each individual presentation and prints will be available to purchase.
Ede & Ravenscroft will be on campus to take individual photographs before and after the ceremony. There will be five studios available and these will operate on a first come, first served basis. If you intend to have your photograph taken before the ceremony, please ensure that you allow sufficient time to ensure you are seated 15 minutes before the start time of the ceremony.
After the ceremony
After the ceremony, the celebrations will continue with light refreshments on the Dolce Vita Lounge.
When exiting the Chapel, there will be signs to follow and Stewards on hand to direct you.
Refreshments will also be available to purchase throughout the day from the Dolce Vita Café and the Refectory.
First aid
Staff with first aid training will be on duty. Should you need any attention please contact one of our Stewards or a member of Security.
Information and queries on the day
There will be Stewards around campus and at the Graduand Tickets and Namecards Desk in the Refectory who will be happy to help with any enquiries you may have on the day.
Further information
If you require any further information relating to the degree ceremony, please contact our Graduation Team
You can also download our On the day notes.
Please, note that due to the high volume of queries, the Graduation Team will not be able to answer to those enquiries already included in our FAQs.
We hope that you will enjoy the event and we look forward to seeing you there.