FAQs about graduation

We will update this page regularly, so please keep checking for the latest information.

  • Will I be able to bring family or friends to my graduation?

    When booking, you can also request up to two free guest tickets. You must book a ticket for all guests, including children of all ages. Although we work hard to make ceremonies as welcoming and inclusive as possible, the nature and duration of the ceremonies may make them unsuitable for babies and young children. 

    On top of the two free guest tickets each graduate is eligible for, we know many graduates are keen for their friends and wider family to attend graduation ceremonies. As The Bridgewater Hall has limited capacity, we are not able to offer additional guest tickets to everyone. Please note there is no guarantee we will be able to fulfil all requests for additional guest tickets. More information about additional guest ticket availability will be available in due course. 

  • How do I book my tickets?

    Booking invitations will be sent to personal email accounts from mid-April. 

    Please note ceremonies may close early due to capacity restrictions. Please book your place as soon as you receive your invitation. If your ceremony is full, we will offer you the option of attending an alternative ceremony. 

    Please check your junk or spam folders to ensure our emails are not being treated as spam, and make our email address a safe contact: [email protected].

  • Can I attend a different ceremony?

    No, but if you can’t attend your ceremony due to exceptional circumstances such as illness, bereavement or pregnancy, email us with the subject ‘Graduation alternative ceremony request’ to [email protected]. Please include your student ID number. 

    We will try to accommodate requests wherever possible. 

  • Will it be possible to watch ceremonies online?

    If you or your guests cannot attend your graduation in person, we are delighted to confirm all ceremonies will be streamed live. 

    The live stream will be available during the ceremony period. On the day of the ceremony you want to watch, please visit our graduation ceremonies streaming page. 

    You will also be able to download the Class of 2024 ceremonies that have already taken place. 

    Guests without tickets will also be able to watch a live stream in the SODA (School of Digital Arts) Cinema room (Room G.12) at the Manchester Met campus. 

  • How do I book my robes?

    Robe bookings will be available when the booking systems open via the Ede and Ravenscroft website. 

    Get more information on robe bookings

    If you do not order your robe by the closing deadline for your ceremony, or if you choose to hire on the day in the robing room at The Midland Hotel, it will cost significantly more, and Ede and Ravenscroft cannot guarantee that they will have the correct robe and size for you.  

  • How do I get a visa letter to attend my ceremony?

    If you need a letter to apply for your visa, please email us with the subject line ‘Visa letter request’ to [email protected]. Please include your student ID in your email.

    Request a visa letter.

  • How long does my ceremony last?  

    Ceremonies will last between 60-90 minutes on average. Those with larger cohorts may last up to two hours.

  • What happens at my ceremony?

    For full information, including a breakdown of your day, please visit the page for your ceremony.

  • Special requirements and accessibility

    All venues are accessible, including the rooms used for the ceremony, ticket and robe collection, and the photography studios. The Bridgewater Hall has step free access, lift access to all floors, accessible seating, and offers assistance for hearing and sight impaired guests.

    Go to The Bridgewater Hall website for full information.

    For specific assistance and special requirement requests, email us to discuss how we can best support you at [email protected].

  • Where do the ceremonies take place and is there parking?

    Registration, robing and photography

    Registration, robing, and photography takes place at The Midland Hotel on Peter Street in the centre of Manchester, a short walk away from The Bridgewater Hall. 

    Go to more information on getting there and parking.

    Show me The Midland Hotel on Google Maps.

    The ceremony

    Graduation ceremonies will take place in the auditorium of The Bridgewater Hall, an international concert venue located in the heart of Manchester. It is easily accessible by public transport and by road.  

    Go to more information on getting there and parking.

    Show me The Bridgewater Hall on Google Maps.

  • How do I keep up to date with the latest information about graduation?

    We will share graduation updates by email in the build-up to the ceremonies.

    It’s important your contact details are up to date, so you don’t miss out on the latest graduation news.

    Update your contact details.

  • If I am graduating from Manchester School of Architecture, where will my ceremony be held?

    Class of 2024 School of Architecture graduates are scheduled to attend a ceremony with Manchester Metropolitan University. 

    This year, Manchester School of Architecture students will also have a new ceremonial hood to wear with their robes. This is the coloured collar that sits on top of the black robes that all our graduands wear.  

    When booking your robes, you will need to select ‘Architecture (joint degree MMU/UoM)’ with the relevant Award level. 

  • My ceremony is fully booked. What should I do?

    If your ceremony is fully booked, you may be able to attend a different ceremony. Email us with the subject ‘Graduation alternative ceremonyrequest’ at [email protected]. Please include your student ID number.