Your graduation ceremony will be a major highlight of your academic journey. It is your chance to celebrate your hard work, dedication and academic achievements with your classmates, friends and family.
In November 2023, our Northumbria University London students attended Central Hall, Westminster to walk across the stage and graduate. We spoke to some of our postgraduate students to learn about their time studying with us:
17th and 18th April – Central Hall, Westminster
Emails will be sent to your Northumbria account and any other email addresses on your student record. You can also book online via MyNorthumbria. Once logged in, see the My Info box, then My Records bottom. Your ceremony date and time will be confirmed on the invitation email.
You will receive a booking confirmation by email a few days before the ceremony which will admit both you and all your guests into Central Hall. The capacity of the hall is strictly limited, therefore only graduates and guests with a valid ticket will be admitted.
Students are entitled to one graduate and up to two guest tickets free of charge. An additional guest ticket may be purchased for a charge of £15. The additional guest tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and are non refundable. All tickets include access to the congregation at Central Hall, a post ceremony drink reception and a souvenir brochure.
Graduates must wear academic dress for the congregation. Formal dress, such as a dark suit or similar should be worn (jeans and trainers are not acceptable. This is the most practical attire as the hood should be securely fastened to a jacket or shirt button. Graduates are also advised to wear sensible footwear as there is a ramp up to the stage. It is University protocol that hats are NOT worn in the hall – they should be carried under the left arm.
Gowns are supplied by Ede & Ravenscroft. They can be ordered via their website or by telephoning 01223 861 854. Hats will be provided along with the gown and hood. Ensure you order the correct gown – they are different for each level of award.
Am I eligble?
Students are initially identified as being eligible using the expected end date of their programme. However, attendance at Congregation is subject to the successful completion of your programme and the conferral of your award by a Programme Assessment Board. Bookings will be cancelled should you become ineligible to attend. Please note that the congregation invitation or any communication from the Congregation Office does not guarantee eligibility. If you have failed your programme or failed to complete a minimum number of credits you are not eligible to attend.
Students at the award stage of Honours degrees will be able to attend if they have passed a minimum of 60 credits at level 6. Referred students (if they have passed the minimum of 60 credits should attend a ceremony now and not wait until referrals have been completed.
If you are unsure if you meet this criterion, please contact Ask4Help at Student Central.
Can I defer attendance if I cannot attend?
It is University policy that attendance at congregations cannot normally be deferred – you are expected to attend the ceremony following the conferral of your award. To apply for deferral please complete the relevant form on our web page and return it to the
Congregation Office.
Accessibility
If you or any of your guests require a wheelchair space, please indicate this on your booking form. If there are any other circumstances you feel we should be aware of, please email: rg.congregations@northumbria.ac.uk
Babies and children
Although the University aims to make its congregations as welcoming as possible, the formal nature and duration of the ceremonies may make them unsuitable for babies and small children. All children (including babies) of any age) require a guest ticket – this is in keeping with the fire regulations. No matter how small, children will not be admitted without a ticket. Prams are not allowed in Central Hall as this also contravenes fire regulations.
International visitors
It may be necessary for international visitors to request an invitation letter to support a visa application. International students will be given an option to download the letter as part of the booking task.
Name pronunciation
We would like to ensure that your name is pronounced correctly. To help us do this, you will be given the opportunity to add the phonetic spelling of your name or provide an audio recording during the booking task. Try to think about which parts of your name you think may be difficult to pronounce, then try to spell them as they sound . Name details must be received at least 2 weeks before ceremony. Please note this is advice on the pronunciation of your name only – an alternative name cannot be given – your full legal name is used for Congregation.
Parking
Unfortunately, there is no parking available at Central Hall for graduates or their guests. There is limited parking available in Westminster it is advisable not to rely on this on the day. There are good transport links via rail and underground. www.c-h-w.com/contact/location
Use of video cameras and photography
There are no restrictions on photography or home video cameras – but please do not block the view of other guests or block the aisles.
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