On the day
Find out what to expect from your Graduation day including what time to arrive, where to go and what to wear.
On this page you'll find...
How to get here
Graduation ceremonies are taking place on our City Campus at University Hall.
Ticket collection, gown collection and drop-off, photography, merchandise, live-streaming and post-ceremony refreshments will all be in the Newton and Arkwright buildings.
Please visit our travel information page for details about parking and other ways to travel to our City Campus.
When you arrive
Graduands are advised to be on City Campus one and a half hours before the ceremony start time. This will allow sufficient time for you to collect your tickets, gown and for photographs to be taken. Please remember there will be a lot of students doing the same as you, so do not leave it to the last minute so we can avoid queues forming. You will also be able to book photography slots after your ceremony.
Please ensure you are at University Hall before doors close, 15 minutes before the start of your ceremony. Unfortunately, late attendees cannot be admitted. We will try to accommodate you in a later ceremony on the same day where possible, but this is not guaranteed.
| Ceremony start time | Ticket collection (Newton Gallery) Gown collection (Arkwright 006) | Photography opening times | University Hall doors open | University Hall doors close |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.00 am | 8.30 am - 9.40 am | 8.30 am | 9.20 am | 9.45 am |
| 11.45 am | 10.15 am - 11.25 am | 10.15 am | 11.05 am | 11.30 am |
| 2.00 pm | 12.30 pm - 1.40 pm | 12.30 pm | 1.20 pm | 1.45 pm |
| 3.45 pm | 2.15 pm - 3.25 pm | 2.15 pm | 3.05 pm | 3.30 pm |
| 5.30 pm | 4 pm - 5.10 pm | 4 pm | 4.50 pm | 5.15 pm |
Graduation programmes
You'll be able to collect a printed copy of your Graduation programme from the ticket desk in the Newton building. The programmes will also be available online if you preferred a digital copy instead. Visit this page to see our online programmes.
Please note: Each graduate will receive one complimentary printed Graduation programme. Additional printed programmes will cost £5 each. You can pre-order them via the Online Store and collect them on the day.
Seating
All graduands will be allocated a seat according to their surname and the award they are receiving. You must sit in the seat that has been allocated to you. Graduands are called to the stage in a particular order and the seating plan has been designed around this. Failure to sit in your allocated seat may result in your name not being called out during the ceremony.
Guests should enter the Ceremonial Hall where they will be directed to their seats by stewards. Guests are asked to be seated at least 20 minutes before the ceremony starts. Doors close 15 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.
During the ceremony
Our Graduation ceremonies are held at University Hall on our City Campus; this venue is small and intimate so we can offer the most personal student experience that we can. We ask all attendees – colleagues, fellow graduates and guests – to be respectful of those around them in order to ensure ceremonies are not disrupted. Please note this means that confetti cannons, air horns, posters / banners are not permitted inside University Hall.
The following is an itinerary of the ceremony proceedings, NTU colleagues will be there at all times to guide you.
- Stand when the procession music starts and the academic procession enters the hall and take their seats
- There will be a welcome speech made by a member of the University Executive Team
- Then it will be your time to shine. Please encourage your friends and family to cheer and do not forget to cheer for your fellow students as they graduate
- A member of NTU will signal when it is your time to leave your seat, check your name and guide you along the route that you will need to take, keeping you in the correct order. NTU robers will be on hand to adjust your hat and hood
- At the point that your name is read out, please cross the platform and pause for a photograph with the Vice-Chancellor (or his representative)
- You exit the platform and will be directed back to your seat
- At some ceremonies, an award will be made to an Honorary Graduate of the University or a member of staff may receive a Vice-Chancellors Award
- A graduate proposes a short vote of thanks
- At the closure of the ceremony, graduates will exit University Hall following the academic procession. Guests will follow
- Retire to the Newton Building for your post-Graduation refreshments served for approximately an hour
The ceremony takes approximately 45 minutes. Graduation caps should be worn on stage, and at the beginning and end of the ceremony. Guests can take photographs, but are asked to stay seated throughout the proceedings.
After the ceremony
Before you leave, we'd love to see you back at the Newton building to celebrate your success. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and make the most of all the photo opportunities – in front of our NTU backdrops and throwing your hat into the air with your friends.
And don’t forget to collect your certificate from the certificate desk, next to Cafe Newton Level 1. You will need your ticket in order to collect this. You will also need to return your gown to the drop off point next to Cafe Newton Level 1 before the end of your Graduation day (by 8 pm). These will be clearly signposted for you.
Dress code
Your Graduation is a ceremonial event and formal dress is customary. All students must wear a gown, hood and hat with smart clothing underneath. We recommend that you bring hairgrips to secure your hat.
The booking process to hire or purchase your Graduation gown is now open on the Graduation Attire website. Gowning must be booked before Friday 17 May.
If you do not pre-order your gown before your Graduation ceremony, our gowning company might be able to source a gown for you on the day, but this is not guaranteed. Please arrive 90 minutes before your ceremony to ensure adequate time for them to make arrangements for you.
Be sure to hire the correct gown according to your qualification, visit this page to find out more.
Gown collection and return
You will collect your gown on the day of your ceremony from the Arkwright building in room 006 and return it to the drop off point next to Cafe Newton Level 1 before the end of your Graduation day (by 8 pm). These will be clearly signposted for you.
Jeans, t-shirts, trainers and other casual attire are not considered appropriate for attendance at the ceremony and are not allowed.
Students are advised not to bring bags and to keep personal belongings to a minimum. Any belongings should be left with guests where possible.