Degree Ceremonies
Booking your ceremony
How do I book a ceremony?
If you are an undergraduate or a taught masters student, you will be invited to book a ceremony via Student Self Service in Michaelmas Term of your final year. You'll receive emails from the Academic Office and the University with instructions and reminders. There is a booking window that opens partway through Michaelmas Term and stays open until the start of Hilary Term.
In Michaelmas Term 2023, the booking window will open on 28 November 2023 at 10:00 GMT and will close on 31 January 2024 at 23:59 GMT.
If you are a research student or a graduate on a modular masters course, you will automatically receive an email from the University when you are marked has having completed your course. A number of spaces on ceremonies are reserved for students who fall into this category, so that they are not all taken during the booking window for taught students. A list of these courses is below.
| Auto Intelligent Machines and Systems (EPSRC CDT) |
| Biomedical Imaging (EPSRC & MRC CDT) |
| Biomedical Imaging (EPSRC & MRC CDT) NOTTS |
| Cyber Security (EPSRC CDT) |
| DEng Renewable Energy Marine Structs (EPSRC CDT) |
| Diamond Science and Technology (EPSRC CDT) |
| DPhil Ancient History (FT) |
| DPhil Ancient History (PT) |
| DPhil Anthropology |
| DPhil Anthropology (Part-time) |
| DPhil AOP Physics |
| DPhil Archaeological Science |
| DPhil Archaeology (Continuing Education) |
| DPhil Archaeology (Full-time) |
| DPhil Architectural History |
| DPhil Area Studies (Africa) |
| DPhil Area Studies (China) |
| DPhil Area Studies (Japan) |
| DPhil Area Studies (Latin America) |
| DPhil Area Studies (Middle East) |
| DPhil Area Studies (Russia and East Europe) |
| DPhil Area Studies (South Asia) |
| DPhil Astrophysics |
| DPhil Atomic and Laser Physics |
| DPhil Biochemistry |
| DPhil Biochemistry (OU/TSRI) |
| DPhil Biomedical and Clinical Sciences |
| DPhil Biomedical Sciences: NIH-OU |
| DPhil Cardiovascular Medicinal Chemistry |
| DPhil Cardiovascular Medicine |
| DPhil Cardiovascular Science (BHF) |
| DPhil Chemical Biology |
| DPhil Chromosome Biology |
| DPhil Classical Archaeology |
| DPhil Classical Languages and Literature (FT) |
| DPhil Classical Languages and Literature (PT) |
| DPhil Clinical Laboratory Sciences |
| DPhil Clinical Medicine |
| DPhil Clinical Medicine (PT) |
| DPhil Clinical Neurology |
| DPhil Clinical Neurosciences |
| DPhil Cognitive Behavioural Therapy |
| DPhil Comp Philology and Gen Linguistics |
| DPhil Computer Science |
| DPhil Condensed Matter Physics |
| DPhil Continuing Education |
| DPhil Criminology |
| DPhil Criminology (Part-time) |
| DPhil Development Studies |
| DPhil Earth Sciences (Full-time) |
| DPhil Earth Sciences (Part-time) |
| DPhil Economics |
| DPhil Economics (Part-time) |
| DPhil Education (Full-time) |
| DPhil Education (Part-time) |
| DPhil Educational Studies (Part-time) |
| DPhil Engineering Science |
| DPhil Engineering Science (Part-time) |
| DPhil English |
| DPhil English (to 1550) |
| DPhil English Language and Literature |
| DPhil English Local History |
| DPhil Evidence Based Health Care |
| DPhil Experimental Psychology (1+3) |
| DPhil Experimental Psychology (Direct Entry) |
| DPhil Experimental Psychology (PT) |
| DPhil Fine Art (Full-Time) |
| DPhil Fine Art (Part-Time) |
| DPhil Genomic Medicine and Statistics |
| DPhil Geography and the Environment |
| DPhil Geography and the Environment (PT) |
| DPhil History |
| DPhil History (History of Art) |
| DPhil History (HSM and ESH) |
| DPhil History (HSM and ESH) (Part-time) |
| DPhil History (Part-time) |
| DPhil History of Art |
| DPhil History of Art (Part-time) |
| DPhil Human Anatomy and Genetics |
| DPhil Infect, Imm, and Trans Med |
| DPhil Info, Comm, and Soc Sci |
| DPhil Info, Comm, and Soc Sci (PT) |
| DPhil Inorganic Chemistry |
| DPhil International Development |
| DPhil International Relations |
| DPhil Ion Channels and Disease |
| DPhil Law |
| DPhil Law (Part-time) |
| DPhil Literature and Arts |
| DPhil Management Studies |
| DPhil Materials |
| DPhil Mathematics |
| DPhil Medical Sciences |
| DPhil Medieval and Modern Languages (FT) |
| DPhil Medieval and Modern Languages (PT) |
| DPhil Modern History |
| DPhil Molecular and Cellular Medicine |
| DPhil Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease |
