When you think of graduations you probably imagine a student in a gown and mortar board 🎓. For those of you who a wondering what else happens at a graduation ceremony we have answered all the questions you may be asking yourself. From how long graduation ceremonies last to what happens afterwards.

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What is graduation?

A graduation is the process of awarding a diploma to a student by an educational institution.  A UK graduation is a ceremony that happens at the end of a student’s time at University. This ceremony is the time that the student receives their degree officially. Your university graduation ceremony is a monumental occasion where you can celebrate your studying achievements and begin the next chapter of your life.

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When are graduations?

Graduations in the UK are mostly held between the months of June and September the same year you finish your teaching and exams. In some cases this will differ and hold the year after. Remember to ask your educational institution if you are unsure when yours may be.

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How long are graduate ceremonies?

A British graduation can last for anywhere from 45 to 120 minutes. Although this depends on the size of your class and whether there are speeches. On rare occasions there could be music, sung by a choir, or a religious service combined with the graduation. Both of these can make the graduation ceremony last significantly longer.

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Who can go to graduate ceremonies?

Graduation ceremonies are a proud moment so of course you will want to bring your closest ones along to watch. Although every university differs, usually you are able to book seats for your friends/family to watch.

Can I bring family over for my graduation if I am an International Student?

As an international student you may have to apply for a visa in order to go to your graduation if you left the UK once your course finished. You may want your friends or family to travel to attend your graduation. Before your graduation day you will have to check to see if your family need to apply for a visa to travel. Ensure you make these checks well before your graduation day.

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What happens at a UK graduation day?

Gown and professional photos.

You are recommended to arrive one to two hours before your graduation ceremony time. Those of you who will have booked and payed for a gown and mortarboard, you go to pick them up and put them on. You may have wanted to pay for professional photos of you and your family with you in your gown. This is usually the time to get the photos done, after you receive the rented gown and before the ceremony.

The ceremony.

After the above events take place it will be time to get ready and enter the hall or room your education institution is using.

At the start of the ceremony, there will be a group of senior lecturers and staff onto the stage, as well as a welcoming speeches. You may be expected to stand or sit in the rows while they process in. There may also be some speeches and notable mentions at this point.

After this is the most poignant part: collecting your degree. Each graduate is called up one by one to walk across the stage when their name is called and shake the hand of the chancellor. You may receive a piece of rolled up paper mimicking your degree certificate. Although you do not get your actual certificate until after the ceremony. Once the awards are handed out there may be further speeches from tutors to mark the special academic awards.

After the event.

After the main event you are free to do what you want although a popular choice is to to celebrate with your family or course friends and go out for a meal.

Remember the above information should be used as a guide only. Please ensure you contact your university to get the correct schedule for your graduation day.

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What happens after graduation?

After graduating, there are many options open to you. You may want to go straight in to a career, or do further education like a masters and PhD. Read our tips on getting that graduate job.

Here are a few ideas on what you could do after graduating:

• Apply for a job or in particular a graduate job
• Take a gap year
• Find an internship
• Study a postgraduate job
• Spend time back home
• Volunteer
• Teach English abroad
• Work for your university
• Apply for an apprenticeship
• Start a business
• Move to a new place

There are lots of options open to you once you graduate from university. What’s stopping you doing more than one on the list? The world is your oyster.

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