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University Centre

Graduation

You got the degree with a difference, now let's celebrate!

Class of 2025

This year’s graduation ceremony will take place at Ramside Hall on Tuesday 8 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 to register for graduation early into 2025. You must be registered to be able to graduate, so please ensure your contact details are up-to-date.

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.

If you haven't received an invitation, please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can investigate.

If you have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We're so proud of you

We hope you're excited to celebrate your success with us soon. Let's mark the next chapter in your career!

  • 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 45 minutes before the ceremony and can chose their own seats.

  • 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. For information last year our graduates paid £59 for a graduation bundle which includes gown hire plus photography.

    Last year those who opted to just hire the gown, paid £43.00.

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

    All students who are taking part in the graduation ceremony must wear an official gown. These need to be hired from the college’s recommended gown hire company to make sure they are the correct colour and style for your course.

    After you have registered you will be sent details of gown hire costs and how to hire your gown.

  • How do I hire my gown?

    Please see How much will gown hire and professional photography cost for more details.

    Download guide to book gown and photography bundle

    Download guide to book gown hire only

    HIRE YOUR GOWN

    Difficulty picking the right gown?

    Gown Hire List

    Courses

    AAT – Association of Accounting Technicians -AAT

    AAT L4 Professional Accounting or Tax Technician
    ALL AAT L4 Dip Accounting Part Time

    BTEC HND/HNC

    HNC Construction and the Built Environment
    HNC Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering)
    HND Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering)
    HNC Engineering (Mechanical) Part Time

    CIPD – Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development -All CIPD Awards

    CIPD L7 Adv Dip Human Resource Management
    CIPD L7 Adv Dip in Strategic People Management

    CMI – Chartered Management Institute – CMI Level 5

    CMI L5 Operations or Departmental Manager

    Foundation degrees – Fdeg (Arts)

    FdA Business and Management
    FdA Counselling
    FdA Early Childhood Studies
    FdA Film and Media Production
    FdA Graphic Design
    FdA Housing and Community Studies
    FdA Performing Arts
    FdA Public and Community Services
    FdA Roots and Popular Music
    FdA Supporting Learning and Teaching
    FdA Tourism and Events Management
    FdA Visual Arts

    Foundation degrees – Fdeg (Engineering)

    L5 Engineering (Nissan) (FdEng)

    Foundation degrees– Fdeg (Science)

    FdSc Business Computing
    FdSc Cyber Security
    FdSc Software Development
    FdSc Supporting Innovation in Health and Social Care

    Open University - Open University – BA

    BA (Hons) Chartered Manager Degree
    BA (Hons) Counselling Studies
    BA (Hons) Design
    BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
    BA (Hons) Education and Training
    BA (Hons) Management
    BA (Hons) Popular Music
    BA (Hons) Visual Arts
    BA (Hons) Social Work

    Open University - Open University – BSc

    BSc (Hons) Cyber Security
    BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care
    BSc (Hons) Podiatry
    BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Health

    Open University - Open University – CertEd

    Certificate in Education

    Open University - Open University – Postgraduate Certificate

    Pg Certificate in Education

    Got any questions? Visit William Northam's FAQs

  • Is there a dress code?

    Your graduation is a formal occasion and therefore 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 on and must return it to the gowning area as promptly as possible after your ceremony.

  • How much will gown hire and professional photography cost?

    Prices will be confirmed in due course. For information last year our graduates paid £59 for a graduation bundle which includes gown hire plus photography.

    Last year those who opted to just hire the gown, paid £43.00.

  • How do I pre-order my photographs?

    A professional photographer will be available on the day at Ramside Hall. A range of packages are available so you can have you photo taken in your gown or with family and friends. Once you have registered you will be sent a link so you can book your photography slot.

  • Where do I get my professional photographs taken on the day?

    It will take place in the small ballroom at Ramside Hall.

  • Can I have my photographs taken at any time?

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

    An additional award presentation photograph of you receiving your scroll on the stage is also taken. This photograph is available approx. 10 days after the ceremony - you will be emailed additional instructions for purchasing this after the ceremony.

  • Can we take our own photography?

    Guests may take photographs during the ceremony, but they are not permitted to leave their seats. Guests and graduates are welcome to take photos throughout the hotel and the grounds after the ceremony.

  • How do I get guest tickets?

    Guest tickets will be available to purchase via our online booking system once they are available. 

    You will receive updates regarding purchasing guest tickets once you have registered.

  • How many guest tickets can I buy?

    Graduates registering before the closing date are guaranteed two guest tickets to purchase. 

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

  • 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 ticket with a unique barcode.

  • 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.

FAQs

  • 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?

    We will always try to accommodate you, however any registrations received after the closing date cannot be guaranteed a place and cannot be guaranteed guest tickets.

    Please get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

  • 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 do re-sits, you will not be eligible to graduate this time.

  • 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 before you do anything else. 

    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. 

    Guests can meet up with you in the in the small ballroom, if they are required for the professional photography. 

  • 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 numerical order 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?

    Approximately 15 minutes into the ceremony, 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 marshalling 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 a week after the ceremony). 

    After this, you will continue to walk over to the other side of the stage and then return quietly to your seat.

  • What happens after the ceremony?

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

  • Will refreshments be available?

    Refreshments will be available to purchase throughout the day.

Got a question?

For general enquiries

If you have a general question or enquiry, you can use our contact form to get in touch with our admissions and student support teams

Contact us

For course enquiries

If you want to ask a question about a specific course or subject area, you can use our course explorer to find the course and use the Ask a Question button.

Course Explorer