Everything you need to know to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time.
Make sure you have your email confirmation either printed or on your device – you’ll need this to register when you arrive on campus and collect your guest tickets.
Bring the order number you were given for your academic dress hire and to collect your hired items too.
You can pre-order graduation themed gift items and have them either delivered to your home, or select 'click-and-collect' and pick your order up at the gift shop in University Place, on the day of your graduation. Just go to the University gift shop to browse all the items available to purchase.
Please do not bring large items, such as luggage, to graduation ceremonies, as we do not have the facilities to store these for you. There are, however, luggage services offered across the city.
There are local newsagents/convenience stores that offer storage for luggage (One at Higher Cambridge Street over the road from the Hyatt and the other opposite All Saints Park on Oxford Road).
It's important that you (and any guests who are considering using these services) are aware that the University is not responsible for any loss incurred when using private sector services.
For more information go to Visit Manchester.
Once you arrive on campus, head to the registration desk at University Place to register and collect your guest tickets and seat number. If you arrive more than two hours in advance of your assigned ceremony, you will not be able to register.
Once you’ve registered, make your way to the robing rooms to collect your cap and gown and have your official photograph taken.
You should make your way over to Whitworth Hall at least 45 minutes before the start of your ceremony.
There are different entrances for graduands and guests, as well as an accessible entrance. Please remember to give your guests their tickets, as they’ll need these to enter the venue from their separate entrance. Staff will be there on the day to help you.
Please wait in the correct queue, or you will miss the final checking process and may not be able to take part in your ceremony. Make sure you keep your ticket with you, as this has your seat number on it.
You'll be called to move towards the stage by a steward in the order that names will be read and your award presented.
When the presenter reads out your name, please proceed across the stage, where you will be congratulated by the Presiding Officer. If you wish, you may choose to shake their hand. You are also encouraged to pause briefly while a photograph is taken to commemorate this special moment.
For students who prefer not to engage in a handshake, please indicate this by placing your right hand over your left shoulder. In such cases, the Presiding Officer will acknowledge you with a respectful doff of their cap instead of extending a hand.
You will 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.
Following the ceremony, prepare to join the procession and leave the hall.
The ceremonies usually last between 45 minutes to an hour.
Make your way out of the hall into the Old Quad, where you can meet your guests, take photos, and congratulate friends, before continuing with the rest of your celebrations in the School celebrations marquee.
Please remember to return your cap and gown after your ceremony.
Find out more about how the day will go, from registration to taking the stage, with our walkthrough video.
Live screening on campus:
Any additional guests you bring without a ticket can watch a live screening of the ceremony at Lecture Theatre A in University Place.
Watch online:
All our graduation ceremonies are streamed live online - perfect if you, your friends or family can't make it to Manchester.
Streaming starts at the beginning of the first ceremony. The player will automatically adjust the video quality to suit your connection speed. You can adjust the quality using the "HD" button in the player's toolbar while the video is playing.
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The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
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