Ceremonial guide

Welcome to graduation at the University of Bristol

The presiding officer and staff their academic robes on the stage in the Great Hall of Wills Memorial Building.

The presiding officer and staff in their academic robes on the stage in the Great Hall of Wills Memorial Building.

The presiding officer and staff in their academic robes on the stage in the Great Hall of Wills Memorial Building.

Studying at Bristol is a life-changing experience. With talent, ambition and commitment, our graduates go on to make a difference across the world

Here you will find details of the order of proceedings as well as some background information about the University.

Our graduation ceremonies are one of the highlights of the university year during which we celebrate our graduands hard work and achievement.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all graduands and their guests.

Your graduation

Vice-Chancellor Evelyn Welch

Welcome from our Vice-Chancellor

Graduates throwing their mortar boards in celebration

Graduation day

Graduates in Centenary Gardens after their ceremony

Academic dress

Graduates hugging after their ceremony

Personalised souvenirs and memorabilia

The Wills Memorial Building

Wills Memorial Building

The University of Bristol Fry Building

Our University

Colourful houses on Bristol Harbourside

Our City

Your future

Graduates at their ceremony

Connect with your alumni community

A postgraduate student at the University of Bristol

Stay here, go further

University of Bristol students by Bristol Harbourside

Maximise your career

Photography: We welcome you to capture the ceremony by taking photographs throughout the day. Please be as discreet as possible and avoid obstructing the views of your fellow guests.

Mobile phones: Please ensure that your mobile phone is on silent during the ceremony.

Evacuation: In the unlikely event that we need to evacuate the building please follow the instructions given by the uniformed attendants. You will be directed to the main staircase or the nearest marked exit. Our staff will be on hand to assist wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties. Once you are outside the building, staff will direct you to the fire evacuation area.

Give us your feedback: At the end of your day, we would love to hear your feedback to improve future ceremonies for graduates and their guests. Please email graduation-office@bristol.ac.uk with any comments.