Frequently Asked Questions
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?
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 submitting your enquiry on the UofG Helpdesk below.
Registered Student / Staff Member
Former Student / Third Parties
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.
Please note that as of June 2024, students graduating with Postgraduate Diplomas or Postgraduate Certificates will be included in our graduations. This means that all students graduating with these awards should enrol to graduate during our graduation enrolment periods.
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?
What does in absentia mean?
Graduating in absentia means you will not attend an in-person ceremony. Your graduation documents will be posted to the address you select when you enrol for graduation.
You must still enrol for graduation, even if you choose to graduate in absentia. Please note that if you graduate in absentia, you cannot attend a future 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?
What if I enrol to graduate but then don’t qualify in time?
To be eligible to graduate you must be qualified by your School by the qualification deadline. This date varies depending on the graduation diet.
If you know you are not going to be qualified by this date, please contact us via the University Help Desk using the links below:
Registered Student / Staff Member
Former Student / Third Parties
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 main campus graduations take place at the Bute Hall in the Gilbert Scott Building, University of Glasgow G12 8QQ.
How long does the ceremony last?
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 know you are likely to be late, please contact the Graduation and Ceremonial Events Team as soon as possible via the University Helpdesk:
You can also call us on +44 (0)141 330 3540.
If you arrive late, go directly 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 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?
Parking on campus and in the surrounding area can be very limited, especially on graduation days. We strongly recommend using public transport where possible. See Useful Transport Information for guidance.
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?
For those attending your graduation ceremony, you will be automatically allocated two guest tickets for the ceremony in Bute Hall.
Additionally, we offer an option to watch the ceremony live in a nearby venue adjacent to Bute Hall, where our ceremonies traditionally take place. Tickets to the overflow are limited to two per graduand (in addition to your two for Bute Hall) for this venue and will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. Graduands can request overflow tickets during your Registration in Hunter Halls on the day of your ceremony.
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 submit an enquiry via the helpdesk below so we can discuss how best to support you:
Registered Student / Staff Member
Former Student / Third Parties
You can also speak to staff on the day of the ceremony if you require assistance.
Further information about accessibility on graduation days can be found on our webpages
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 be registered to attend the ceremony, they must then collect the tickets on the day and then they can give them to you.
Can I bring a child/children?
Yes, children are welcome to attend but they must still have a ticket and must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring large bags in to the Bute Hall/is bag storage available?
On graduation days, large bags or backpacks are not permitted in Bute Hall or any of the halls where the ceremony is live-streamed. Bags may be left with Security in the 'bag drop' area located near to Bute Hall.
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
How do I receive my Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate parchment?
As of June 2024, students graduating with Postgraduate Diplomas or Postgraduate Certificates will be included in our graduations. This means that all students graduating with these awards should enrol to graduate during our graduation enrolment periods. Whether you wish to attend a ceremony or graduate inabsentia and have your parchment sent to you, you must enrol for graduation.
Enrolment information including our next enrolment and graduation dates and how to enrol can be found here.
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 within one month of 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).