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Congregation (Graduation)

In a Congregation ceremony, degrees are formally conferred upon candidates. Congregation is a term that means gathering together. This ceremony can also be called Graduation.

Congregation is held at Durham Cathedral and is a time to celebrate everything you've achieved during your time at Durham.
Dates and timetables
Graduate in robes smiling with guest

 

 

Ceremonies

  • Summer Congregation

    Here you can find everything you need to know about Summer Congregation so you can celebrate your success alongside your loved ones.

    Graduands talking outside Durham Cathedral
  • Winter Congregation

    Explore our Winter Congregation information pages and get ready to celebrate this milestone together.

    Graduands with their hoods up in the snow

Summer Congregation

Here you can find everything you need to know about Summer Congregation so you can celebrate your success alongside your loved ones.

Graduands talking outside Durham Cathedral

Winter Congregation

Explore our Winter Congregation information pages and get ready to celebrate this milestone together.

Graduands with their hoods up in the snow
Graduands sitting in Cathedral

Live streaming

Congregation ceremonies are live-streamed for those who aren't in Durham Cathedral, so you can be a part of this exciting occasion.

Watch online

In Absentia Conferrals

For pass lists published in the months immediately after our Summer or Winter ceremonies, graduands may be eligible to have their degrees awarded in absentia at a Spring or Autumn conferral. This is in order for us to dispatch degree documents (certificates) at the earliest possible opportunity. Students do not attend this conferral but are invited to attend the next set of ceremonies (i.e. Summer or Winter depending on the time of year). Students eligible for this will receive an email to the address logged on their Banner record and will be given the opportunity to confirm their delivery address and contact details via Banner Self Service.

 

Discover more

Information for graduands

Graduating? Congratulations! Check out our information for graduands page to find out more about what happens during your ceremony.

Graduands in gowns celebrating

Information for guests

Attending Congregation? Learn more about what happens on the day.

A graduation marshal in the Cathedral

Postponement or cancellation

In the event of postponement or cancellation of Congregation ceremonies, the University will endeavour to communicate this on the website and by contacting the attending students. Under no circumstances shall the University be liable for any actual or alleged loss by the graduand or guests arising from the cancellation or postponement of the event. Read our terms and conditions to learn more.

Two graduates in robes posing outside Durham Cathedral

Welcome to new alumni

Your journey with Durham isn't over - find out how to stay connected with the Durham alumni community after Congregation and access career support, alumni events and more.

What happens next?

Ceremonies Unit

Durham University Ceremonies Unit

Academic Registrar's Office

Student and Academic Services Directorate 
Durham University
Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham DH1 3LE

Email: congregation@durham.ac.uk