Accessibility requirement FAQs

How do I tell you if I have accessibility 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)
• You or your guests require access to a Hearing Loop
• Wheelchair user
• Guide/Assistance dog user
• Temporary disability (i.e. broken leg)
• Individual needs or access requirements

Please fill in the special requirement section with the support you or your guests need when completing registration on the Student System.  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 Christie’s to help guests access the Hall. Guests in a wheelchair will need to sit at the back of the Hall for ease of access and egress. 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. We may be able to supply a wheelchair for a short period of time to assist with access to the Hall and the celebration marquee, but this will depend on availability on the day and is not guaranteed.

Are there accessible entrances/toilets available? 

Accessible entrances and toilet facilities are available at both Whitworth Hall and University Place - more information can be found using the Accessibility Guides below: 

• Whitworth Building | AccessAble 
•  University Place | AccessAble

You can also find RADAR key toilets by searching the University’s interactive map 

Is there disabled parking available?

The multi-storey carparks 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 by car is from Grafton Street, turn right 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 Grafton Street. Please do not drive any further down 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 fill in the details in the special requirement section on the Student System when completing registration. Alternatively email  graduation@manchester.ac.uk with the subject line  ‘Access Requirements for July 2025 Graduation’ so we can make the necessary arrangements. 

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 fill in the details in the special requirement section on the Student System when completing registration. Alternatively email  graduation@manchester.ac.uk  with the subject line  ‘Access Requirements for July 2025 Graduation’ so we can make the necessary arrangements. 

Places of worship

The University’s interactive map will show the locations of the nearest Prayer Rooms.

Breastfeeding

Welfare rooms are available across the University campus. Please use the University’s interactive map to find their locations.