Attendance and Eligibility
If you have already passed your course, you're automatically eligible to join us at a graduation ceremony and will receive a digital invitation to your personal email.
Sometimes students are invited to attend on the condition that it has been predicted you will pass your course within the stated timeline. If you are not awarded as planned then any bookings you have made will be refunded.
If you’re unable to attend and would like to come to a future ceremony, please complete our Online Deferral Form.
You will then receive an invitation to the future graduation you have selected roughly 3-4 months before the ceremony.
If you do not wish to attend any ceremony, you need do nothing. Your name will not be read out along with other graduands names if you choose not to attend.
All certificates are posted to your home address by the Registry Team. No certificates are collected at the graduation ceremonies.
If you need to update your address, please contact the Registry Team.
For those returning to the UK and their family or friends visiting to attend the congregation ceremony:
- Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, determine whether you need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Starting in 2025, all non-British and non-Irish visitors who do not require a visa will need an ETA to travel to the UK.
Supporting Documentation
- Returning Students: Your registration email, which includes the date and location of your ceremony, serves as sufficient documentation for your visa application.
- Family or Friends: They should use the student's congregation registration email along with an invitation letter from you, specifying that you are inviting them to attend your congregation ceremony in the UK. A bespoke invitation letter is not required.
Please note that we are unable to issue invitation letters to your friends or family.
For further details, please refer to the Home Office guidance on supporting documents.
Students are not eligible to graduate if they have any outstanding debt on their student profile. You will need to contact the Student Finance Team to settle any balances before you can attend.
If you book tickets, gowns or photography for the ceremony but have unsettled debt, you will be refunded ahead of the ceremonies.
If you need financial support to attend your graduation, you are able to apply for our gown bursary to cover the cost of hire. This only applies to gown hire and not ticket purchases or photography packages.
Bursaries funds are limited and whilst we try to offer one to everyone who attends, we do recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tickets
If you have been invited to attend graduation, links to book your tickets will be available in your invitation email. All bookings must be made through the appropriate suppliers and cannot be booked by the Graduation Team.
Students and guests are seated separately. All children attending must be seated with an adult guest. Due to safeguarding, members of University staff and Southbank Centre staff cannot be asked to care for children in your absence.
Your student ticket, gown and photography must be booked via Marston Events, our official graduation supplier.
Your student ticket should be added to your basket automatically when you begin your booking process.
It is compulsory to wear a gown if you intend to cross the stage at graduation.
If you have any issues with the booking site, please contact Marston Events.
All guest tickets must be purchased through the Southbank Centre.
Students are able to book up to six guest tickets and purchase additional tickets on the day of your ceremony if there is availability within the auditorium.
If you have any guest accessibility or any issues with the booking site, please contact Southbank Centre.
As a graduate, your student ticket is free of charge.
Ticket prices for guests are:
- £38 per adult
- £16 per child (aged 2-16)
- No charge for children under 2 (the child must sit on another guest’s lap)
- No charge for carers (email Southbank Centre and Graduation Office to arrange for a carers ticket)
You can book tickets as soon as you receive your invitation email. Tickets are sold and allocated on a first come, first serve basis so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
All tickets are sent out by email. We do not handle physical tickets for any ceremonies.
Guest e-tickets are sent by Southbank Centre upon booking. Student e-tickets are sent by Marston Events a week prior to your ceremony.
Gowns and dress code
You can buy or hire the correct gown, hood and mortar board for your graduation ceremony through our official supplier, Marston Events.
It is your responsibility to check that you have been allocated the correct gown for your ceremony.
We recommend that you book your gown in advance as there is limited availability on the day and a processing fee is added for onsite bookings.
Gown hire is £38 for all levels of award. On the day gown hire is £45.
The particular gown, hood and mortar board you wear will depend on which level of award you have completed. You can view the different gowns, hoods and mortar board/caps below.
Foundation
Bachelor's
Master's
PhD
We recommend wearing clothes underneath your gown that’s suitable for a formal occasion.
We recommend that your shoes are smart yet comfortable as you may be on your feet for some time.
We do not allow flags or any other political material inside the auditorium. You may be asked to leave the graduation ceremony if this is found on your person.
Photography
We recommend prebooking your photography packages through Marston Events and having your photos taken before your ceremony. Doing this will allow you more time to celebrate afterwards.
You are welcome to take your own photographs and video in the venue and share them on social media. We have a flower wall installed on Level 2 as a backdrop opportunity for your special day.
However, you and your guests should:
- Not obstruct aisles and exits for health and safety reasons
- Consider other guests and whether you are blocking their view
- Plan your photography accordingly so that you are not late for your ceremony
Official photos and video clips will be taken by Marston Events of you crossing the stage.
They will be available to purchase after the event, on the Marston Events website.