Frequently asked questions
When will my ceremony take place?
Our graduation ceremonies take place in early July and early December each year.
When it is ready the graduation schedule is published on our main webpage.
- For July ceremonies the schedule will be published by mid-March.
- For December ceremonies the schedule will be published by mid September.
When will I receive my graduation invitation?
We will send out graduation invitations after the schedule has been confirmed.
- For July ceremonies invitations should be sent out by mid-March.
- For December ceremonies invitations should be sent out by mid September.
Please note we will use the contact details we have on your student record.
If you have not received a graduation invitation and believe you should have please email the graduation team on graduationceremonies@bradford.ac.uk and include your name and UB number.
How do I reply to the invitation?
To reply to your graduation ceremony invitation please use e:Vision, even if you do not wish to attend or would like to defer to a future ceremony.
If you no longer have access to e:Vision your ceremony invitation will include a link an online reply form which does not require you to sign in to use it.
How do I graduate in absentia?
Please reply using the e:Vision reply task choosing the option to graduate in absentia.
You will need to confirm the address you want your certificate posting to and how you would like it to be delivered.
If you choose the DHL option there is an additional charge and you will need to make a payment through our online store.
If you wish to view the ceremony on the day you can find the link to watch live on the graduation livestream page.
I am graduating in absentia can I still have official photographs taken?
If you do not wish to attend the ceremony you can still have photographs taken on the day.
For students graduating in Summer ceremonies who will not be able to attend the ceremony, Marston Events offers a photography day before the end of term.
More details will be sent to you around the time you are sent your graduation invitation.
How do I defer my ceremony?
Please reply using the e:Vision reply task choosing the option to defer your ceremony.
Please note you are only permitted to defer your graduation ceremony once.
If you choose to defer, your award will not be conferred until the next set of graduation ceremonies has taken place and you will not receive your certificate and/or transcript.
Graduation ceremonies at the University of Bradford take place in July and December each year.
Is there a deadline to reply to the invitation?
There is a deadline to reply to your invitation by, this is to ensure we have enough time to plan the ceremonies properly.
The reply deadline for July 2026 ceremonies is Sunday 21 June.
Please note if you do not reply by the deadline you will graduate in absentia and you will not be given another opportunity to attend a ceremony.
If you graduate in absentia due to not responding your certificate will remain with the University until you request it.
What if I have an outstanding debt?
If you have an outstanding debt, you must clear, in full, your outstanding fee balance.
- For July ceremonies the deadline to clear your debt is 1 June.
- For December ceremonies the deadline to clear your debt is 1 November.
If you have an outstanding balance of less than £499 by this date, you will be permitted to graduate, but will not receive your certificate and/or transcript.
If you need time to pay you can choose to defer your graduation ceremony once. If you are not able to attend the next set of ceremonies, you will graduate in absentia.
Please note you are only permitted to defer your graduation ceremony once.
Transcripts and certificates are only released when the full balance has been received.
Further details about how to pay can be found on our website.
How do I hire my gown and book my photography package?
To attend the ceremony you will need to wear the University of Bradford academic dress appropriate to your award.
You will be provided with a link to hire your gown and book your photography online with our partner - Marston Events.
You will collect your gown on the day of your graduation ceremony after you have registered and collected your tickets
Gowns will be available to collect from 8.00am on the morning of your Graduation Day from the Small Hall in the Richmond Building.
What should I wear under my graduation gown?
The graduation ceremonies are an official occasion and although there is no formal dress code, smart dress is required.
For ease of fitting your gown it is recommended that you wear a shirt/blouse with buttons.
How do I book guest tickets?
When you complete your graduation reply task you can book up to two guest tickets, these tickets are free of charge.
You do not need to request a ticket for yourself.
Please note graduands will be seated in a separate part of the Great Hall from the guest seating area.
If you or your guests have any seating adjustments please inform us in your invitation reply.
Can I buy additional guest tickets?
If additional guest tickets are available for your ceremony you will be sent an email with details a few weeks before the ceremony.
Tickets will be made available on our online store and a link for your ceremony will be sent to you.
Additional tickets cost £10 each and there may be a limit to the number you can purchase.
Any remaining tickets will be available to purchase from our Payzone on the day of your ceremony. You will receive a text notification on the day if this is the case.
How do I arrange to have guests travel from overseas?
If you wish for family members from overseas to join you for your graduation, they must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa unless they have immigration permission to come to the UK.
The invitation email you received for your graduation ceremony may be used to support the purpose of the visit.
If you are travelling during the discretionary period of your student visa, please refer to our Visa Support information for guidance.
Where can my guests stay?
There are lots of hotels and accommodation in and around Bradford.
Find more details on the Visit Bradford website.
What happens on the day of my ceremony?
Please see your graduation day checklist for all the details.
Can I park on campus?
The graduation ceremonies are held on the University's main City Campus.
There will be limited parking available on City Campus on graduation ceremony days and this is provided on a first come, first served basis. The post codes for the campus car parks are:
- Shearbridge – BD7 1PP
- Longside car parks – BD7 1SA
Find out more about visiting our campus.
Alternatively, please see information about local car parks in Bradford.
Where do I register for my ceremony?
The Registration desk will be located in the Social Learning Space of the Richmond Building and will be open 08:00-16:00 on the day of your ceremony.
You will need to bring your UB number in order to register for your ceremony, this will appear on your graduation invitation email or your student card.
Please note you have to register in person, you cannot ask someone else to register on your behalf.
At registration we will issue you with your seat number along with any guest tickets you have been allocated or that you purchased online.
Guest tickets are not numbered - guests will be guided to available seating by stewards in the Great Hall.
You must register for your graduation ceremony and arrive to Great Hall 30 minutes before your ceremony is due to start. Please ensure that you register on time as we cannot guarantee you entry into the ceremony if you are late.
