Frequently asked questions

Do I have to attend the ceremony?

No. Graduation Ceremonies are celebratory events for you to formally receive your award in front of your guests and fellow graduates. However, you can choose to graduate in absence if you prefer.

I have outstanding tuition fees – can I still register to come to the ceremony?

If you have any tuition fees owing to the University you cannot attend the ceremony and your certificate and transcripts are withheld until the debt is settled.

I’m not coming to the ceremony, why do I still need to register?

If you are not coming to the Graduation Ceremony you still need to complete the registration as appropriate, so that we know how you wish to receive your certificate.

How do I register?

Register your attendance or non-attendance via the instructions provided to you in your email or here.

Please note: Global MBA students will be provided with different instructions on how to register but all dates are still applicable.

When should I register?

Registration opens on Wednesday 9 October 2019 and closes Wednesday 27 November 2019.

What will happen when I register?

You should register to:

• Attend the ceremony with or without guests.
• Not Attend - known as ‘Graduating in Absentia’ where you don’t come to the ceremony and your certificate will be posted to you or you can make arrangements for collection. If you opt for posting, please do not query non arrival of certificate until 1 February if not already received by this date.
• Update postal details. Please ensure that your home address on the student system is updated before 27 November 2019 to ensure certificates are sent to the correct address. If you have not changed your home details if need correcting by this date and you do not receive your certificate, you will need to order your certificate through the estore and this is chargable.
• Defer your graduation to next year. If you request to defer you will still receive your certificate by post. You will not receive another in the deferred ceremony. You can only defer for a maximum of 12 months (this provides 2 x graduation periods). If you choose to defer, you must contact your school and Student Services Centre at registration opening for the deferred event to ensure that you can be registered.

I can’t register

Please do not attempt to register until registration opens on the 9 October 2019 and closes on the 27 November 2019.

If you have received notification to register but are having trouble registering, please contact Student Services Centre for assistance on 0161 275 5000.

I need to change my email address

Please login to My Manchester where you will be able to make changes until the registration deadline of 27 November 2019. 

How do I request guest tickets?

You can request guest tickets as part of the registration process once you have registered to attend. However, there is a system error whereby it will let you put in any number of guest tickets. Please note, only maximum of 2 guest tickets will be provided. Please enter one of the following for your guest tickets:

0

1

2

Each guest attending the ceremony will need a ticket. Please do not make any arrangements for more than two guests to be seated in the Whitworth Hall. Any additional guests can view in the live screening in Lecture Theatre A, University Place which is the same venue where all graduands need to register before the ceremony.

However, on the rare occasion there may be additional tickets available, these will be issued on a first come first served basis when students register in University Place before their ceremony on the day. Registration for each ceremony will open 2 hours before the start of that ceremony. You cannot register any earlier than this.

How much are the tickets?

There is no charge for guest tickets.

When will I receive my tickets?

You will receive both your seat number for the Whitworth Hall (you do not have a ticket) and you will receive your guest tickets in the same pack when you register your attendance 2 hours before the ceremony starts on the ground floor in University Place.

How many guests can I bring?

We guarantee two tickets per graduate for everyone who registers by the 27 November 2019. Once registration has closed, anyone who needs to be registered after or in person on the day, we will do our best to ensure x2 guest tickets.

To ensure the comfort and health and safety of all our students, guests and staff, the capacity of each ceremony is capped at 600 people. 

Can children come to the ceremony?

Our Graduation Ceremonies are approximately 1 hour duration and are not tailored for young children. Additionally, due to the length of the ceremony and for health and safety reasons, we do not recommend having children on your lap for the ceremonies; however it is at your discretion and we advise age group of 5 and under for yours and their comfort. All guests occupying a seat are required to have a ticket. 

How do I tell you if I have special requirements?

At the time of registering please let us know if you have special requirements we need to be aware of such as:

• You or your guests require a BSL Interpreter (only available upon request)
• Wheelchair user
• Guide/Assistance dog user
• Temporary disability (i.e. broken leg)
• Individual needs or access requirements

You will need to contact us by calling the Student Services Centre 0161 275 5000. We may contact you prior to the day to discuss any special arrangements with you.

Please note the stage is accessed via steps. There is a lift available but we need to be made aware when it is required.

What arrangements can be made for guests with additional requirements?

Wheelchair access and seating in the Hall –A lift is available via Christies which will help guests access the Hall. Guests in a wheelchair will need to sit at the back of the Hall for ease of access. There is no requirement to inform us of this.

If you or your guests require the loan of a wheelchair for the day, your local British Red Cross may be able to assist you.

Is there disabled parking available?

The multi-storey car parks at both Booth Street West and Charles Street offer paid public parking and are convenient and safe.

Disabled (blue badge) visitors

Blue badge parking is available in Car Park D, Booth Street West. When arriving at the barrier, please retain your ticket and visit the parking lodge before exiting, where staff will validate your ticket.

