Information for graduands

The ceremonies are held in Durham Cathedral but are not religious events although Christian iconography is displayed inside the venue. The Cathedral provides a large and beautiful venue for the ceremonies with other, related, activities held in the surrounding area.
Students are required to arrive onsite at least 2 hours before the ceremony commences to allow time to be robed.
Students must report to the Great Hall in the Castle 1 hour and 15 mins prior to their ceremony. They must be robed and have passed on any guest tickets and bags to their guests.
The Graduands process across Palace Green (from the Castle to the Cathedral) approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony in the order they will be presented onstage.
Ceremonies last approximately an hour.
Ceremonies begin with the Staff Procession, followed by a welcome by the Cathedral Representative.
The Vice-Chancellor we provide a welcome address, before we begin the portion of the ceremony where the graduands names will be called to cross the stage.
Once all graduands have crossed the stage, the Presiding Officer will confer the degrees.
At this point an honorary degree may be awarded, and the Presiding Officer will then give the closing address.
The Staff Procession will leave, followed by the Graduate Procession and then the guests.