Graduation

The Graduation ceremony for our Class of 2024 will take place on Thursday 24 October 2024 at The Stoller Hall in Manchester.

You will have received an email and letter confirming the time of your ceremony and how to register for Graduation.

Once you've registered, your ticket and any guest tickets will be emailed to you between five and seven days before your ceremony. 

If you have any queries, please get in touch via graduation@ucenmanchester.ac.uk.

Your cap, gown and photography will be provided by Marston Events.

Cap and gown

You can book your cap, gown and photography when you register using the link in the invitation you've received via email and in the post.

Collection of your cap, gown and photography will take place at City Campus Manchester after you've checked in.  

We often get asked what graduates should wear to their ceremony. It is up to you what you wear with your robes, but we would recommend smart, formal clothes, a bit like you might wear to a wedding or a job interview. You might like to consider wearing something classic, that won’t look dated over time. Please keep in mind that there are steps leading to the stage, so make sure you are wearing shoes you can walk confidently in. 

After your ceremony, you can drop off your cap and gown at the UCEN Manchester entrance to City Campus Manchester.

Photography

You can pre-book your photography when you register. There are various options and packages for you to choose from. A photograph will also be taken as you crossing the stage, which will be available to purchase immediately following your ceremony.
 
If you have any problems ordering your cap, gown and photography please contact Marston Events via enquiries@marstonevents.com.
  

The invitation you've been sent confirms your arrival time, which varies depending on the time of your ceremony.

Check in for your Graduation will take place at City Campus Manchester, M3 1LT.

Your ticket and any guest tickets will be scanned on arrival and you will be issued with your stage pass.

The Graduation team will then direct you to collect your cap, gown and photography.

An announcement will be made 45 minutes before your ceremony begins to indicate that it's time for you to make your way over to The Stoller Hall, which is approximately a five-minute walk from City Campus Manchester.

Graduates and guests should be in their designated seats 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. 

On arrival at The Stoller Hall graduates and guests will be directed to the auditorium. It is vital that you sit on the seat/row stated on your ticket (you will sit with others from your curriculum area) as this is the order your name will be read out. Please ensure that the stage pass on your seat states your name and correct pronunciation.

Please note that graduates and guests are seated separately.

You are required to leave your seats in order, to process across the stage, and you must have nothing in your hands, apart from your stage pass. The event staff will indicate when you should leave your seat and where to stand. As you walk to the stage you will hand your stage pass to the staff who will in turn pass this to the compere who will read out your name and curriculum area as you cross the stage.

We advise that you do not bring any mobile phones, bags or large items but if this is necessary, please ask a guest to look after them for the duration of the ceremony to ensure that all aisles are clear. Under no circumstances must you leave your bags under your seats as this may pose as a health and safety risk and in some instances, you may not return to your original seat after processing across the stage.

Out of courtesy to your fellow graduates we ask that you do not leave the ceremony until the event finishes. The ceremony will last for approximately one hour.

Following the ceremony, there will be a drinks reception at The Hive Bar at City Campus Manchester, where you can join your fellow graduates, guests, friends, family and tutors and reflect on your achievements at UCEN Manchester. You will be able to purchase drinks and photographs from the ceremony as well as drop off your cap and gown.

Graduates and guests are seated separately.

Children are welcome, however, these events can prove to be tiring for younger children who may become restless. For the comfort of other guests, guardians may be asked to take any child that becomes agitated or distressed out of the auditorium. If this happens, we appreciate your understanding in advance.

Children over two years of age must have their own seat and therefore must be included in your guest numbers. Children up to the age of two may sit on an adult’s lap and do not require a separate ticket.

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Graduates and guests are seated separately within the room. Please be aware that children will not be sitting with graduates but must sit with guests.

Guests will be asked to head to their seats 30 minutes before the ceremony begins and should listen for the announcements directing all graduates and guests to take their seats.

We ask that all mobile phones and recording devices are switched to silent, but you are more than welcome to take photos and videos of our wonderful graduates shining moments. 
 

Should you require any assistance, please ask the staff at the Graduation Information Desk in the main foyer or talk to any member of the event team.

If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact the team:

graduation@ucenmanchester.ac.uk