Information for Graduands

About the ceremony

• The ceremonies are held in Durham Cathedral but are not religious events although Christian iconography is displayed inside the venue. The Cathedral provides a large and beautiful venue for the ceremonies with other, related, activities held in the surrounding area.
• Students are required to arrive onsite at least 2 hours before the ceremony commences to allow time to be robed.
• Students must report to the Great Hall in the Castle 1 hour and 15 mins prior to their ceremony. They must be robed and have passed on any guest tickets and bags to their guests.
• The Graduands process across Palace Green (from the Castle to the Cathedral) approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony in the order they will be presented onstage.
• Ceremonies last approximately an hour.
• Ceremonies begin with the Staff Procession, followed by a welcome by the Cathedral Representative.
• The Vice-Chancellor we provide a welcome address, before we begin the portion of the ceremony where the graduands names will be called to cross the stage.
• Once all graduands have crossed the stage, the Presiding Officer will confer the degrees.
• At this point an honorary degree may be awarded, and the Presiding Officer will then give the closing address.
• The Staff Procession will leave, followed by the Graduate Procession and then the guests.