Parchments (Degree, Diploma, Certificate)

On successful completion of their programme of study most students will be eligible to recieve a certificate to verify their award. The certificate contains your name, the type of award (certificate, diploma, degree), the subject of study and the classification of the award (if appropriate). The certificate is often referred to as a “parchment” and will have the University seal affixed.

Your Name

Your degree/diploma certificate will be printed with your name shown in the following format:. 'first name(s)/given names(s) then family name' unless you ask us to put your family name/surname first. Only the names you registered under and which appear on our records will be used. It is your responsibility to ensure that your name is correctly recorded on your graduation enrolment and in your student record, any changes needed should be made through Student Services Enquiry Team (SSET).

The name that appears on your certificate should be the same as that on an officially recognised form of identification document such as your birth, adoption or marriage certificate, your passport, driving licence, national identity card or other legal document. Using a different version of your name may cause you difficulty in the future in proving that the certificate is yours.

Once your certificate has been issued it is not normally possible to amend your name.  The only retrospective changes that can be made are where an administrative error has occurred or where we are required to make a retrospective change under the provisions of the Gender Recognition Act 2004.       If you have changed your name following completion of your course of study, (for example, through marriage, or by Deed Poll), and wish to demonstrate to a prospective employer or education institution that your degree certificate belongs to you, supporting documentation showing the name change should accompany the certificate.