Ceremony preparation checklist

Make sure that you have:

• booked ceremony tickets for you and your guests using the link in the invitation email. This will be sent to you in April 2024
• hired a gown, which you can arrange through our supplier Graduation Attire once ceremony booking opens
• booked photography through Graduation Attire if you want official photos taken on the day
• booked reception tickets for you and your guests using the link sent out to you after you've booked for the ceremony
• read the Conditions of Entry
• noted the key information you need to know by reading the below and then visiting our what to do on the day webpage

Booking tickets for your ceremony

If you’re eligible to attend a ceremony in July you will be sent an email invitation in April asking you to book for your ceremony.

If you are eligible to attend and have not received your invitation by the end of April please contact graduation@bath.ac.uk

The invitation email will direct you to an online registration form where you'll be able to confirm whether or not you'll be coming to the ceremony and let us know about any accessibility arrangements you need to make.

If you find you can no longer attend your ceremony after you have booked, please contact graduation@bath.ac.uk

Your reception invitation will be sent out by email separately once you've booked your ceremony tickets.

What you should wear

Your graduation ceremony is a formal occasion. You must wear academic dress during your graduation ceremony.

You can hire your gown in advance from our supplier Graduation Attire. Booking opens in April.

Academic dress works best when worn with smart clothing such as a dark suit, trousers or skirt, and a collared white shirt or blouse. Dark shoes should be worn. You may wish to wear traditional national costume or services uniform instead.

Inappropriate clothing such as jeans, jogging bottoms or trainers will not be permitted.

There is no dress code for guests; however, as it is a formal occasion it is customary for guests to dress smartly or in traditional national costume or service uniform.

Travelling to your graduation ceremony

The ceremonies will take place in Bath Abbey with gowning and photography in the Bath Pavilion

Information on travelling to Bath is available on our Travel advice page.

Please check the latest information on trains strikes that may affect your journey to Bath. Please note that no liability will be accepted by the University for the costs of travel, accommodation or other arrangements entered into by graduates or guests in the event of strikes.

Car parking is free of charge in all car parks on campus on the days of the graduation ceremonies.

University accommodation is available in the city and on campus. Bookings can be made here.

Guest tickets

Guest tickets are available for family and friends to come to your graduation ceremony.

Guaranteed guest ticket numbers are restricted to two per graduating student due to event capacity restrictions. Children aged two or under will not require a ticket but will have to sit on the lap of one of your guests. Children over the age of two will require a ticket.

You can apply for up to four tickets when you book using the registration form sent in the invitation email. Extra tickets will be confirmed in June.

Doors to the Abbey will open an hour before the ceremony start time. Guests should be seated at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.

Accessibility or other arrangements for graduates and guests

It is important to tell us if you or your guests have specific requirements when you register to attend your ceremony. You will be able to inform us of any requirements on the booking form.

Telling us in advance helps us to understand and plan for any additional requirements.

If you have told us about a guest with specific requirements, the ushers will have this information and will be able to help you on the day.

For more information on what to do on the day visit our what to do on the day webpage.

Ceremony live stream

The ceremonies will be live streamed on the University website for those that cannot attend in person. The link will appear on the Graduation Ceremonies webpage at the start of the first day of ceremonies.

The ceremonies will also be streamed live to Komedia in Bath for those that would like to attend on the day but don't have a ticket to the Abbey. Please note that seats in Komedia will be offered on a first come first served basis and we cannot guarantee entry. Doors will open an hour before the ceremony starts.

Attending your reception

On the day of your ceremony you will have the opportunity to celebrate more informally with your guests and fellow graduates at your department reception.

Your reception may take place before or after your ceremony. The timings can be found on the reception timings page.

Visit the reception information page for more information on what to expect at your reception.