Frequently asked questions

To help you in the run-up to your graduation ceremony, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions to help you prepare and make the most of your day.

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Photo of programme taken by graduand

Registration

When will my ceremony be held?

Dates of upcoming ceremonies

How do I register to attend graduation?

Information on eligibility, how to register and relevant deadlines can be found here:

Undergraduate candidates

I registered to attend graduation but now I can't come. How can I cancel my place?

You can cancel your registration by completing the cancellation . Please note that we will not be able to re-register you to attend after you after you have cancelled your registration.

Tickets and guest seating

I'm graduating in July, how do I find out my seat numbers?

Undergraduate candidates

Your e-ticket (containing seat numbers for you and your guests), along with your statement of final results, will be available via myResults from 2pm on 11 July.

On your statement of final results, you will see a link to 'Graduation Information'. Your e-ticket will show the seat numbers allocated to you and your guests and this will be required on the day. You need to download this information and have it available electronically or printed out, in order to gain entry to the ceremony. Please ensure you also provide your guests with a copy so they can find their allocated seats.

Postgraduate Research candidates

Your etickets (containing assigned seat numbers for you and your guests) will be emailed to you on Friday 11 July.

I'm graduating in January, how do I find out my seat numbers?

More information will be available in Autumn 2025.

How many guest tickets can I have for my ceremony?

Each candidate attending a ceremony is guaranteed two guest tickets.

Can I get extra guest tickets for my ceremony?

It is only possible to guarantee a maximum of two guest seats to each candidate attending. A small number of extra guest seats may become available, however, this cannot be guaranteed. If additional seats are available for your ceremony, you will be notified via email during the advertised week.

Where can guests without tickets view my ceremony?

Graduation live stream

During graduation, you can watch the ceremonies live. Links will be provided on the on the day.

Each graduation ceremony is relayed live to the Students' Union Auditorium, to enable family and friends without allocated seats to see the ceremony. 

This facility may be particularly useful for guests with young children who may not be able to remain seated throughout the ceremony. Seats in the Auditorium are not allocated or ticketed and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Tickets are not required.  However, it should be noted that whilst the Auditorium seats 400 people and does not normally reach capacity, the Events Team cannot be held responsible should seats be unavailable at busy times.

The Auditorium has tiered seating and 10 spaces for wheelchair users.

Can children attend the ceremony

Children over the age of three will require a ticket for the ceremony.

Due to the length and formal nature, we do not recommend bringing young children to the ceremony.  Guests with young children may wish to watch the ceremony live in the Auditorium in the Students’ Union, where the atmosphere is informal and tickets are not required.

Children are not permitted on the platform at any time.

Please note that  there are no members of staff available to look after children at any point during the proceedings.

Accessibility

Special seating and access requirements

Accessibility requirements should be provided when registering. If you have any queries regarding anything to do with accessibility please and we will be happy to discuss your requirements

Further information can be found here.

Gown hire and photography

Do I have to wear a gown?

If you wish to attend a ceremony you must wear academic dress in accordance with СŷÊÓƵ regulations.

How do I order my gown?

By confirming your attendance at graduation, you acknowledge your agreement to wear official СŷÊÓƵ of Sheffield academic robes, either provided by our official supplier, , or an alternative supplier that complies with СŷÊÓƵ regulations. See the Robe Hire pages for full information.

What colour will my gown be?

You can find details on the colours and designs of robes and hoods here

Where do I collect my gown?

See the gown hire web pages for details of the collection point and robing timetable:

Undergraduate ceremonies (July)

Postgraduate ceremonies (January)

Dress code

Graduands

You should wear something you feel comfortable in, and also bearing in mind the weather at the time of year as you may be spending some time outside. Most people choose  smart clothing that reflects that this is a special and formal occasion. Military uniforms and traditional national dress are also welcomed.

Guests

There is no dress code for guests attending graduation ceremonies, but as a guideline, smart clothing that reflects that this is a special and formal occasion.

How do I order photography?

The official graduation photographers are and you will find them in the Students' Union. You can pre-book photography packages when you order your robes through Ede & Ravenscroft or you can order on the day.

Planning your day

How long does the ceremony last?

Each ceremony usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. The length of the ceremony depends on the number of participants and whether there is an honorary graduate.

What time do I need to arrive?

You should plan to arrive at the СŷÊÓƵ at least 90 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony.

Graduands are required to be in their seats 40 minutes before the ceremony start time for registration.

Guests must be seated in their allocated seats in the hall 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

Doors to the hall will be closed 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Graduands and guests not seated by this time may not be admitted.

Time of CeremonySuggested time to arrive on campusRobing Collection timeGraduand to be in their allocated seatLatest time for guests to take their seats (doors close)
9.30am8.00am7.30-8.45am8.50amby 9.20am
12noon10.30am9.30-11.15am11.20amby 11.50am
3.30pm2.00pm12.15-2.45pm2.50pmby 3.20pm
6.00pm4.30pm3.30-5.15pm5.20pmby 5.50pm
Departmental celebrations

Individual departments may arrange their own celebrations, which may take place either before or after your ceremony.  Please check the details with your academic department before the day so that you know where you will need to be.  

Getting here

Where does the ceremony take place?

All ceremonies take place in the , Clarkson Street, Sheffield, S10 2TQ

Where can I park on the day of the ceremony?

We advise that your guests do not bring a car to the Octagon Centre due to limited parking.

Parking is available at the  on Durham Road, located next to the Octagon Centre. There is also a  on Rockingham Street, a short walk from the Octagon Centre.

We recommend that guests travelling by car make use of the Supertram Park and Ride. This is the most convenient way to get to the СŷÊÓƵ if you plan to arrive in Sheffield by car. 

You may wish to visit the web pages which has lots of useful information, including maps and travel advice.

Is there provision for disabled parking?

Disabled parking spaces for blue badge holders are available in QPark, Durham Road.  Blue badge holders can also park on double yellow lines for a maximum of 3 hours providing there are no loading restrictions and the vehicle is not causing an obstruction. Please ensure the blue badge and parking clock are displayed. See  for more details.

Certificates

Will I receive my certificate at my ceremony?

If you attend your ceremony you will receive your certificate on the day.

I registered to attend my ceremony but I didn't attend on the day and didn't advise you I wasn't coming. How can I receive my certificate? 

As you did not advise us that you would not be attending your ceremony, your certificate will be held by SSiD until claimed. To request the release of your certificate, you should complete the form here

I've lost my certificate.

If you have lost your certificate you can purchase a replacement. Details of how to order a replacement certificate can be found here.

How do I access my Digital certificate?

Further information on how to access your digital certificate through the Gradintelligence system can be found here.

How do I access my Transcript?

Transcripts are issued by Student Services Information Desk

See the SSiD page for further information on certificates and verification

 

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