Where do I collect my guest tickets?
Your guest tickets can be collected when you register.
If you have purchased additional tickets you will also collect these at registration.
If any additional tickets are available to purchase on the day you will be contacted with further details.
If additional tickets are available they can be purchased from the Payzone for a cost of £10 per ticket.
What can I do if me or my guests have additional requirements?
If you and/or your guests require particular seating arrangements for any reason, you must ensure that full details are provided when completing your graduation reply task. These details are important to ensure that the appropriate arrangements are made.
Access to guest seating area
The Great Hall has steps to reach the guest seating areas. If you notify us that your guests have accessibility requirements, they will be issued with special tickets to allow them to enter the Great Hall using the graduands entrance through the side doors facing the Atrium.
Access to the stage
Access to the stage for graduands is by a flight of steps. If you are unable to climb the steps, arrangements can be made for access using the lift and seating arranged on the platform.
Parking
On the day of your ceremony the University of Bradford has car parking facilities available on a first-come, first served basis.
If you or your guests are a blue badge holder you will have access to parking bays located in the visitors' car park near to the entrance of Richmond Building on City Campus. You will need to enter the campus using the barrier on Tumbling Hill Street to be able to access the visitor car park.
On campus assistance
Assistance is available on campus as necessary to access gowning, photography and catering facilities. The majority of the University campus is wheelchair accessible, despite the difficulties of having changes in level.
The Great Hall can be accessed by taking the lift to the first floor (D floor) and entering the hall through the side doors facing onto the Atrium. Stewards will be on hand to assist students and guests to their seats.
If you need to contact us directly regarding any requirements please email graduationceremonies@bradford.ac.uk.
How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony will last approximately one and a half hours.
- The ceremony will begin with a formal procession of the Chancellor and/or Vice-Chancellor, academic staff, and distinguished guests.
- There will be short speeches from the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor. This will be followed by an oration for the Honorary Graduate, and then a speech from the Honorary Award recipient.
- You will then be guided to the stage. Your name will be announced, and you will walk across the stage to be greeted and congratulated by the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor.
- After crossing the stage, you will be directed back to your seat.
- Once all degrees have been conferred and diplomas presented, there will be a speech from a student Sabbatical Officer.
- Graduands and guests are asked to remain seated in the auditorium until the ceremony has concluded and the academic procession has left the Great Hall.
Can I bring children to the ceremony?
Children are welcome at the ceremonies and in the live screening area; however the ceremonies may prove to be too long for younger children who may become restless.
Children over two years old must have their own seat in the Great Hall and therefore must be included in your guest numbers.
Children up to the age of two must sit on an adult's lap and do not require a separate ticket. This is due to health and safety regulations that require all participants and guests at the ceremonies to be seated.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on campus and within the Great Hall during the Graduation Ceremony.
Please note the guest seating area is in a separate part of the hall from the graduands’ seating area. If you wish to bring children under the age of 16 they must be accompanied by another adult and cannot be seated with you.
For the comfort of other guests, parents or carers may be asked to take any child who becomes agitated or distressed out of the Great Hall.
I have ordered a photography package, where do I go?
The official graduation photographers will be available to take individual or family photos throughout the day in the Sports Hall at Unique Fitness.
We suggest having your photographs taken following your ceremony to prevent any delays getting to your seat. If you arrive early you may want to visit the photography studio before you graduate.
Where can I buy graduation merchandise?
Graduation merchandise will be available to buy on graduation day at the Campus Clothing pop-up shop.
You can also browse the full range of graduation merchandise through our Official Online Graduation Shop. Here you can place orders and personalise graduation merchandise to make it completely unique to you.
Orders can be placed year-round and delivered worldwide, so don’t worry if you can’t make it to your graduation ceremony.
Can I watch the ceremony online?
The ceremony will be screened live online, more details and a link can be found here.
Is a prayer room available?
You are welcome to use the Prayer Room on campus on Graduation day, it is located in the Carlton Building.
Is a calm room available?
A calm room is available for anyone who may need a quiet space during the ceremony. You can find it in Room C50, Richmond Building. It’s a comfortable, low-stimulation environment where you can take a break and relax if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
I did not attend graduation, how do I receive my certificate?
If you do not respond to your ceremony invitation you automatically graduate in absentia and your certificate remains with the University until you request it.
To request your certificate please email awards@bradford.ac.uk with your UB number and postal address and provide us with proof of your identity (e.g. passport, birth certificate).
Please note we are unable to release transcripts and certificates if you have an outstanding debt with the University.
Further details about how to pay can be found on our website.
How do I access my graduation video clip after my ceremony?
A video clip will be taken when you walk across the stage, you will receive further information about this after your ceremony.
Three steps to claim your free graduation clip;
- Register on the Bradford Connect Alumni Portal
- Look out for an email invite from our partners MyGraduationClip after your ceremony
- Download and start sharing your clip with family and friends!
I need to order a replacement certificate/transcript, how do I do that?
More information about our documentation can be found on our website.
Fine more information about our certificates using this link.
Find more information about our transcripts using this link.
How is my data protected?
The names of graduands are published in our digital Graduation booklet, and printed on T-shirts available to purchase at the ceremonies.
When you complete your graduation reply task, you will be asked whether or not you give consent for your name to be included in the booklet and/or on the T-shirt.
If you are attending the ceremony in person your photograph will be taken whilst you are on stage receiving your award. These images will be available to view on the day of the ceremony and may also be published online.
The ceremonies are broadcast on the internet, on a live link to external screens, and recorded for distribution. By attending the ceremony you and your guests are consenting to be included in this broadcast.
Click here to check out our graduation privacy notice.
If you have any further questions please email graduationceremonies@bradford.ac.uk.