Graduation day timings

Check the date and time of your graduation ceremony. Refer to the graduation day timetable for specific timings around your ceremony.

We recommend that you allow at least two hours before the start of your ceremony to:

• Collect your academic gown from our official supplier Graduation Attire at The Guildhall and have your photographs taken
• Check-in at the registration desk at the back of Bath Abbey where the ceremonies take place. This opens an hour before the ceremony starts. Please note that guests will need a copy of their ticket as they will enter using the front door of the Abbey
• Be in your seat in the Abbey 30 minutes before the start of your ceremony. Doors will close 15 minutes before the ceremony starts. If you are later than this, we will not guarantee you entry and your name will not be read out during the ceremony
• Listen to the briefing by the Head Usher 15 minutes before your ceremony begins

After your ceremony you are invited to attend a celebratory drinks reception at Bath Pavilion.

Gowning and photography

Gowns and studio photography are both provided by our supplier Graduation Attire. On the day, they are located in The Guildhall.

Collecting Your Gown

• Pick up your gown from The Guildhall
• Collect from 8am. If you're in an afternoon ceremony, please collect your gown after 12:30pm to help reduce queues. Priority is given to those in the next ceremony.
• If you provided a UK mobile number, you’ll receive a text with your collection code the night before. If not, show your gown booking confirmation email.
• Return your gown to The Guildhall by 7pm (4.30pm on Thursday 22 Jan). Staff will scan the chip in your gown to confirm return.
• Want to keep your gown? You can purchase it directly from the Graduation Attire team.

When wearing academic dress, graduating students should wear smart, formal clothing. Traditional national dress or services uniform is also welcome. There is no official dress code for guests, but due to the formal nature of the occasion we suggest they also dress smartly.

Official Photography

• Studio photography is available at The Guildhall from 8am–6.30pm (4pm on Thurs 22 Jan)
• You can pre-order photography with Graduation Attire or order on the day.
• A photo of you crossing the stage will be taken during the ceremony. You can view and purchase it at the Guildhall after your ceremony and a link to your photos will be sent within 9–10 days. Choose your prints within 2 weeks of receiving the link, or let Graduation Attire select the best one to edit.
• General photos will be published on the Graduation Ceremonies web pages after the events.

Official photographers will wear University or Graduation Attire lanyards. Other photographers outside the Abbey are not affiliated with the University.

The ceremony venue - Bath Abbey

The above image shows the internal layout of the Abbey during the ceremonies. Graduates and guests enter the Abbey using different entrances.

Tickets

• Please bring your tickets with you on the day. If using a mobile device please screenshot the tickets before you arrive.
• Please ensure your guests have a copy of the tickets as they enter the Abbey through a different entrance.
• You will be sent your seat number in advance of the ceremony by email. It is important you sit in the correct seat. The ushers will guide you from your seat at the correct time. You will wait at the side of the stage and your name will be checked by the Deputy Marshal.
  

Getting to the venue

• For current travel advice, please refer to our travel guide web page. Please ensure you allow enough time to get to Bath Abbey - the centre of Bath is likely to be very busy, and traffic will be heavier than usual.
• If you prefer to park on campus and walk or get the bus into the city, parking will be free in all car parks on ceremony days.
• Please note that large bags or luggage cannot be taken into the venue. If you are staying in Bath but are unable to leave your luggage at your accommodation while you attend your graduation ceremony, you can store it at the Bath Luggage Storage Centre opposite the train station.
  

Live streaming

• 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. A recording of each ceremony will be available on the web pages 48 hours after the ceremony.

The ceremony - undergraduates and all taught masters

If you're receiving an undergraduate degree or taught masters, when your name is called, cross the stage and shake hands with the presiding officer who will be standing in the middle. After you shake hands, turn to face the photographer for a photograph to be taken, before continuing on and leaving the stage on the other side. If you prefer not to shake hands, doff your cap as you approach the presiding officer and they will know not to shake your hand. Stand next to them and then look towards our photographer.

The ceremony - PhD or other Doctorate, or a Masters of Philosophy

When you cross the stage have your hood over your left arm so that you can hand it to the Bedel. When your name is called, go to the centre of the stage where the presiding officer will confer your degree on you using a mortar board and your hood will be placed on from behind by the Bedel. Look towards our photographer. Please note that there is Velcro on the front of your gown to hold your hood in place. You may need to quickly adjust the hood when it’s placed on ready for your photograph. Follow the ushers’ directions back to your seat.

The celebratory drinks reception

After your ceremony, join us for an informal celebration at Bath Pavilion with your classmates, department staff, and guests. You will need to have booked tickets for your celebratory reception using the same system you booked your gown through and will need to show these on arrival. Each reception lasts 1.5 hours.

• Bath Pavilion has a short-stay car park operated by Bath & North East Somerset Council. Additional parking is available across the road at Bath Cricket Club.

• Enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco and light canapés on arrival. A bar will be open for you and your guests to purchase additional drinks. Please note: canapés are light refreshments, not a full meal.

• Your department may give speeches or present awards midway through the event. They’ll contact you in advance if there’s anything you need to know.

• A roving photographer will capture moments throughout the reception. Photos will be shared afterwards and available to download for free. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform the photographer on the day.

Merchandise

• University merchandise will be available to purchase at the celebratory drinks reception at Bath Pavilion. You can also buy items by visiting our online store.

• Team Bath have University of Bath hoodies available at the STV reception or on their online store at Teambath.com