FAQ's

Do I need to wear academic dress to attend graduation?

Yes, you must wear academic dress if you wish to attend your ceremony.

For more information see our gown hire information.

How do I order my gown?

Gowns can be hired via our preferred suppliers, Ede & Ravenscroft. It is important to note Ede & Ravenscroft require 3 weeks’ notice to hire a gown so order yours in plenty of time. You can source your gown from elsewhere but please note that a student arriving in inappropriate academic dress or not gowned will be unable to join the procession and will not be presented for their award during the ceremony.

Gown hire for Ede & Ravenscroft will open on Friday 4th October of and students will receive an email closer to the time. 

For more information see our gown hire information.

How much does it cost to hire a gown (Ede & Ravenscoft)?

If you pre-order online, prices are approximately £45 for full academic dress. The only exception is the Masters academic dress which is slightly more expensive at approximately £51 (Please see Ede & Ravenscroft for the current prices). Please note if you pay on the day it will cost substantially more and there is no guarantee of availability.

What do I wear with my academic dress?

We don't have a specific dress code for what you should wear under your gown but we do suggest that both you and your guests dress smartly.

For more information, and tips on what to wear, see our gown hire information.

If I can't attend my graduation will I get a refund of the gown hire fee?

Our preferred gown suppliers, Ede and Ravenscroft, will normally refund you, less a small admin fee, if you give sufficient notice. Please check the terms and conditions on their website or in your booking confirmation email.

How can I contact Ede and Ravenscroft directly?

If you have any queries regarding your gown, you can contact Ede and Ravenscroft via the online form which can be accessed here. 

Do I need to let you know that I have additional requirements?

Yes. You must let us know by the booking deadline if you have any additional requirements, such as mobility. We can then discuss any support or adjustments that may need to be made.

For more information see our additional requirements information.

Do I need to let you know that my guest has additional requirements?

Guest seating in the main venue is fully accessible with no steps and guests can take any seat that is not reserved. However, we do ask you notify us if your guests are wheelchair users so that we can reserve suitable seats.

For more information see our additional requirements information.

How will I be invited to graduation?

Invitations to the graduation ceremonies are sent by email, to university email addresses and the personal email address held on your student record, in March (for July ceremonies) and August (for November ceremonies).

For more information see our booking information.

How do I book my place at graduation?

To book your place, log into ICON and click the ‘My Graduation’ link. Follow the on-screen instructions to check and update your details, request tickets or indicate that you are not attending. You must book by the published deadline. After this date it will not be possible for you to attend.

For more information, including the booking deadline for your ceremony, see our booking information.

When do I need to book my place at graduation?

You must book your place by the deadline in your invitation email. After this date it will not be possible for you to attend.

For more information see our booking information.

Should I wait until I've received my results before I book my place at graduation?

No. You must book your place by the deadline in your invitation email, in anticipation of being successful in your assessments. After this date it will not be possible for you to attend.

For more information, including the booking deadline for your ceremony, see our booking information.

I am unable to attend my graduation ceremony, do I still need to complete the booking form?

If you are unable to attend please complete the online booking form on ICON and select ‘Not attending’ or email the Ceremonies Team by the deadline in your invitation email.

For more information see our booking information.

I am expecting to graduate but haven’t received an invitation email, what should I do?

Please email the Ceremonies Team before the published booking deadline and we will look into this for you. After this date it will not be possible for you to attend.

If I update my contact details online when booking for graduation, will this update all my university records?

No. This will only update your contact details for communications about graduation.

To change your contact details on your student record (which will affect receipt of your results and certificate etc) please change these under the 'My Home Page' section of ICON.

Where are graduation ceremonies held?

Graduation ceremonies are held at Carlisle Cathedral. A Cathedral is a building for Christian worship and Carlisle Cathedral welcomes visitors of all traditions and faiths. Carlisle Cathedral is used as a venue during graduation week and no formal worship takes place during the Degree and Award ceremonies.

For more information, including locations for gown collection and photography, see our venue information.

When are graduation ceremonies held?

Graduation ceremonies take place in July and November. Each course has only one graduation slot – July or November. If you are unsure whether your course graduates in July or November please email the Ceremonies Team.

Can I swap ceremonies or defer my ceremony to next year?

