Frequently Asked Questions

When can I book my place at the congregation?

We will send you an email when the online booking system opens, usually about 3 months before the congregations.

Emails will be sent to your University email address and any personal email account we have on your intranet account.

I am not bringing any guests to the congregation - do I still need to complete the application process?

Yes, it is essential that you complete the application process to ensure that your seat is reserved for you.

I will not be attending the congregation - do I still need to complete the application process?

Yes, you will still need to complete the application process, as we need to know how many students will be attending.

I am still waiting for my results. Should I wait until they are published before completing the application process?

No, you should complete the application process as soon as possible, to ensure that you are allocated tickets.

We cannot guarantee that tickets will still be available if you apply after the booking deadline.

Your attendance at graduation will be confirmed after your award has been approved at a Progression and Awards Board. If you are no longer eligible to attend based on the outcome of your assessments, your invitation will be withdrawn, and you will be notified by email.

Am I able to change my congregation day/time?

No, all students will be allocated to a congregation based on their home department. This principle will apply across all Schools.

If you are unsure of your home department please contact your School in the first instance. 

Provided that the graduation online booking form is completed before the deadline, all students attending their congregation will be guaranteed 2 guest tickets free of charge. 

We realise that limiting tickets to 2 per student may cause some disappointment but hope you appreciate that the venue has a set seating capacity which we must not exceed.

We are unable to guarantee guest tickets to those who respond after our deadline.

Students DO NOT need a ticket to attend their congregation.

Guest seating is split between floor level seating and tiered seating.  If guests have any special requirements that require floor level seating please inform us when you book your tickets so that we can accommodate them. 

Guest Tickets

We will only be issuing a maxium of 2 guest tickets per student.

For additional guests without tickets, we have live feed rooms, which are seated and available at the Great Hall.  These rooms are fully accessible, and you are welcome to bring as many guests as you wish.

Children

We recognise that graduation is a family occasion and children are welcome to attend. However, they must be accompanied by an adult.  The congregations last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes so they may not be suitable for very young children.  Out of respect for other guests we request that children should be taken outside if they become unsettled during the congregation so as not to disrupt proceedings and disturb other guests.  We reserve the right to ask any child (or adult) to leave the auditorium during the ceremony if they are making unnecessary noise or action which is disruptive to the proceedings or to other guests.

Children under the age of 2 years must sit on an adult’s lap, and not on a seat. They do not require a ticket.

Children aged 2 years and over must have a guest ticket for entry to the congregation.

All ceremonies will be broadcasted live on our website at http://www.swansea.ac.uk/graduation/  and can be watched via the internet.

Carer Tickets

If any of your guests require a carer to accompany them to the ceremonies, we can provide an extra ticket free of charge upon seeing evidence of one of the following:

• Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book.
• Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award.
• Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
• A valid Blue Badge.
• In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI).
• A local authority registration document which is local to the attraction where it is being submitted.
• A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card.
• Credibility’s Access Card with +1 symbol.

Please email gradaccessibility@swansea.ac.uk with your request and evidence.

Is there a dress code?

All graduating students are required to wear academic dress.

Ede and Ravenscroft is the approved supplier of the correct academic dress for Swansea University. 

We also recommend that graduands wear a shirt or blouse, to enable the hood of the gown to be attached to one of the buttons.

For more information, visit our Academic Dress page.

For guests, there is no official dress code.  However, as the congregation is a formal event, we recommend that guests wear smart dress.

Where do I order my graduation gown? How much will it cost?

You are responsible for ordering your own gown.

Ede and Ravenscroft is the approved supplier of the correct academic dress for Swansea University. 

All graduation gowns cost £52 to hire if booked in advance of the ceremonies.  Gown cost will increase if hiring on the day.

What time do the congregations start and finish?

All congregations begin at 09.30am, 11.30am, 2.15pm, and 4.15pm. Please visit the graduation Timetable for specific congregations.

You will need to arrive approximately 1½ hours before your congregation is due to start to make sure you have enough time to collect your tickets and gown and have your official photographs taken.

Please note that the photography studios are open before or after your congregation and are based in the LC.

Each congregation lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Where is the venue and how do I get there?

Graduation will take place at Swansea University Bay Campus, Fabian Way, Crymlyn Burrows, Swansea, SA1 8EN.

Please go to Travel for parking information.

What do I need to do on the day?

On the day of your congregation you will need to go to The College to register, obtain your seat number and collect your registration card.  You will then need to collect your robes and may choose to have official photographs taken.

Please be aware there may be queues and we advise you to arrive approximately 1½ hours before your congregation start time to allow yourself enough time.

Please be aware that both you and your guests must be seated no later than 15 minutes before the start of the congregation. Late arrival may affect your guests' ability to take their seats and your ability to take part in the congregation. We reserve the right to refuse admission to any late guests to the congregation, even if they have a ticket.

The doors to the auditorium will open 30 minutes before the beginning of the congregation.

Where will I sit at the congregation? Will I sit with my guests?

You will sit with other graduands at the front of the auditorium, organised alphabetically by award and programme.

Each award is announced, followed by the names of all graduands attending. As your name is read out, you will walk across the stage to doff your cap to the Chancellor or Pro-Chancellor.  

Marshals will be available to assist you on the day, ensuring that you are presented correctly.

Guests will sit in a separate area behind the graduands.

Can I bring a camera and video camera to the congregation?

Yes, but please be considerate of those sitting around you if photographing or filming during the event.

Professional photographs will be available to purchase after the congregation - for more details, please visit our Photographs section.  

When will I receive my certificate?

Certificates shall be posted to the student at their home address as specified on the Student Profile on the Intranet within 8 weeks of conferment. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain accurate contact details on their intranet account. 

If you have any queries regarding your certificate, or if you do not receive your certificate within three months of your award being confirmed, contact degreecertificates@swansea.ac.uk 

I need a visa support letter for me/my family to attend the congregation - what should I do?

Please go to our International Visa Support Letters section for further details.

How can I contact the Graduation Office?

Please see our Contact The Graduation Team page

Force Majeure