Graduation - FAQs

When do I get my tickets?

You will receive your ticket by email, generated by the Ede and Ravenscroft ticketing site roughly one week before graduation and will be sent to the email address you input when ordering your tickets.  Please make sure you bring a printed version as we will not be able to admit guests without it and cannot accept entry using your phone.

What happens at the ceremonies?

There will be an online information booklet available on the website. If you require information before this time, please contact the Graduation Office via graduation@bishopg.ac.uk. 

When will I receive my certificate?

Your certificates will be posted to your home address between August and September but please allow up to eight weeks for delivery.

When will I get my official photographs?

Photography is provided by Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd and must be booked in advance with your ticket. Following your graduation ceremony, please allow up to 12 weeks for Ede & Ravenscroft to process your order and send your official photographs to you.

I am not bringing any guests to the ceremony; do I still have to book online?

If you are planning to attend the ceremony but not bringing any guests with you, you do still need to book online in order for a seat to be available for you in the Cathedral.

I am still waiting for my results; should I wait until they are published before submitting my ticket application?

No, you must submit your ticket application before the closing date even if you have not received your results or if you think you may not pass the course. If necessary, refunds can be given after the graduation day.  Late applications cannot be processed.

Do I have to pay for my ceremony ticket?

As the Graduand, you do not pay for your ticket to the ceremony. You will need to pay for any guests you bring to the ceremony.

Can I buy tickets on the day?

No, all tickets must be purchased in advance before the closing date.

What time do the ceremonies finish?

We expect each ceremony to last approximately an hour and a quarter.

Can I bring cameras and video cameras to the ceremonies?

Yes, but we ask for no flash photography or standing during the ceremony.

Do I have to wear full academic dress?

You are required to wear full academic dress for the ceremony (gown, hood and mortarboard). This must be provided by and ordered in advance from Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd, the University’s official gown hire company and authorised photographers. It is policy that only full outfits can be hired.

Where do I order my robes and photography from? How much will it cost?

Robes are ordered online and all the information about ordering robes and photography is included on the Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd website.

Where is the venue and how do I get there?

The ceremonies are held in Lincoln Cathedral, which is a short walk from the University. A Bus Service runs from outside the campus to the Lincoln Hotel (opposite the cathedral) every 20 minutes. A full information online information booklet will be available on the website form June.

What time do I need to be at the cathedral?

Guests and graduands are asked to be in their seats 30 minutes before the ceremony commences.

Can I bring children to the ceremony?

It is not recommended that young children are brought to the Graduation Ceremony as it is a long time for them to sit still. If you do want to bring a child, a ticket must be purchased for them when they are over 12 months old. Children are more than welcome at the Celebrations afterwards.

Will I be seated with my guests?

No - as the Graduand you will sit near the front of the Cathedral with the other students.

Can I sit next to my friends?

No – you will be allocated a seat number with your ticket. Please sit in your allocated seat as the programme and processional order is based on this information.

Are there wheelchair spaces available?

Wheelchair spaces are available. Please make it clear on your application form in the relevant section if you or your guests require wheelchair access.

I am not attending the ceremony to graduate. Can my friend have my ticket?

No, we take into account the percentage of in absentia students (those who are not attending the ceremony) when calculating seat numbers available.

Can I buy extra tickets for the ceremony?

Extra ceremony tickets may be available, but allocation will not be considered until ALL standard ticket requests have been processed. Please fill in the relevant section of your booking form.

Will my name appear in the Graduation Programme?

Yes – the names of all graduands, including those graduating in absentia, will be printed in the Graduation Programme and will be available at each ceremony.

I would like a reference from my tutor when I have graduated - how do I request one?

When applying for a job or further study and you are required to provide a referee, you can provide the name of your BGU Tutor with the email address of ITTREF@bishopg.ac.uk. The request for a reference will then be sent by the employer/further study provider to our central referencing team who can process the request accordingly.