A drop off point is available for people holding a disabled blue badge in the front quad: vehicles cannot be left in the quad. Access to the front quad via car is from Dover Street, drive across Oxford road into Burlington Street, through the barrier and turn right into the quad.  After drop off, exit the same way by crossing Oxford Road back into Dover Street. Please do not drive up Oxford road as there are restrictions in place.

Assistance for deaf or hard of hearing

BSL interpreters are only available upon request. Please let us know when you register if you need BSL interpreters at the ceremony and if you or your guests need to be seated in clear sight of them. Please call the Student Services Centre 0161 275 5000.

Assistance for blind people

Assistance dogs are permitted into the Whitworth Hall. Should special seating or any other arrangements be required please let us know when registering to graduate. Please call the Student Services Centre 0161 275 5000.

Do I have to wear a gown at my Graduation Ceremony?

Yes, you must wear the correct academic dress for your award if you attend the Graduation Ceremony.

How do I hire my gown?

Please order with Ede & Ravenscroft as far in advance as possible. Please order your gown by 27 November 2019. You should also bring your confirmation details with you on the day.

When booking your gown you will need the following details:

• Height
• Hat size (circumference of your head taken just above your ears)
• Chest measurements
• Qualification
• Date and time of your ceremony

Please see www.gownhire.co.uk for booking and all related information.

Where do I collect my gown?

Ede & Ravenscroft will be at your Graduation Ceremony in University Place for you to collect your gown. Your gown will need to be returned after your ceremony and before you leave campus.

What should I wear with my gown?

It is expected that everyone will dress formally, as is appropriate to the occasion. Your clothes are still clearly visible under your gown - most importantly, we want you to be comfortable.

In addition, it is advisable to dress for weather but please note it can get very warm in the Whitworth Hall especially during the summer period.

On the day you may find it useful to bring a couple of safety pins and hair grips to help secure your gown, hood and mortarboard.

I’ve forgotten to order my gown

You will only be able to pre-order your gown up to 27 November 2019. Gowns will be available to hire on the day, but at an additional cost. Please bring a card for payment and arrive early to arrange hire and be fitted.

Can I throw my mortarboard?

The gown suppliers, Ede & Ravenscroft, request that you do not throw your mortarboard as this is their property and it may get damaged. Also in the past, there have been accidents that have caused injury to persons.

How do I contact the gown suppliers?

Ede & Ravenscroft
Telephone: +44 (0)1223 734 759 
Email: student@edeandravenscroft.com  

What if I still have questions about hiring a gown?

Before contacting Ede & Ravenscroft, see if their frequently asked questions - gown hire can help.

Who are the official photographers for the university?

The University’s authorised graduation photographers are H Tempest Ltd who offer a range of photographic services. They will be present in the University Place throughout graduation.

Do I have to have professional photos taken?

No, the professional photography service is completely optional. You and your guests can take your own photos at any time and there will be opportunities to do this together with your guests before and after your ceremony – please note that all guests must remain seated in the hall during the ceremony.

When should I have my photos taken?

Professional photography will be available at your Graduation Ceremony in the University Place before and after your ceremony to take your picture. We recommend you have your pictures taken before the ceremony in order to avoid queues.

How do I contact the photographers?

Visit their website. 
Please note, office hours are 08:15-16:15. During these hours you can reach them on 01736 751555.

If you are an international student and/or you are planning to invite guests from overseas you may find it helpful to look at the information on applying for immigration permission (a visa) to travel to the UK. See more on our attending Graduation pages, and inviting visitors.

What memorabilia and souvenirs are available to purchase?

Commemorative items such as DVD of your ceremony can be purchased on the day in the University Place (where you will register for your ceremony).

Will the ceremonies be shown online?

Yes, all of our Graduation Ceremonies will be broadcast LIVE via the University website.

What will I receive at the Graduation Ceremony?

You will receive a folder containing your award certificate which will have the seal and signatures of the University.

What should I do with my certificate?

Keep them in a safe place as they are important and your certificate is a unique legal document. These documents can be used as proof of your studies and you will need them for job applications, visa applications and applications for further study.

What name will be on my certificate?

Your certificate will be produced using the name that is held on the student record system. This is the name you advised us of when you completed your enrolment and should match your passport.

I’m not coming to the ceremony – how do I get my certificate?

Please make sure you register your non-attendance via registration and choose the option of collection or post. Collections can only take place from the first day of ceremonies i.e. Monday 9 December 2019. Please do not make enquiries about postal receipt until 1 February 2020 if not received.

If your certificate is not received at your home address then you have one year to inform us and request a replacement. After this you would be required to purchase from the online Store.

Your home address must be correct on the Student System by the deadline. If your certificate is sent to an incorrect home address then we will not replace this and you would be required to purchase a duplicate.

If I am due to graduate, when can I have my transcript?

From the day of your graduation ceremony, you will be able to access free of charge your digital transcript online. For new users of Digitary, please register here.

