The College’s graduation award ceremony takes place each year at Hull City Hall, a short walk away from the College and in a central location within the city.

The ceremony for students that completed their studies in 2020, will take place on Monday 8th November. For students that have completed their studies in 2021, the graduation ceremony for you will be held on Tuesday 9th November. ‍

Please note, this is a change from the original dates as Hull City Hall is still being used as a vaccination centre until the earliest of Monday 25th October.

The ceremony will begin at 1pm with students able to arrive for their gowns from 10am-12pm in the Mortimer Suite at the venue. We do need to make students aware there is a possibility the ceremony dates may have to be postponed again if there are any Covid restrictions placed on large gatherings, and the venue have warned us Hull City Hall may still be used as a vaccination centre even beyond Monday 25th October. We will of course keep students updated throughout the next few months if there are any changes.

You will need to arrive at Hull City Hall in plenty of time to register and be gowned and photographed (if applicable) before making your way to the Main Hall to be seated at least 30 minutes before the ceremony starts at 1pm.‍

Registration‍

Registration will take place at the entrance to theMortimer Suite at the City Hall. It is important that you register otherwise your name will not be announced during the ceremony.‍

Gowns and Photography‍

You will collect your gowns and have photographs taken at Hull City Hall on the day of the ceremony. We work closely withWilliam Northam, Robe makers and Photographers, who will be at Hull City Hall to fit you with your gown and take photographs before the ceremony starts.Alternatively, you will be able to have your photograph taken after the ceremony closes.‍

Tickets and Seating arrangements‍

You must book your own ticket and tickets for your guests through William Northam (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. You will be issued an e-ticket by William Northam to confirm your booking which you may need to produce on the day when collecting your gown. It is important when making the booking that you indicate if either you, or your guests, are disabled so that special seating arrangements can be made.

Due to the capacity of the venue, we can only issue two free guest tickets per graduand. Extra tickets can be bought after booking closes on Friday 15th October and final numbers have been confirmed.However, you should be aware there is a charge for additional guest tickets of£5 per ticket. We strongly advise you NOT to make travel or accommodation arrangements for extra guests without confirmation that you have extra tickets.We may also need to consider any restrictions in place that affect capacity at the venue.

You will be issued with a ticket on the day when you register, which will have your allocated seat number on. It is important that you are in your correct seat otherwise you may miss your name being readout and the opportunity to cross the stage. Additional tickets for guest and their seat numbers will also be issued to you on the day during your registration.

‍Please note that graduands will sit separately from guests.‍

The Hull City Hall’s Health and Safety regulations require that all participants and guests at the ceremonies must be seated.Children over two years of age must have their own seat in the venue and therefore need to be included in your ticket allocation. Children under two must be kept on a guest’s knee for the duration of the ceremony. Please note prams and pushchairs will not be permitted inside the Main Hall.‍

Children‍

The ceremony is a lengthy formal event, which can be unsuitable for young children. Out of respect for other guests we request that small children and babies should be taken outside if they become unsettled during the ceremony so as not to disturb proceedings. ‍

Format for the day‍

The Ceremony will commence at 13:00 with a number of introductory speeches from a range of speakers, there will also be a performance from our students and then graudands will be conferred their degrees. We anticipate the ceremony will be finished by 15:00pm so if you do want to make plans for afterwards then do so after this time. All students and guests must stay for the full ceremony, and to make all graudands aware, the bars at the venue will be closed during the ceremony. ‍

What happens on the day of my graduation?‍

This is a formal occasion so please dress in smart, presentable attire. All graduands are required to wear full academic dress for the ceremony (gown, hood and cap.) Please note that you will not be able to pass across the stage to collect your certificate if you are not dressed appropriately.

When arriving at the City Hall you will enter via the Paragon Street entrance and make your way up to the Mortimer Suite to register, please make sure you sign in. 

The official photographers will be in the MortimerSuite and we suggest you are photographed immediately after being dressed as there may not be the opportunity once the ceremony has finished.

You should be seated in the Main Hall half an hour (by 12:30) before the ceremony commences. There will be staff on hand to show you to your seat.

At the opening and close of the ceremony please stand whilst the platform party process in and out of the Main Hall.

Award Certificates‍

Please note: If possible, your certificate will be presented at the ceremony, otherwise it will be posted to you as soon as possible afterwards. Please contact HE Quality and Registry (Email: HERegistry@hull-college.ac.uk)if you have a query regarding your certificate. Please also make sure that your correct address is recorded with our Data Services team as the College cannot be held responsible for non-delivery of certificates. Should you require a duplicate certificate from the relevant validating University because you have lost it or failed to advise the College of a change of address, please apply directly to the University concerned. A charge will be incurred for replacement certificates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to attend the award ceremony?

‍You will only be allowed to graduate if your award has been confirmed by the Board of Examiners.

When and where do I register and get my gown etc?

You will be notified of the start time of the ceremony here and when making your booking. You should allow two hours prior to the start time of the event to register, collect your gown and have photographs taken. You will be required to take your seat 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

I can’t make the date of my graduation – can I swap to a different day?

Unfortunately, the date for graduation is set, you may be able to attend the following year but you would need to arrange this with HE Quality and Registry.

Is there anything I need to do in preparation for my graduation?‍

Yes, you should confirm your attendance and hire (or purchase) your gown using the online booking system through William Northam (https://www.williamnortham.com/Northams/Index.aspx).Please ensure that your correct correspondence address is recorded at theCollege. If you do need any additional guest tickets in addition to your two free guest tickets, these can be purchased from the middle of October from the same booking site. 

How many guests can I bring?‍

You will be allocated two free guest tickets.Because of capacity restrictions at the venue we are unable to issue extra tickets until after the closing date (Friday 15th October) and final attendee numbers are confirmed. The availability of any additional tickets will be at a cost of £5 for each additional ticket, this does include any child over the age of two.

When should I expect my tickets to arrive?

You will receive an e-ticket when making the booking through William Northam. You will also be issued tickets on the day of the ceremony when you arrive to register with your allocated seat number and for your guests.

I am (or a member of my graduation party) is disabled, what should I do?

Please indicate on the booking form if either you or any of your guests are disabled. It is important to inform us when making the booking so that special seating arrangements can be made. 

What if my plans change and I can’t attend my degree ceremony?

Please contact HE Quality and Registry as soon as possible (Email: HERegistry@hull-college.ac.uk).

My friend has not received any graduation information; can I let them have mine?

Please do not pass this graduation information to other people – there may be a reason why they haven’t received any. They should contact HE Quality and Registry to find out why.

What will the timings looks on the day of the ceremony?

10am - Pick up robes from the Hull City Hall
10:30am - Get your photographs taken at the CityHall
12pm - City Hall doors open for guests 
12:30pm - Graduands and guests to take their seats in the Main Hall 
1pm - Ceremony starts 
3pm - Ceremony finishes
4pm - Gowns to be returned