On the day

Winter ceremony

four students in graduation robes smiling

The ceremony 

Each ceremony has a set list of courses for those graduating. Each graduand will be assigned a specific ceremony, in the morning (10am) or in the afternoon (2pm). 

Ceremonies take place in a large theatre space with a stage. Along with your fellow graduands, you will be invited up on stage to receive your scroll from our university academics. The running order can be found in the printed programme you will receive on arrival. 

The ceremony lasts approximately an hour and a half and is followed by a drink reception. We recommend arriving two hours prior to the ceremony to allow time to collect your gown and take photographs. 

Remember to be on time and arrive two hours before the ceremony start time. 

If you arrive late we cannot guarantee that you will be able to go up on stage with the other graduands from your course to receive your degree. Instead, we will try and slot you into the running order so that you will still get a chance to go up on stage.

Arriving at the venue

1. Collect your tickets 

You will collect your student and guest tickets from the Box Office on Level -1. Please bring your graduation ticket confirmation email and valid photographic ID e.g. passport or driving license. More guest tickets (£25pp) will be available to buy on the day of graduation at the Barbican. 

*Please note, no cash or contactless payments (including smartphones and smartwatches) will be accepted, please make sure to bring your debit or credit card.

2. Put your gown on

Gowns are to be collected from the Choir Room on Level -1. For this, you will need to present the booking reference number to the gowning staff from Ede & Ravenscroft. We recommend bringing a safety pin to help fasten your gown to your clothing. You may also wish to bring some hair clips to ensure your hat fits well.

3. Get your photo taken

Professional photography by Ede & Ravenscroft is available in the Garden Room on Level 3. If you haven't pre-booked this you can still buy a photography package on the day.

4. Be seated for your ceremony

Graduands and their guests will be seated separately. Graduands will have an allocated seat number in the stalls. Guests are free to choose where they sit within the stalls, circle or balcony.

What to bring on the day

Make sure to bring with you the below on graduation day:

  • Booking confirmation & ID - You will need to bring your booking confirmation email as well as a valid photographic ID e.g. passport or driving license.  
  • Gown and photography booking reference number – Print or download Ede & Ravenscroft booking reference number which you will have received in a booking confirmation email.  
  • Safety pins & hair clips – We recommend bringing a safety pin to help fasten your gown to your clothing. You may also wish to bring some hair clips to ensure your hat fits well.

Courses per ceremony

Courses per ceremony

Each graduand will be assigned a specific ceremony, in the morning (10am) or in the afternoon (2pm). The order of the ceremony is below:

Class of 2024 Graduation ceremony booklet

Come back here on the day of your ceremony to download a copy of your digital graduation ceremony booklet.

Venue accessibility

If you or your guests have any access requirements, we will make sure to organise the necessary arrangements. Please inform us of any access requirements for you or your guests when you register for your graduation tickets or please contact us via email and a friendly staff member will be able to help.

Please find below accessibility information from The Barbican's website.

COVID-19 protocol at the Barbican

Whilst masks are not mandatory, The Barbican encourages the wearing of face masks within its venue. Please do not attend The Barbican if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. Hand sanitizer dispensers are available throughout the building and regular cleaning of touchpoints takes place. The air units at The Barbican dispense 100% fresh air into the venue with direct extraction from the building.