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Matriculation ceremonies are held annually to welcome new students to Durham University. Matriculation is the term used to describe students' formal entry into the University and is described in the University's Regulations as "the act of placing a student's name upon the matricula or roll of members of the University."

Students attend the Matriculation ceremony by College at Durham Cathedral. Members of College, such as College staff and the Freshers Reps, are responsible for providing information on the event to students and organising the processions to and from the ceremony. All new students are invited to attend the ceremony. Matriculation ceremonies will take place on Tuesday 30 September and Wednesday 1 October 2025.
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Students in robes sitting in Durham Cathedral Nave

Celebrating Matriculation

Step into the timeless tradition of Matriculation - a memorable rite of passage that marks the formal entry into university life. Held within the inspiring walls of Durham Cathedral during Welcome Week, this iconic ceremony is a moment never to forget.

 

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It’s more than a tradition - it’s the start of your journey at Durham. Keep up to date with our latest posts on all things Matriculation.

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A group of students stood in front of Durham Cathedral

Students waiting on Palace Green to enter Durham Cathedral.

Students walking in robes with Durham Cathedral in the background

University College students banging pots and pans to welcome new students.

Students in robes walking on a path with trees in the background

Students walking from Palace Green towards Durham Cathedral.

Students in robes sitting in Durham Cathedral Nave

Durham Cathedral's Nave.

Two students taking photos in the grounds in front of Durham Cathedral

Students taking photos outside Durham Cathedral.

A group of students walking on a tree lined street

Students heading back to their colleges, towards Prebends Bridge.

Students in robes on the grass outside Durham Cathedral

Students outside Durham Cathedral following the ceremony.

Students walking in the cloisters

Students walking through Durham Cathedral's Cloisters.

A student and a badger mascot with Aidans written on a neon yellow banner

St Aidan's College students and mascot at Prebends Bridge.

Student signing the Matriculation Book on stage

College student representative signing the Matriculation Book.

Students walking up a cobbled street in gowns

Students walking up Owengate towards the Cathedral.

An owl mascot holding a banner with students with pots and pans in the background

Owl mascot from South College welcoming new students.

Students walking through Durham Cathedrals Cloisters

Students walking in Durham Cathedral's Cloisters.

Students, staff and a tiger mascot outside with trees in the background

St Cuthbert's Society welcoming new students.

Students walking towards Durham Cathedral's North Door during Matriculation

Students walking towards Durham Cathedral's North Door.

St Cuthbert's Society posing outside the Cathedral during Matriculation 2022

St Cuthbert's Society taking the College photo outside the Cathedral.

Matriculation Book

The Matriculation Book.

Durham Cathedral North Door

Durham Cathedral's North Door.

Durham Cathedral South Door

Durham Cathedral's South Door.

Matriculation Robes in Durham Cathedral's Chapter House

Matriculation Robes in Durham Cathedral's Chapter House.

The Matriculation Stage in Durham Cathedral during the Ceremony

The Ceremony Stage during Matriculation.

Professor Karen O'Brien During Matriculation 2023

Professor Karen O'Brien on stage.

Professor Karen O'Brien's Speech During Matriculation 2023

Professor Karen O'Brien on stage.

Collingwood College Student Representative signing the Matriculation Book

College student representative signing the Matriculation Book.

Durham Cathedral Cloisters Gate

Durham Cathedral Cloisters Gate.

Matriculation Marshals in the Chapter House

Ceremony marshals in the Cathedral Chapter House.

University College students celebrate with new students in Castle Courtyard

University College students celebrate with new students in Castle Courtyard.

University College students celebrating in Castle Courtyard during Matriculation 2022

University College students celebrating in Castle Courtyard.

Hatfield College students attending Matriculation 2022

Students attending Matriculation.

Grey College students on their way to Matriculation 2022

Students on their way to Matriculation.

Grey College students inside the Cathedral Cloisters during Matriculation 2022

Students inside the Cathedral Cloisters.

Durham Cathedral interior during Matriculation

Durham Cathedral interior during Matriculation.

A College representative signing the Matriculation book on behalf of all the students

A College representative signing the Matriculation book on behalf of all the students.

Durham Cathedral interior during Matriculation

Students seated in Durham Cathedral during the ceremony.

College of St Hild and St Bede students welcoming new students during Matriculation 2022

College of St Hild and St Bede students welcoming new students.

Hatfield College's mascot welcoming new students during Matriculation 2022

Hatfield College's mascot welcoming new students.

University College students welcoming new students during Matriculation 2022

University College welcoming new students.

Hatfield College students leaving the Cathedral after Matriculation 2022

Students leaving the Cathedral after the ceremony.

 

 

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