The graduation ceremony is 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 ceremony 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!
When Are UK Graduation Ceremony Held?
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.
| Ceremony Season | Typical Timing | Typical Degrees Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Ceremony | Late June to July | Undergraduate Degrees, Some Postgraduates |
| Winter Ceremony | December to January | Postgraduate Degrees, especially Master’s |
What to Prepare Before Graduation Ceremony
After you have booked your Graduation Ceremony, the school will usually send you a Graduation Guide, which will explain in detail what you need to prepare in advance. These are some of the things you need to prepare in advance:
- 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. Once you have made a reservation, you will receive an electronic ticket one week before the graduation ceremony, and your friends or relatives visiting your graduation ceremony will be admitted with the ticket. Depending on the school, however, the requirements may vary.
- Plan your travels: because there are still a series of things to do, such as registering, getting your graduation clothes, and waiting for admission before the graduation ceremony officially starts, you must arrive on time. Also, you are usually not allowed to register for a graduation ceremony until 10 minutes before the ceremony starts, which varies depending on the school.
- Bring a photo ID: When you arrive at the graduation ceremony for on-site registration, you must bring a photo ID to prove your identity, such as a passport or BRP card.
- Make sure 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. After the last confirmation, your name is read aloud, and as you step onto the stage, the headmaster or dean congratulates you on your graduation! 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: Receive your diploma and transcripts on or off the stage; some schools will send them to you before or after the graduation ceremony, so it’s just a matter of giving them to you when the time comes, like the commissioner who received a commemorative canvas bag and a school badge. 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. Out of the auditorium, everyone will be in a variety of photos, everywhere for a group photo; many schools in the graduation ceremony will also have a small cocktail party, and everyone photographed after the photo will also get together with friends to chat there, adding a lot of laughter to the campus. In fact, at that time, everyone’s heart, in addition to the excitement, was also whole of a new start in life, right?
UK Graduation Dress Code: What to Wear Under the Gown
Rent or Buy 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. Then, you will be sent a confirmation email when the degree dress is sent directly to the school; show your confirmation email can be in the graduation ceremony before you get your graduation gown. If you buy it, it will be more expensive and can be sent to your address or the school.
Dress code
Need help deciding what to wear under your graduation gown? According to most schools, participants must wear formal dress, so mums, dads and other invitees should also pay attention to the dress code on the day. Also, regarding degree gowns, the colour of the collar is different depending on the central and degree, and in some cases, there are even differences in style.
Cautions
- 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. For girls, if you want to wear high heels for the graduation ceremony, try to choose low to medium heels; if you’re going to wear high heels, try to let your family and friends help you prepare a pair of flat shoes.
- 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.
Concluison
Graduation is one of the most meaningful milestones in a student’s journey, and UK universities take pride in hosting ceremonies that are formal, memorable, and deeply rooted in academic tradition. By understanding the schedule, dress code, ticket rules, and preparation steps, you can avoid last-minute stress and fully enjoy your special day. Whether you’re an international student or a family member travelling from abroad, early planning ensures a smooth, enjoyable and unforgettable graduation experience. As long as you follow this guide, you’ll be ready to celebrate your achievements with confidence and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
A graduation ceremony usually lasts 1–2 hours.
Most universities allow two guest tickets, but additional tickets may be available depending on capacity. Some institutions also offer livestreaming for family who cannot attend in person.
Guests should wear smart or semi-formal clothing. Men can choose a suit or dress shirt with trousers, while women may wear a smart dress, skirt, or blouse with tailored pants. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and for winter ceremonies, a coat or scarf is advised. Avoid casual clothing like jeans or sneakers.
