Graduation (Congregation) Timing Consultation Form

Graduation (Congregation)

Congregation is the term the University uses for its graduation ceremonies and means a gathering of members and friends of the University to witness and celebrate the conferring of degrees. 

Current timing

The Durham Board of Examiners is held twice a year, in late summer and early winter. Degrees are formally conferred during the Congregation ceremony, typically held in January at Durham Cathedral for Common Awards students. This timing ensures that students can participate in the earliest available ceremony after their awards have been confirmed by the Board.

Eligibility

Common Awards students successfully completing one of the following programmes are eligible to attend Congregation at Durham University: 

• BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission (V604) 
• Postgraduate Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission (V60414) 
• Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission (V60412) 
• MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission (V60407)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies (V60814)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy Studies (V60812)
• MA in Chaplaincy Studies (V60807)
• MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership (V60907)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Worship and Liturgical Studies (V62112)
• MA in Worship and Liturgical Studies (V62107)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Church Law (V62614)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Church Law (V62612)
• MA in Church Law (V62607).

Further information on the University Congregation Ceremony can be found at the following web page: Information for Graduating Students - Durham University

Proposed changes

As attendance at the winter graduation ceremonies continues to grow, the University’s Ceremonies Unit has asked the Common Awards Team to consult with TEIs and students about the possibility of moving the Common Awards ceremony to the summer ceremonies, usually held in early July. Qualifications would still be conferred at the January ceremony to enable students to receive their documentation at the usual time.

The main disadvantage to moving to a summer ceremony is that this will need to follow the Durham Board of Examiners, therefore often taking place one year after students have completed their programme.

Unfortunately the University is unable to offer both options.

We would be grateful if you could provide any feedback you have using the consultation form below by 3^rd June 2025. A summary of responses will be considered by the Common Awards Management Board after this time.

Access the consultation form here.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please send them to common.awards@durham.ac.uk.