Graduation FAQs
Before Graduation
When will I find out my graduation date?
We post the graduation timetables on our webpages as soon as possible.
When do graduations take place?
University of Glasgow graduations take place in Summer, Winter and Spring. In-person ceremonies take place in Summer (June/July) and Winter (November/December). The Graduation timetable is published on our webpages as soon as it is confirmed.
Is it possible to change to a different ceremony?
It is not possible to change the date and/or time of your ceremony except in exceptional circumstances. If you need to request to change to an alternate graduation ceremony, please enrol to graduate and then complete the Graduation Enrolment Update Form and explain your circumstances.
How much does it cost to graduate?
There is no fee to graduate.
What hood should I have for my degree?
When you arrange your robes through Ede & Ravenscroft you will select your degree and your hood will be provided. Further information on the Academic Dress Code can be found on the Academic Policy and Governance pages of the University of Glasgow website.
I didn’t qualify in time to graduate. What do I do about the gown and photography?
You should contact Ede & Ravenscroft directly to arrange a refund or deferral.
I can no longer attend the ceremony, what do I do?
Please update us as soon as possible if you can no longer attend your ceremony by completing the Graduation Enrolment Update Form or by emailing graduation@glasgow.ac.uk. If you fail to attend your graduation ceremony without prior notification, your graduation will be treated as in-absentia and your documents will be posted to you.
I need a visa letter so my family/friends can come to graduation?
Certifying Letters for Visa Applications can be accessed here. Please note the University cannot guarantee entry into the UK and you should follow UK travel guidance.
Enrolment
Is it compulsory to enrol for graduation?
Yes, to receive your certificate and officially graduate you must enrol to graduate even if you do not want to attend a ceremony.
How and when do I enrol to graduate?
Please visit our webpages for information on How to Enrol for Graduation.
I'm no longer a registered student. How do I enrol?
Contact the Graduations Team as early as possible during the Enrolment period and we will arrange for you to enrol via email. Please include your student number in your correspondence.
What does inabsentia mean?
Inabsentia means you will graduate without attending an in-person ceremony and we will either post your documents to you or you can choose to collect them from the University on specific days after the graduation ceremonies. You must still enrol for graduation even if you wish to graduate inabsentia. If you graduate in-absentia, it is not possible to attend a future graduation ceremony for the same degree.
Should I wait to receive my exam results before I enrol?
No. You are NOT automatically enrolled for graduation when you pass your exams and qualify for your degree. If you wish to graduate, you should enrol for graduation during the Enrolment period, even if your results are not yet published.
I missed the enrolment deadline; can I still enrol?
To graduate, it is necessary to enrol during the specified period. If you have missed the enrolment deadline, you will need to wait until the next graduation period.
Can I graduate if I have outstanding debts to the University?
If you have any outstanding academic-related debts, you will not be allowed to enrol for graduation. If you are in doubt about your debts to the University, please make early enquiries with Student Finance.
What if I enrol to graduate but then don’t qualify in time?
To qualify to graduate you must be qualified by your School by the qualification deadline. The date of this varies depending on the graduation diet.
If you are not going to be qualified by this date, you should complete the Graduation Enrolment Update Form to let us know you are cancelling your graduation. You will then need to enrol again for a future graduation.
CEREMONIES
The following information is relevant to students graduating at the University of Glasgow main campus. If you are graduating at Dumfries Campus or at an overseas campus, please check with your local administrator for information about your graduation ceremony.
Where does the graduation ceremony take place?
University of Glasgow graduations take place at the Bute Hall in the Gilbert Scott Building, University of Glasgow G12 8QQ.
How long does the ceremony last?
Ceremonies last approximately 1 and a half hours.
Can I get professional photos taken?
Yes, Ede & Ravenscroft provide official portrait photography on ceremony days.
I am running late for the ceremony, what do I do?
If you are running late for your ceremony, please email the graduation team to let us know. If you arrive late for your graduation, make your way to Hunter Hall where staff will assist you. Please note: If you do not arrive in time, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to attend your graduation ceremony.
Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes, you can watch the livestream of the ceremony on the University of Glasgow webpages.
Will you read out my name at the ceremony if I am graduating inabsentia?
No, there is a Charge to the inabsentia graduates at the end of the ceremony, but your name will not be read out.
Is there parking available on campus?
There is no parking available on campus and parking in the vicinity of the University will be difficult, especially on weekdays. We recommend using public transport where possible to get to the University. See Useful Transport Information.
Further information on Blue Badge Parking can be found on our webpages.
Do I have to wear a gown and hood at the ceremony?
Yes, students are required to wear academic dress when graduating.
Where do I get my graduation gown?
You should hire your gown direct from – Ede and Ravenscroft.
You will collect your gown on the day of your ceremony when you register for graduation and should return it after the ceremony.
You should hire your gown as soon as possible after you have enrolled as the portal closes 21 days before the ceremony.
What should I wear?
The dress code for graduates is formal attire and you will also need to wear a gown and hood when graduating. There is no dress code for guests.
Do I need wear a hat with my graduation gown?
No, you do not need to wear a hat with your graduation gown.
How many guests can I bring?
As a graduand attending the ceremony, you are automatically assigned two guest tickets for the Bute Hall. Guests who don’t have tickets for the ceremony can watch it streamed live on a large screen located in one of the halls near the Bute Hall. Students collect guest tickets and can request livestream tickets when you register on the day of the ceremony. Further information about tickets can be found here.
I and/or my guests need additional support or assistance for the ceremony – what should I do?
If you or your guests need support to attend the ceremony, please complete the Ceremony Access Form so we can discuss how best to support you. You can also speak to staff on the day of the ceremony if you require assistance.
My friend is not using all their guest tickets – can I have them?
If you wish to arrange to share tickets with a friend, you can do this, but your friend must still collect the tickets on the day of the ceremony and then they can give them to you.
Can I bring a child/children?
Yes, children can attend but they must still have a ticket and must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I take photographs in the ceremony?
You are permitted to take photographs in the Bute Hall during the ceremony but are asked to remain seated, so you do not impair the view of other guests.
GRADUATION DOCUMENTS
When will I receive my parchment?
If you choose to attend a ceremony, you will collect your parchment on the day of your ceremony. If you select inabsentia, we will send your documents to you approximately 10 days from the graduation date.
My parchment was lost or damaged. Can I get a replacement?
You can purchase a replacement parchment via the University Shop.
I need proof of my award before graduation, can you provide anything?
The Student Services Enquiry Team can provide you with a Certifying Letter as proof of your award.
You can also download a digital copy of your HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Award).
Can I get digital copy of my degree certificate?
The University does not provide electronic copies of degrees, you will be given the physical copy of your degree on the day or your ceremony or we will post you the physical copy of your parchment approximately 10 working days after your scheduled ceremony.
If you need digital proof of your award, you can get a Certifying Letter from Student Services Enquiry Team. You can also download a digital copy of your HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Award).