| DPhil Musculoskeletal Sciences |
| DPhil Music (FT) |
| DPhil Music (PT) |
| DPhil Neuroscience |
| DPhil Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
| DPhil Oncology |
| DPhil Organic Chemistry |
| DPhil Oriental Studies |
| DPhil Orthopaedic Surgery |
| DPhil Paediatrics |
| DPhil Particle Physics |
| DPhil Pathology |
| DPhil Pharmacology |
| DPhil Philosophy |
| DPhil Physical and Theoretical Chemistry |
| DPhil Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics |
| DPhil Plant Sciences |
| DPhil Politics |
| DPhil Population Health |
| DPhil Population Health (1+3) |
| DPhil Population Health (PT) |
| DPhil Primary Health Care |
| DPhil Primary Health Care (PT) |
| DPhil Psychiatry |
| DPhil Psychiatry (PT) |
| DPhil Public Health |
| DPhil Public Policy |
| DPhil Public Policy (Part-time) |
| DPhil Radiobiology (1+3) |
| DPhil Radiobiology (Direct Entry) |
| DPhil Social and Cultural Anthropology |
| DPhil Social Data Science |
| DPhil Social Data Science (PT) |
| DPhil Social Intervention |
| DPhil Social Policy |
| DPhil Socio-Legal Studies |
| DPhil Socio-Legal Studies (PT) |
| DPhil Sociology |
| DPhil Statistics |
| DPhil Structural Biology |
| DPhil Surgery |
| DPhil Surgical Sciences |
| DPhil Sustainable Urban Development |
| DPhil Theology (Full-time) |
| DPhil Theology (Part-time) |
| DPhil Theology and Religion (Full-time) |
| DPhil Theology and Religion (Part-time) |
| DPhil Theoretical Physics |
| DPhil Zoology |
| Environmental Research (NERC DTP) |
| Gas Turbine Aerodynamics (EPSRC CDT) |
| Healthcare Innovation (RCUK CDT) |
| Ind Focused Maths Modelling (EPSRC CDT) |
| Interdisciplinary Bioscience (BBSRC DTP) |
| Life Sciences Interface (EPSRC CDT) |
| MLitt Ancient History |
| MLitt Anthropology |
| MLitt Archaeology |
| MLitt Classical Languages and Literature |
| MLitt Comp Philology and Gen Linguistics |
| MLitt Economics |
| MLitt Education (Full-time) |
| MLitt Education (Part-time) |
| MLitt English Language and Literature |
| MLitt Fine Art (Full-Time) |
| MLitt Fine Art (Part-Time) |
| MLitt Geography and the Environment |
| MLitt History |
| MLitt Info, Comm, and Soc Sci |
| MLitt International Development |
| MLitt International Relations |
| MLitt Law |
| MLitt Management Studies |
| MLitt Medieval and Modern Languages |
| MLitt Modern History |
| MLitt Music |
| MLitt Oriental Studies |
| MLitt Philosophy |
| MLitt Politics |
| MLitt Public Policy |
| MLitt Social and Cultural Anthropology |
| MLitt Social Intervention |
| MLitt Social Policy |
| MLitt Socio-Legal Studies |
| MLitt Sociology |
| MLitt Theology (Full-time) |
| MLitt Theology (Part-time) |
| MPhil Law |
| MPhil Socio-Legal Research |
| MSc(Res) AOP Physics |
| MSc(Res) Atomic and Laser Physics |
| MSc(Res) Biochemistry |
| MSc(Res) Cardiovascular Science (BHF) |
| MSc(Res) Chemical Biology |
| MSc(Res) Clinical Medicine |
| MSc(Res) Clinical Medicine (Part-time) |
| MSc(Res) Clinical Neurosciences |
| MSc(Res) Computer Science |
| MSc(Res) Education (Full-time) |
| MSc(Res) Education (Part-time) |
| MSc(Res) Engineering Science |
| MSc(Res) Experimental Psychology (Direct Entry) |
| MSc(Res) Experimental Psychology (PT) |
| MSc(Res) Geography and the Environment |
| MSc(Res) Info, Comm, and Soc Sci |
| MSc(Res) Inorganic Chemistry |
| MSc(Res) Materials |
| MSc(Res) Mathematics |
| MSc(Res) Medical Sciences |
| MSc(Res) Molecular and Cellular Medicine |
| MSc(Res) Musculoskeletal Sciences |
| MSc(Res) Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
| MSc(Res) Oncology |
| MSc(Res) Organic Chemistry |
| MSc(Res) Paediatrics |
| MSc(Res) Pathology |
| MSc(Res) Pharmacology |
| MSc(Res) Physical and Theoretical Chemistry |
| MSc(Res) Physiology |
| MSc(Res) Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics |
| MSc(Res) Primary Health Care |
| MSc(Res) Psychiatry |
| MSc(Res) Psychiatry (Part-time) |
| MSc(Res) Social Intervention |
| MSc(Res) Social Policy |
| MSc(Res) Statistics |
| MSc(Res) Surgical Sciences |
| MSc(Res) Zoology |
| MSt Legal Research |
| MSt Socio-Legal Research |
| New and Sustainable Photovoltaics (EPSRC CDT) |
| Oil and Gas (NERC CDT) |
| Partial Differential Equations (EPSRC CDT) |
| Renewable Energy Marine Structures (EPSRC CDT) |
| Sci Eng Arts Heritage Arch (EPSRC CDT) |