If you wish to have paper copies of your transcript there are two services available:

1. Premium transcript provision – this is a service where you can place an order for your paper transcript on line on the estore and collect on the day of your ceremony from the Student Services Centre. Please note: you will be unable to place an order until Monday 2 December for this service.
2. Standard transcript order – this is a standard service whereby you place an order through the estore in the normal manner.  However, if you are due to graduate, please don’t place an order until the end of the ceremony period i.e. from Monday 16 December as your order will not begin to be processed at the earliest until this date.

Graduation Ceremony dates

​Graduation Ceremonies will be taking place from Monday 9 December – Friday 13 December 2019. 

Registration dates

Registration opens from Wednesday 9 October 2019 – Wednesday 27 November 2019. You should register by Wednesday 27 November 2019.

Visit the Graduation web pages to find out when your ceremony is taking place. All Graduation Ceremonies take place at the Whitworth Hall, with registration beforehand taking place at University Place plus robing and photography.

Completion of programme on student record cut-off date

In order to be eligible to attend the 2019 December Graduation Ceremonies, the completion of your award needs to be completed on the Student System by Wednesday 27 November 2019. Your school administrators are responsible for ensuring this.

Changes to home address:

Any changes you need to make to your home address details must be made by you on the student system by Wednesday 27 November 2019. 

Payment of outstanding debts

To be eligible to graduate, all outstanding debts must be paid by Wednesday 27 November 2019.

Gown hire

Please order your gown with Ede & Ravenscroft by Wednesday 27 November 2019. Please bring your confirmation details with you on the day.

Digital access to transcripts

Free Digital access to your transcripts when graduating in December is available from the day of your scheduled ceremony during the period 9 December – 13^th December 2019. For new users of Digitary, please register here.

Premium transcript service dates

Premium transcript provision – this is a service where you can place an order for your paper transcript on line on the estore and collect on the day of your ceremony from the Student Services Centre. Please note: you will be unable to place an order until Monday 2 December for this service.

Standard transcript service dates

Standard transcript order – this is a standard service whereby you place an order through the estore in the normal manner. However, if you are due to graduate, please don’t place an order until the end of the ceremony period i.e. from Monday 16 December as your order will not begin to be processed at the earliest until this date.

There's a lot involved in your Graduation day. Here's what to expect.

Before you set off

Print your confirmation email (or make sure it's on your device), which was emailed to you. This is only for you; you'll need it to register on the day, and you will then be given your guest tickets (maximum 2).

Two hours before the ceremony

The first thing to do on the day of your Graduation is to go to the Registration at University Place. Here you will register, and collect your guest tickets (maximum 2), you cannot collect tickets or register more than 2 hours before your assigned ceremony. Once you have registered make your way to robing to collect your cap and gown, and have your official photograph taken.

Please Note: Registration opens 2 hours before each ceremony.

Guests can wait in the waiting area, where there is also a gift shop and other merchandise available.

One hour before your ceremony

Once you're dressed in your robes, you and your guests should make your way over to Whitworth Hall at least one hour before the start of your ceremony. This is to make sure we can get everyone in the right seats and make a prompt start.

There are different entrances for graduands (that's you) and guests, as well as an accessible entrance. They're clearly marked. You should wait in the Main Quad (through the archway) until you're called by a steward to enter the hall. Please remember to give your guests their tickets, as they will need these to enter the hall. 

Guests without tickets can view the ceremony via our Live Cinema Link in University Place, Theatre A.

You'll be given a seat number from the registration desk in University Place - it's really important that you sit in the right seat, as this is in the order that names are called.

During the ceremony

The congregation stand as the procession makes its way to the stage in the Hall, followed by speeches from members of University staff.

During the ceremony, you'll be called to move towards the stage by a steward in the order that names will be called and your award presented.

When your name is called, you'll go up the stairs at the side of the stage, cross the stage and shake hands with or bow to the Presiding officer of the Ceremony, and then leave the stage using the central steps before returning to your seat. Don't forget to pick up your degree certificate at the bottom of the steps.

The ceremonies usually last for about an hour.

After the ceremony

The Presiding Officer will close the ceremony and you’ll be asked to stand as the Academic Procession leaves the Hall and you will then follow out in the procession. You will be directed out of the Whitworth Hall to the Main Quad.

Make your way out to the Main Quad, where you can meet your guests, take photos, and congratulate friends, before continuing with the rest of your celebrations.

Sometime after your ceremony, and no later than 6pm for ceremonies starting at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm or no later than 7.30pm for ceremonies starting up at 6pm, you must remember to return your cap and gown to University Place.

Where are the Graduation Ceremonies being held?

All ceremonies take place in the Whitworth Hall (no 50 on the campus map).

Registration, gowning and photography take place ground floor, the University Place (no 37 on the campus map).

For all up to date travel and parking information please visit the web pages.

What is the school ceremony reception?

After each ceremony (and sometimes before) you and your guests can celebrate your award with your School friends. These are organised by your School and you will need to know what arrangements the school has made for venue and timings for each ceremony.