Graduands will collect their academic dress and may wish to have professional photography taken before the ceremony.
Students or guests are required to collect their guest tickets, which are needed to enter the cathedral. Any belongings not required by the student, should be given to guests before gathering for the student procession.
A Congregation Information Point will be located on the corner of Palace Green between the Cathedral and Music Department for general enquiries.
Students report for the procession, 1 hour and 15 minutes before the ceremony to be put into procession order, at which point they must leave their guests.
They will process to the Cathedral approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Remember to arrange a meeting point with for after the ceremony.
As a guest, you must wait until the Cathedral entrance time. Please be aware there is no shelter available on Palace Green.
Guests, with tickets, will be directed from the Information Point on Palace Green, to the Galilee Chapel entrance of the Cathedral, approximately 45 minutes before the ceremony start time.
You may have to wait in the Galilee Chapel for a short time until the venue is ready.
On entering the main body of the Cathedral, you will be guided by University marshals to fill all seats from the front to the back, in the Nave and then in the Side Aisles. Guests wishing to sit together must arrive together. The view of the stage in the Side Aisles is restricted due to the Cathedral architecture, however television monitors, are installed throughout the Cathedral to enhance the viewing of the ceremony.
The ceremony lasts approximately an hour and 15 minutes. The use of cameras and recording devices is not permitted during ceremonies and no flash photography is allowed inside the Cathedral.
The Vice-Chancellor (or representative) gives an opening speech.
The Dean of Durham (or representative) welcomes the University into the Cathedral.
Students are called to the stage individually. We ask you to applaud each group of students rather than each individual student.
At some ceremonies an honorary degree is awarded and a speech is given by a member of the University on the recipient's life and achievements.
Students then stand for the conferment of awards.
The Presiding Officer gives the closing speech.
You will be guided by University marshals to exit the Cathedral following the staff and student processions.
The Congregation Fair will be held at a location on campus with Alumni, refreshments, University merchandise and photography stalls for students and guests to enjoy before and after the ceremony.
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