| Science & App Plastic Elec Materials (EPSRC CDT) |
| Science & Technology of Fusion Energy (EPSRC CDT) |
| Statistical Science (EPSRC & MRC CDT) |
| Statistical Science (EPSRC & MRC CDT) Warwick |
| Synthesis for Biology and Medicine (EPSRC CDT) |
| Synthetic Biology (EPSRC & BBSRC CDT) |
| Synthetic Biology (EPSRC & BBSRC CDT) Collab |
| Systems Approaches to Biomed Sc (EPSRC & MRC CDT) |
| Systems Biology (EPSRC CDT) |
| Theory and Modelling in Chem Sciences (EPSRC CDT) |
| BTh Theology (Full-time) |
| BTh Theology (Part-time) |
| MSc Endovascular Neurosurgery (Full-time) |
| MSc Endovascular Neurosurgery (Part-time) |
| MSc Evidence-Based Health Care |
| MSc Experimental Therapeutics |
| MSc Experimental and Translational Therapeutics |
| MSc Mathematical Finance |
| MSc Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care |
| MSc Nanotechnology for Medicine and HC (PGC Ent) |
| MSc Software and Systems Security |
| MSc Software Engineering |
| MSc Surgical Science and Practice |
| MSc TELUS |
| MSc Translational Health Sciences |
| MSc Translational Health Sciences (PT) |
| MSc Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching |
| Master of Studies in Practical Ethics |
Do I get a choice of dates?
Sort of! During the booking window, different ceremonies have different places reserved for different courses. This is because some postgraduate courses get their results at different times, so we need to make sure your results will be released before your ceremony date. This means people on different courses will see different dates.
If none of the dates available to you in the booking window suit, you can be added to the waiting list for an alternative date. Once the window closes, if there are spaces, it might be possible to move you onto a ceremony that was originally reserved for other courses. Please note this isn't guaranteed - if you want a guaranteed slot, you need to pick one of the dates given in the booking window. Email graduation@hmc.ox.ac.uk to ask about potential dates.
In the unlikely event there are no dates when you open the window, don't panic! Keep checking while the booking window is open as people can move between ceremonies. Alternatively, you can contact graduation@hmc.ox.ac.uk to be added to the waiting list for a date that wasn't originally for oyur degree type.
I missed the window! What do I do?
Email graduation@hmc.ox.ac.uk and we'll be able to check if we can add you to a ceremony manually.
Ceremony Tickets
How many guest tickets do I get?
You are guaranteed two guest tickets.
How do I get my tickets
Your tickets will be waiting for you when you arrive in college on the day. They are not issued electronically, and they don't have specific names attached to them. Your guest must collect their tickets from you on the morning before they go to the Sheldonian. They will not be permitted to enter the Clarendon Quad without their tickets.
Can I get any more tickets?
Around six weeks before your ceremony, the Academic Office will be in touch to make arrangements for your degree day. This will include a chance for you to request extra tickets but please note that additional tickets are in no way guaranteed. Extra tickets only become available if other graduands do not require both of their guaranteed tickets.
Those that ask for extra tickets will go on a waiting list in the order they respond to the email from the Academic Office. It is not possible to be added to the waiting list before then.
How does the waiting list work?
If any extra tickets are available, the person at the top of the list will be given one extra ticket, then the next person will be given one, then so on. If there are still spare tickets once everyone who wants extra tickets has been given one, the person at the top of the list is given a second, and so on.
What if I don't get all the tickets I want?
We host a livestream of the ceremony in College, so guests without tickets can still watch you graduate from here. You can also access the livestream anywhere in the world.
I've booked, now what?
What happens on the day?
The timings vary depending on what time your ceremony is, but there is always a lunch, a group photograph, the opportunity for professional photographs of you and your family, a briefing from the Dean of Degrees, and the ceremony itself at the Sheldonian.
