It’s almost time to celebrate a very special milestone for our ‘Class of 2026’ Higher Education students!
This year’s Graduation Ceremony will take place at the stunning Hull Minster on Tuesday 3rd November 2026, bringing together our graduating students, their friends, families, and guests to celebrate everything they’ve achieved.
Located just a short walk from Hull College in the heart of the city, Hull Minster will provide a memorable setting for this year’s ceremony as our graduates officially mark the completion of their studies.
The ceremony will begin at 1:30pm, with graduates asked to arrive from 9:30am via the North Door entrance to allow plenty of time to register, collect their academic dress, and have photographs taken.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
You must book your own ticket and tickets for your guests through the William Northam website here: https://www.williamnortham.com/Northams/Index.aspx
Please note that admission to the ceremony is by ticket only and non-ticket holders cannot be accommodated. Due to the capacity of the venue, we can only issue two free guest tickets per graduand.
Deadline for Registering & Ticket Booking: Tuesday 27th October 2026.
a day to remember
Graduation is a chance to celebrate the hard work, commitment and determination that has brought our ‘Class of 2026’ to this point.
The formal ceremony will feature introductory speeches from guest speakers before our graduands are individually conferred their degrees.
The ceremony is expected to finish by 3:30pm, with graduates and guests then invited to continue the celebrations at a complimentary reception at our Higher Hull building.
Important Information for Graduates
Arriving at Hull Minster
Graduates should enter Hull Minster via the North Door and make their way to the robing area.
Please allow plenty of time to:
Register for the ceremony
Collect and be fitted with your academic gown, hood and cap
Have your official photographs taken, if pre-booked
Make your way to your allocated seat in the nave
Registration is essential. If you do not register on arrival, your name will not be announced during the ceremony.
All graduands must be seated by 1pm, at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. Staff will be on hand to help you find your seat.
Gowns, Certificates, and Photography
Your gown and certificate will be available to collect at Hull Minster on the day.
We work closely with William Northam, Robemakers and Photographers, who will be at the Minster to fit graduates with their academic dress and provide official photography.
If you have pre-booked photography through Northam’s, we recommend having your photographs taken as soon as you have been dressed, as there may be limited opportunity to do so after the ceremony.
Graduates can also have their photograph taken after the ceremony.
All graduands are required to wear full academic dress – gown, hood and cap – during the ceremony. Please ensure you are dressed appropriately, as you will not be able to cross the stage without the required academic dress.
Tickets and Guests
Graduands must book their own ticket and tickets for their guests through William Northam.
Ticket booking is open until Tuesday 27th October 2026.
Admission to the ceremony is by ticket only, and unfortunately we cannot accommodate anyone without a ticket.
Due to the capacity of Hull Minster, we can guarantee two free guest tickets per graduand. Graduates can request up to two additional tickets by emailing HEGraduation@hull-college.ac.uk.
Any additional tickets will only be confirmed if seats remain available after the booking deadline. Graduates will be contacted by email if their request is successful.
Please do not make travel or accommodation arrangements for additional guests until you have received confirmation that extra tickets are available.
Graduands will be seated separately from their guests during the ceremony.
Children and Seating
Hull Minster’s health and safety regulations require all participants and guests to be seated during the ceremony.
Children aged over two must have their own seat and therefore require a ticket. Children under two can sit on a guest’s knee for the duration of the ceremony. Please note that prams and pushchairs are not permitted within the seating area of the Minster.
Graduation is a formal occasion and can be unsuitable for very young children. We are happy for families to celebrate the day together, but ask that babies or young children who become unsettled are taken outside to avoid disturbing the ceremony.
If you or any of your guests have a disability or require specific seating arrangements, please make sure this is indicated when booking your tickets so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
The Day at a Glance
9:30am: Graduates can arrive and collect their robes at Hull Minster via the North Door
10:30am: Official photography
12:30pm: Doors open for guests
1pm: Graduates and guests seated in the nave
1:30pm: Graduation ceremony begins
3pm: Ceremony finishes and celebrations continue with complimentary drinks and canapés at Higher Hull, Hull College
4pm: Gowns returned to the designated drop-off point on-site at Hull College.
Please note: timings may be subject to change on the day.
Getting Ready for Graduation
Graduation is a formal occasion, so please wear smart, presentable attire.
Most importantly, make sure you arrive with plenty of time to register, get ready and find your seat. We want you to be able to enjoy the occasion without feeling rushed.
After all the hard work that brought you to this point, it’s time to celebrate.
We can’t wait to welcome our ‘Class of 2026’ to Hull Minster and celebrate your achievements with you!
