Graduation FAQs and Terms and Conditions

Graduation FAQs

When and where will the ceremonies take place?

The ceremonies will take place in Buckingham. Please see our venues and schedules page.

How many tickets have I been allocated?

Each graduate will be allowed to bring up to a maximum of two guests, dependant on uptake.

How will I receive my tickets?

Tickets will be issued on the day of your Graduation when signing in at the Vinson Building.

Is there a charge for tickets?

All tickets for University of Buckingham graduates and guests are free of charge but there may be a fee for graduates who are attending through a University Collaborative Partner.

Can I have additional tickets?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that additional seats will be available. Any additional tickets that may be available will be allocated after the online booking system has closed.

Can I bring additional guests without tickets?

Guests cannot attend the ceremony or reception without a ticket; however, the event will be live streamed for friends and family to watch in the comfort of their own homes. We will also broadcast the live streamed event, on campus, in our Vinson Auditorium, please note, there will be a limit on the number of people that can sit in here.

When will I receive my degree certificate?

Certificates are posted to graduates within 4 weeks of results being released and are not issued at the ceremony itself. Your registered postal address will be included on your results email, and if the details listed are incorrect you should inform registry@buckingham.ac.uk straight away, as there will be a £50 charge for a replacement document to be sent to the correct address. Certificates are sent free of charge by 2nd class Royal Mail; no tracking number is available. If you are concerned about delivery to an international address, you can opt to pay £25 for DHL courier through the online payment portal.

Is there a deadline to order my academic dress?

Please ensure you have placed your order at least three weeks prior to your ceremony to guarantee your gown, hood and cap will be available to collect on your Graduation Day.

What does the Reception include?

There will be a glass of prosecco or orange juice and canapés for you and your party.

Do we need tickets to get attend the Reception?

Yes. You and your party will receive a ticket for entry into the Ceremony and a ticket into the Reception. Tickets are collected as part of the signing-in process the morning of the ceremony, and these must then be presented at the door to each venue.

How long will the event last?

The Ceremony and Reception will last approximately one hour each.

What happens during the ceremony?

Graduates will be shown to your allocated seat when you arrive at the Church. After the speeches the presenter will call your name and you will walk up on to the stage (as directed by one of our marshals) and shake the Chancellor’s hand, or, if you prefer, you can cross your arms over your shoulders to demonstrate to the Chancellor you would prefer to bow your head. A presentation photo will be taken on stage. You will exit the stage by walking straight up the central aisle of the Church. Once at the back of the Church our marshal will direct you back to your seat where you will remain until the end of the ceremony.

Where can I stay?

Please see below a link to our webpage which will direct you to local places to stay via Discover Buckingham, there are also many places in nearby towns such as Milton Keynes and Bicester on the Trip Advisor click through. Visitors’ accommodation page.

Terms and Conditions

In line with The University of Buckingham’s Privacy Notice, personal data (including award and classification) will be published in the award ceremony booklet. This information will also be passed to third parties involved in the ceremonies (including our local paper and commemorative clothing suppliers). All published details will be available on our archive and our website following the relevant graduation events.