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General information

Birkbeck graduation ceremonies take place at the Institute of Education in March/April and November each year.

  • November ceremonies are primarily for undergraduates.
  • March/April ceremonies are primarily for postgraduates.
  • PhDs are awarded at both ceremonies, depending on date of completion.

If you are unable to make your allocated date you can elect to attend a future ceremony of your choice.

Ceremony tickets

Booking tickets

  • As there is limited space, graduates must book their place at the ceremony.
  • Graduates should book tickets online; there is no charge for graduate tickets.
  • Tickets will be available for collection on the day. Important information, including where to go to collect your gown and tickets, will be emailed to graduates a week before the ceremony.
  • If you do not contact us before the booking deadline, we will not be able to hold graduate or guest places for you and they will be reallocated.

Cost of tickets

  • Each graduate may bring up to two guests; guest tickets cost £28 each to help cover the cost of the event. Tickets for children under the age of 10 cost £14; there is no charge for children seated on an adult’s lap.
  • We regret that refunds cannot be given.

Additional tickets

  • You will be able to buy extra tickets online for a limited period after the booking deadline has passed. These are sold on a first come, first served basis.
  • We understand that travel plans need to be made in advance; if you have extra guests coming from abroad, please let us know at the time of booking.

Administration fee for late guest bookings

  • If available, tickets sold on the day will cost £35, cash only.

Gowns/dress code

Academic gowns

  • All graduates should wear academic gowns, which should be ordered, either by visiting the web site for Ede and Ravenscroft or by calling 01223 861 854, selecting the Birkbeck option.
  • There is no other dress code for graduates and guests.

The ceremony and reception

Before the ceremony

  • Collecting your tickets: Please go to the ticket collection area as advised to collect your tickets.
  • Collecting your robe: Please go to the robe collection area as advised, where Ede and Ravenscroft staff will be on hand to help you put on your academic robe and hood.
  • Taking your seats: we ask all graduates and guests to be seated at least half an hour before the ceremony is due to start. The time is printed on the tickets.

During the ceremony

  • Name cards: Graduates will find name cards on their seats. You will need to retain your name card for the presentation. Graduates are seated in alphabetical order by subject. Graduates and guests sit separately at the ceremony
  • Platform party: All graduates and guests will be asked to rise when the platform party enters and leaves the hall. The platform party consists of the President, the Master, the Registrar, the College Orator and academics from the relevant Schools, preceded by the Mace-Bearer.
  • Presentation of graduates: Our staff bring presentees to the side of the stage where they are lined up in order. Hand your name card to the usher on stage, who passes on to the Executive Dean. Once your name has been read out, walk across the stage and shake hands with the Master before returning to your original seat. If you do not wish to shake hands, please hold your Presentation Ceremony programme in both hands so that the Master can see.

After the ceremony

  • Each ceremony lasts around an 90 minutes and is followed by a reception lasting about an hour. Venue details are included on the ticket. If you are still unsure where the receptions are being held, please ask at the Birkbeck reception desk.
  • You will need to return your robe to Ede and Ravenscroft at the venue by 5.30pm on graduation day.

How long will the ceremony last?

  • The formal ceremony will last for around an hour and a half. Afterwards, please make your way promptly to the reception venue stated on your ticket, where drinks and canapés will be served for about an hour.

Where to get more information

  • More information about where you will need to be and when on the day will be emailed to you about a week before the ceremony.
  • If you have any queries on the day, please ask a member of Birkbeck staff. A reception desk is located outside the Logan Hall and will be staffed throughout the day.

Certificates

When do I get my degree certificate?

Children

Accommodating children at the ceremony

  • Unfortunately, because we are unable to provide a crèche, and bearing in mind the length of the ceremony, it may be advisable to make alternative arrangements for younger children.
  • Seats for children may be booked at a cost of £14, but if you are bringing young children or babies, please request seats near a door (on the booking form) so that they can be taken out of the hall if they become restless or noisy. There is no charge for small children seated on an adult’s lap.

Photographs/video

How do I get official photographs?

Personal photographs / videos

  • Your guests may take photographs and/or use their own video cameras but no tripods can be used.
  • Guests must remain seated throughout the ceremony, so as not to block the view of other guests.

Accommodation

Can you recommend a place to stay?

  • The Birkbeck Alumni Society has negotiated a special offer at the Montague Hotel for guests of Birkbeck graduates who wish to stay in London overnight (it is a few minutes’ walk from the Institute of Education).
  • At the time of booking, you will need to quote code 106 336 to obtain special rates.

Parking

Is parking available?

  • The NCP car park at Russell Square is five minutes’ walk from the Institute of Education.
  • We regret that we are unable to secure disabled car parking spaces. However there are four disabled parking bays immediately outside the Institute of Education on Bedford Way.