The Graduation Day

Times and Arrival

Two graduation ceremonies are normally held on each day of graduation. The morning ceremony starts at 11.00 am and the afternoon ceremony starts at 3.00 pm, 3.30 pm or 4.00 pm depending on the time of year and venue.

Graduands are required to attend a short rehearsal starting 45 minutes before the ceremony at which they are to be presented for their award. Graduands should arrive at least one hour before the ceremony to allow sufficient time to collect and don academical 
dress. If graduands wish to have photographs taken before the ceremony they should arrive even earlier.

Guests are admitted to the hall 20 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

The Ceremony       

The graduation ceremony commences with a fanfare and processional march which heralds the arrival of the academic procession. The procession is lead by the Stave Bearer and includes Senior Officers of the University, members of Council and Senate and academic staff.  The Chancellor or, in his absence, the Vice-Chancellor presides at each graduation ceremony. There is an opening address by the Chancellor or the Vice-Chancellor who then, in accordance with the University’s statutes, confers “degrees and other academic distinctions” on all students who have been deemed eligible by Senate.

Each year the University recognises the outstanding contribution that a number of individuals have made to academic life or to 
society at large by conferring on them an honorary degree. There is normally one honorary degree awarded at each ceremony.

Following the presentation of the honorary graduate, students are presented to the Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor for their award by the Dean of their faculty. Their names are called out, one at a time, by course. Graduands walk across the platform, stop and bow to the Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor and collect their certificate before returning to their seat in the auditorium.

After all graduates have been presented, the Honorary graduate addresses the congregation. A new student graduate will also 
speak on behalf of those graduating at the ceremony.

The formal proceedings conclude with closing remarks from the Provost of the campus where the ceremony is held.

The academic procession, led by the Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor, leaves the hall. The new graduates join the procession after the academic staff to symbolize their new status.

After the Ceremony

Graduates meet up with their family and friends and tutors after the ceremony for light refreshments and to talk and to take photographs. Finally graduates return their academical dress before they leave, most to have lunch or dinner to celebrate their achievement.

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