What deadlines are there ahead of the day?
60 days beforehand - this is the deadline to withdraw from the ceremony.
1 month beforehand - this will be the deadline to confirm your arrangements to the Academic Office (more details will be sent to you six weeks beforehand).
2 weeks beforehand - this is the deadline to pay any guest lunches. If you miss this deadline, your guest lunches will be cancelled!
How do I confirm my arrangements?
6 weeks before your ceremony, the Academic Office will send you a form to complete. This will include (among other details):
- How many guest ceremony tickets you would like
- Whether you want to attend the lunch on the day, how many guests you would like to bring, and any dietary requirements
- How you would like to hire your gown and hood
How do gowns work?
Please see the 'Arrangements Form and Next Steps' section.
How can I get visa letters for my guests?
Email graduation@hmc.ox.ac.uk and include
- Your guests' full names and relations to you (e.g. Billy Bloggs, father, Susan Smith, sister)
- How many physical copies you need (if any)
- Any other information you need including (e.g. passport numbers).
Arrangements Form and Next Steps
When do I get the form?
The Academic Office will email you around six weeks ahead of your ceremony with the link to the form and the deadline for completing it, which will be four weeks before the ceremony.
If you submit your form after the deadline, you will not be permitted to request extra ceremony tickets or guest lunch places. The waiting list for extra tickets is based on the order that completed forms are received, so the quicker you complete your form, the higher up on the waiting list you will be.
Ceremony Tickets
In this section you indicate how many of your guaranteed tickets you want, and whether you would like to be added to the waiting list for any extras. You do not need to book a ticket for yourself.
Lunch Arrangements
In this section, you indicate whether you want to attend the lunch in college, and how many guests you want to bring. Please list all dietary requirements, including for all your guests!
You are guaranteed a place for your and two guests, and can be added to the waiting list for extra guest lunch places.
Paying for Lunches
Once your number of lunches is confirmed, you will be asked to pay via Flywire. We will send you an email with full instructions.
The deadline for paying is two weeks before the ceremony. If you have not paid by this point, your guest lunches will be cancelled. This is a hard deadline.
After you have paid, we are unable to issue refunds if a guest can no longer make it, as the food will already have been purchased.
Address
Usually you are given your certificate on the day, but we need an up-to-date address in case we need to post your certificate to you. If you address changes after you complete the form, please let us know.
Gown hire
John Carter, the Porter at HMC, is able to provide gowns, hood and academic caps (mortar boards), often at a cheaper rate than other gowners (£50 to be paid in cash on the day).
We strongly recommend you hire your gown through John as he will have everything ready for you in College when you arrive, which means that you do not need to collect your gown from elsewhere beforehand (we sometimes have issues where gowners do not open in time and people have not been able to collect their gown and/or issues where people have been given the wrong gown). However, you can hire your gown from elsewhere if you wish. In the form, you will be asked to indicate which option you choose. If you choose to hire through John, you will also need to pick the right size.
On the day
What's the programme?
The programme for the the day varies depending on what time your ceremony is. The three variations are:
10:30 Ceremonies
08:45: Arrival, refreshments and gowning
09:15: Briefing by Dean of Degrees in the chapel
10:00: Leave for the Sheldonian
10:30: The ceremony begins
11:50: Ceremony finishes (approximate)
12:00: Return to college for the group photograph
13:00: Lunch in the Arlosh Hall
13:30 Ceremonies
10:00: Arrival, refreshments, gowning and photography
11:00: Group photograph
11:15: Briefing by Dean of Degrees in the chapel
11:45: Lunch in the Arlosh Hall
13:00: Leave for the Sheldonian
13:30: The ceremony begins
14:50: Ceremony finishes (approximate)
16:15 Ceremonies
12:30: Arrival, refreshments, gowning and photography
13:30: Group Photograph
13:45: Briefing by Dean of Degrees in the chapel
14:15: Lunch in the Arlosh Hall
15:45: Leave for the Sheldonian
16:15: The ceremony begins
17:35: Ceremony finishes (approximate)
Arrival, refreshments and gowning
When you arrive, you'll need to sign in and collect your guest ceremony tickets. Don't forget to give your tickets to your guests before they go to the Sheldonian! John will then help you get into your gown. There will be refreshments for you and your guests.
Briefing from the Dean of Degrees
This is where you'll be given a run through of the ceremony. Your guests are welcome to come as well.
Group photograph and individual/family photographs
We have a mandatory group photograph of all the graduands, and then you will have chance to have professional shots of you and your family and friends.
Livestream
A livestream of ceremonies can be accessed by clicking below.
The Ceremony
You'll get a full briefing on the day but the University has produced the below video which gives you a good idea of what to expect.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/9E2RmVkgxLA
