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University Centre

You don’t have to go to university to get a degree! At NCD University Centre, we offer a degree with a difference. 

The choice for you if you are seeking an alternative to the traditional university route. We offer the same high-quality qualification you would get at university but with a more personal and supportive experience along the way. 

VIEW UNIVERSITY CENTRE COURSES

pdf DOWNLOAD OUR UNIVERSITY CENTRE COURSE GUIDE (8.74 MB)

University Level Courses at New College Durham

Our Foundation Degrees are designed in collaboration with employers and educators to give students useful skills and knowledge in a broad range of practical areas and we’ve established educational partnerships to deliver our foundation degrees at campuses across the UK.

Read more: Higher Education Partnerships

We are incredibly proud that our courses have been awarded Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) status by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. 

Read more: Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
HTQs

Let’s get you there! You don’t have to go far to get a first-class education; learn more about the benefits available to new NCD University Centre students.

Read more: Why choose New College Durham University Centre?
We aim above the mark so you can AIM HIGH

We recognise the importance of professional qualifications across a range of disciplines.  Students will develop their careers through the internationally recognised accreditation offered by these professional bodies.  

Read more: Professional Qualifications
Students discussing in class

Find out about our university level Higher and Masters Apprenticeships.

Read more: Higher and Masters Apprenticeships
Students listening to a class

We offer a dynamic range of flexible, job-focused foundation degrees, honours degrees, masters degrees and professional qualifications, and are thrilled to be one of only a small number of colleges to have been granted Foundation Degree Awarding Powers (FDAP), to allow us to design an exciting range of new foundation degree qualifications to fulfil your study needs.

Read more: Higher Education built around you
people discussing at a table whilst taking notes

The Office for Students (OfS) is the regulator for English Higher Education, it aims to ensure that we are delivering positive outcomes for all students. New College Durham is on the OfS Register, which means we meet their requirements to be a registered Higher Education Provider.

Read more: Higher Education Information
Group photo at ceremony

Our UCAS tariff requirements have been designed to accommodate different qualification profiles, any additional subject or grade requirements (such as GCSE subjects) will be specified on course pages, in our prospectus and in our offers.

Read more: UCAS Information
UCAS logo

This year’s graduation ceremony will take place at Ramside Hall on Tuesday 8th July 2025.

You will be invited if you studied any of the following:

    • Foundation Degree (FdA/FdSc)
    • Top-up Degree 
    • Full honours degree
    • Masters degree
    • HNC
    • HND
    • Higher and Masters Apprenticeships
    • Professional Qualifications (Level 4 to Level 7)

 

Registration

If you are eligible to graduate, you will be sent an invitation in February 2025 to register for graduation.

You must be registered to be able to graduate, so please ensure your contact details are up-to-date. You must register for graduation by 12pm on 11th March 2025.

Please note, eligibility is based on whether you have completed and passed your course by the time the July 2025 boards have completed.

For those studying on an apprenticeship, you will be invited to graduate from your main qualification and you don't need to have completed your end point assessment.

Haven't received your invitation to register?

Please carefully check your email inbox as well as your junk/spam folders. If you cannot find the inivation to register, please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 Download the  pdf Graduation Information Guide (6.28 MB) by clicking the image below:

FAQs

  • Where does the ceremony take place?

    Ramside Hall, Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD

  • What time is my ceremony?

    A few weeks after you have registered, you will be sent an email telling you your ceremony time and giving you details of what you need to do next.

  • How long does the ceremony last for?

    The ceremony will last for approximately one hour.

  • Can guests sit with students?

    No, guests are seated in the guest section behind the students and academic staff.

  • Are guests given seat numbers?

    No, guests are seated approximately 20 minutes before the ceremony and can choose any unoccupied or unreserved seating.

  • Will I collect my award certificate at my ceremony?

    Certificates are not given out at the graduation ceremony, they are posted out to your home address. If you have any queries about your award certificate, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • I have mobility difficulties, can I still go up onto the stage to collect my award?

    Yes, entry onto the stage is via a ramp.  Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know any special requirements.

  • How much will gown hire and professional photography cost?

    Prices will be confirmed in due course. Various packages/bundles will be made available from our external supplier. Please keep an eye out for further information via email. 

  • Do I need to wear a gown on my graduation day?

    It is compulsory that all students who are taking part in the graduation ceremony wear an official gown. Gowns must be hired from the college’s recommended gown hire company to ensure the correct colour and style for your course is ordered. 

    After you have registered, you will be sent details of gown hire costs and how to hire your gown. There are various packages/ bundles available for purchase which will be communicated to you directly from the gowning company.

  • Is there a dress code?

    Your graduation is a formal occasion, appropriate dress and behaviour is expected. Graduates and guests should wear smart clothes. Our gowning company recommends that men wear a shirt and tie, and women wear a top with buttons (or a brooch) as it is easier to secure your hood by looping it around a button/brooch.

  • Where do I collect my gown from on the day?

    Your gown will be available to pick up on the day of your ceremony from the Ramside Hall. If you have ordered your gown online, please bring your email payment confirmation with you on the day. 

  • Can I leave Ramside Hall in my gown?

    You cannot leave Ramside Hall with your gown and must return it to the gowning area as promptly as possible after your ceremony and reception.

  • How much will gown hire and professional photography cost?

