A guide to graduating

This information is for students graduating in person. There is different information for students graduating in absentia.

The graduation ceremony

There are things you need to do before, during and after your graduation ceremony. You will be reminded of what you need to do before the ceremony.

Before the ceremony

Your graduation ceremony will begin at either 10.30am or 2pm in the Younger Hall.

To get your graduation ticket, you should go to the porch on the northwest side of the Younger Hall at least half an hour before the start of your ceremony. For more information on ticket collection, see the graduation tickets page.

Your seat will not be with your guests. It’s important to sit in your allocated seat during the ceremony.

Collecting your graduation gown and hood

You should arrive at the ceremony in your gown carrying the correct hood. Find out about the dress code for graduating students, including the gown and hood you should hire.

On the day of your graduation ceremony, you will be able to collect your gown and hood from the Stewart Room at the northwest corner of the Younger Hall from 8.30am. You should collect your gown and hood as early as possible to avoid queues for collection right before the ceremony.

If you have not pre-ordered a gown and hood, you can hire them on the day of your graduation ceremony. You will be charged extra for this.

During the ceremony

When the usher indicates, you will file out from the left side of the hall before going onto the stage. A representative from Ede and Ravenscroft will be off-stage to help you with your hood.

A member of staff will tell you when to walk onto the stage. You should then wait at the side of the stage until you hear your name called by the Dean of your Faculty. If you are a graduating PhD student, the Dean will read out your thesis title before saying your name.

When the Dean calls your name, you should walk from the side of the stage to the centre of the stage. Hand your folded hood to the Bedellus (the chief mace bearer) holding out the collar end of the hood.

You should then kneel on the cushion of the graduation dais, where you will be capped by either the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor. The Bedellus will then slip the hood over your head.

You should then stand up and bow your head towards the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor. You should then walk across the stage to the door on the opposite side to the one you entered from. You will be handed your degree certificate and documents off-stage, and should then return to your seat.

A short video on what to expect at your graduation ceremony.

Video transcript

At graduation at the University of St Andrews, graduands wear a formal dress.

You can either wear a dark skirt or trousers, a white shirt or blouse and dark shoes.

Or you can wear a dark lounge suit, a white shirt and white bow tie and dark shoes.

Or you can wear your country's national dress.

Here's what it will look like on the day.

When instructed, walk onto the stage and stand to one side.

When your name is called, move to the centre of the stage and hand your folded hood to the bedellus.

Kneel on the cushion in front of you.

You will then be capped by the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor and the hood placed over your head by the bedellus.

Stand up and bow your head to the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor.

Continue walking across the stage and leave by the side door.

Congratulations, you have now graduated.

After the ceremony

When the ceremony finishes, you and other new graduates will join the academic procession as it leaves the stage. You will then process along North Street and through the arch into St Salvator's Quad. You can meet your guests in the Quad at the end of the procession.

Remember to return your gown to where you collected it by 5.30pm on the same day.

Safety and security

For everyone's safety, do not bring bulky items, like bags or suitcases, into a ceremony. Nothing should be left in an aisle that could cause an obstruction.

Chapel services

A short service of thanksgiving will be held each day during graduation week in St Salvator's Chapel. Services will last no more than 30 minutes.

All graduating students, their families and guests, of any faith or philosophy of life, are welcome to attend. There will be music from St Salvator's Chapel Choir and a sermon related to graduation from someone involved with the day's celebration.

If you are graduating in the morning, you should collect your gown and tickets before the chapel service begins. As the Chapel is very close to the Younger Hall and the ASC, there is plenty of time to do this beforehand. You can wear your gown to attend the service, but hoods should not be worn.

Services will begin on the following dates and times:

Day	Time
Tuesday 3 December	9.30am
Wednesday 4 December	9.30am

Cancellation

If you can no longer attend the graduation ceremony or doubt you will be able to attend, please phone +44 (0)1334 46 4104 to tell the University. Please leave a voicemail if your call is not answered.

If you book to attend your ceremony but do not appear in person, arrive late, or are inappropriately dressed, you will automatically have your degree conferred in absentia. You will then be unable to graduate later in person.