Ceremony

You will be seated in alphabetical order by course title and award in the stalls area of the theatre. Your seat number will have been given to you at the registration desk.

Running order

Processions: Please stand as the Academic Procession and the Chancellor’s Procession enter the theatre.

Opening: The Chancellor opens the ceremony.

Vice-Chancellor’s speech: Professor Dame Joan K. Stringer.

Honorary Degrees: Conferment of any honorary degrees and honorary speeches.

Conferment of Awards: Ushers will guide you through all parts of your ceremony.

• When your graduation begins, you will be directed one row at a time to stand at the side of the auditorium.
• Follow the person on your right and carry your seat cards with you. 
• Remain in the order in which you were seated and proceed up the stairs onto the stage when directed by the usher. Your seat card will be taken from you and passed to the Dean of Faculty or Head of School.
• Wait for your name to be called and then walk across the stage, pausing to shake hands with the Chancellor. If you are the first student graduating from your course, the title of the course will be read out before your name.
• Cross to the far side of the stage to receive your parchment and any prizes or medals you have won.
• Continue down the stairs where an usher will direct you back to your original seat.
• Photographs: The University photographers, Ede & Ravenscroft, will take your photograph as you cross the stage. Your photograph can be purchased after the ceremony.

Act of Conferment: The Chancellor confers the awards.

Chancellor’s speech: Tim Waterstone.

Close: The Chancellor closes the ceremony.

End of Ceremony: At the end of the ceremony, please remain standing as the Academic and Chancellor’s Processions leave the theatre. Make sure that you have all your belongings with you – don’t leave anything under or on your seat. You will leave the theatre a row at a time as directed by an