    Prices will be confirmed in due course. Various packages/bundles will be made available from our external supplier. Please keep an eye out for further information via email. 

  • How do I pre-order my photographs?

    A professional photographer will be available on the day at Ramside Hall. Once you have registered you will be sent a link to confirm your photography and gown package. The arrangements for photography will be dealt with, and communicated to you, directly from William Northam – the company we use for photography and gowning.

  • Can I have my photographs taken at any time?

    William Northam will be available for studio photography after your ceremony has taken place.

    An additional award presentation photograph of you receiving your scroll on the stage is also taken. You will be emailed additional instructions for purchasing this.

  • Can we take our own photography?

    Guests may take photographs during the ceremony, but must remain in their seats. We also ask graduands and their guests to consider others when taking photographs. Following the ceremony, guests and graduates are welcome to take photos.

  • How do I get guest tickets?

    Guest tickets will be available to purchase via our online booking system once they are available and you will receive updates regarding purchasing guest tickets following your registration for the event.

  • How many guest tickets can I buy?

    Graduates registering before the closing date will receive an email when the tickets are available to purchase, which will also give details of the number of tickets available to purchase initially per graduate. 

    Dependent upon numbers registered for the ceremony, we may be able to release additional tickets after everyone has had the chance to buy their initial tickets.  You will be notified of the availability of tickets via email and text message.

    Please note students who are graduating do not need a ticket for themselves.

  • Do I need to print my guest tickets?

    On the day, guests need to arrive for your ceremony with their tickets readily available to scan, either printed or on a mobile device. Guests will not be permitted to enter without a valid ticket.

  • How do I get a refund for guest tickets if they are no longer required?

    Refunds for guest tickets will only be given to those who failed to successfully complete their course.

  • Do students need to buy a ticket?

    No, students who are graduating do not need a ticket for themselves.

  • Why do I need to register my attendance?

    We need to know well in advance how many people are going to attend. The registration form also asks important questions, which we need to know to successfully plan the event.

  • How do I register for the graduation?

    If you are eligible to graduate, you will be sent an invitation to register for graduation.

    If you have not received an email or text about registering for graduation but have been told you are eligible to graduate, please get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  • What if I don’t register before the closing date?

    All registrations must be completed before 12pm Tuesday 11th March. Failure to meet this deadline date means we will not be able to guarantee you or your guests a space for graduation.

  • What if I want to defer my graduation?

    Deferrals to future ceremonies are only permitted for those who need to re-sit or in exceptional personal circumstances. 

  • What if I have registered but find out I haven’t passed my course?

    Your graduation invitation is subject to the Assessment Board confirming you have successfully passed your course. If you have been unsuccessful and you need to resit, you will not be eligible to graduate this time. A refund will be issued for tickets purchased

  • What if my guest is in a wheelchair?

    If any of your guests have special requirements (including accessibility) this should be indicated when purchasing guest tickets.

    If you submit a special requirement, you will receive an email to confirm that your guest party will have reserved seating in the ceremony.

    The whole graduation event takes place on the ground floor and all areas are easily accessible via ramps for guests with mobility difficulties.

  • Is there accessible parking available?

    There are designated accessible parking bays near the event entrance at Ramside Hall.

  • Are young children able to attend my graduation?

    Children are welcome to attend your graduation, however, any child over two years old should have his/her own seat and therefore will need a full priced ticket.

    Children under the age of 2 without their own ticket will need to be seated on an adult’s knee in your guest party. Pushchairs/prams/baby car seats must be left outside the event venue for health and safety reasons. 

  • What time do I need to arrive?

    Please arrive an hour and a half before the start of your ceremony. It is essential that you check in on arrival.

    You will receive a queuing order number ticket for your student procession - you must keep this.

  • Where can my guests come with me?

    Guests will not be permitted into the registration or gowning areas. If you arrive with your guests, they will be directed to the reception area where refreshments can be purchased. 

  • What will happen before my ceremony?

    Once you have checked in, you will go to the gowning area to collect your gown.

    After gowning you head to the meeting area to line up for the student procession. Guests are already seated in the hall.

    At time of ceremony, the VIP party followed by staff procession enter the hall.

    Once they are seated, the student procession will enter the hall in a specific order, led by your Head of School where you will be shown to your seat. You must stay in the order you are given, as that is the order you will be called up to the stage. 

  • What will happen during the actual ceremony?

    The VIP party will proceed to the stage and deliver welcoming speeches.

    Once ready the Chair of the ceremony will invite the principal guest to undertake the presentation of degrees and diplomas. You will be directed to stand up one row at a time by attending staff and you will line up ready to go up onto the stage.

    When your name is announced, you will walk slowly onto the stage and meet the principal guest who will shake your hand and present you with your scroll. You will pause at this point while a photographer takes a photo of you receiving your scroll (you will be emailed information about purchasing this photo).

    After this, you will continue to walk over to the other side of the stage and then return to your seat. Students selected for the vote of thanks will be contacted closer to the time with more information and guidance.

    On completion of the ceremony, the VIP party will leave, followed by graduates and guests.

  • What happens after the ceremony?

    After the ceremony, a reception will take place in the main ballroom, which you and your ticketed guests are very welcome to attend.

  • Will refreshments be available?

    Refreshments will be available to purchase throughout the day.

Group Graduation photo