Each student is permitted one deferral opportunity which must be requested no later than three weeks after your designated ceremony date.

To request a deferral. email the Ceremonies Team with an outline of the reasons for making the request.

Can the Live Webcast be watched from home?

Yes, the link that will be provided can be used on any device. 

Can the Live Webcast be watched outside of the UK?

Yes, as it is an online streaming facility, the ceremonies can be viewed in and outside of the UK using the link provided. 

Do I need to purchase a ticket for the Live Webcast?

No, tickets are not required for the Live Webcast as this facility is free of charge. 

How do I get my StageClip?

Your StageClip video will be emailed to you after your ceremony. If you do not receive this within 48 hours please contact alumni@cumbria.ac.uk.

Can I purchase University of Cumbria merchandise at the ceremony?

Yes. Hoodies and other merchandise can be pre-ordered from the On-line shop or purchased on the day. For more information see our Live Webcast, StageClip and Merchandise section.

What if I don't complete or pass my course in time to attend graduation?

If you don't complete your course in time to attend the ceremony to which you've been invited, but you still intend completing your award, you will be invited again to next year's ceremony (i.e. if you were due to graduate in July, you will be invited to the ceremony the following July).

Please see our assessment web pages or contact the Ceremonies Team for further details regarding eligibility to attend graduation.

What should I do if I'm about to graduate and I think I owe money to the University?

You won't be able to graduate if you have any academic fees owing to the University. If you need to pay money or want to check if you owe any money, please contact the Accounts Receivable Team.

Please see our assessment web pages or contact the Ceremonies Team for further details regarding eligibility to attend graduation.

How long will the graduation ceremony last?

All ceremonies last approximately one hour, followed by a celebratory reception which also lasts for approximately one hour.

For more information, and a full schedule for the day, see our on the day information.

What time will I need to arrive for my graduation ceremony?

You should arrive at least two hours before your ceremony time.

For more information, and a full schedule, see our on the day information.

When will I find out about arrangements and timings for the day?

Information about the day, including a schedule, can be found here. In addition, a Graduation Day Booklet with more detailed information will be emailed to you approximately one month before your ceremony.

Will my certificate be presented at the ceremony?

No, you won't be presented with your certificate at the ceremony. Your certificates will posted to the home address you have registered with the university, 6-8 weeks of the publication of results. Please make sure your contact details are up to date on ICON.

For more information about certificates see the assessment web pages.

Can I purchase photographs at my ceremony?

Yes you can. Ede & Ravenscroft are the official photographers and their studios will be set up in the Crown & Mitre Hotel for individual and family/group photographs.

You can pre-order your photographs from Ede and Ravenscroft, and save time on the day.

How many guest tickets am I allowed for my graduation?

Everyone who books by the published booking deadline is able to have two complimentary guest graduation tickets (where requested). Some ceremonies may have additional tickets available and there will an opportunity for you to purchase up to two additional guest graduation tickets (subject to availability). 

For more information see our tickets information

How much are guest tickets?

Everyone who books by the published booking deadline is able to have two complimentary guest graduation tickets (where requested). 

Additional guest graduation tickets to attend the ceremony in the main venue are £15 each

Guest graduation tickets to attend the ceremony via the Live Video Link are £10 each.

All tickets include entry to the celebratory reception.

Tickets are subject to availability.

For more information see our tickets information.

Do I need a ticket for myself?

Graduating students do not need a ticket - tickets are for guests only. However, you must book via ICON by the published booking deadline. After this date it will not be possible for you to attend.

For more information see our tickets information.

Do children need a ticket?

Children aged 2 years and over must have a guest graduation ticket.

For more information see our tickets information.

Can I purchase additional guest tickets?

There will be an opportunity to purchase up to two additional tickets (subject to availability) to attend the ceremony in the main venue.

You can also purchase up to two tickets to view the ceremony via the Live Video Link.

All tickets include entry to the celebratory reception.

Tickets are subject to availability.

For more information see our tickets information.

When can I purchase additional tickets?

You will be allocated a time slot for purchasing for additional tickets. This is normally in late June (for July ceremonies) and late October/early November (for November ceremonies).

For more information see our tickets information.

Do guest need tickets for the live video link?

Yes, all guest aged 2 years and over must have a guest ticket in order to view the ceremony via the live Video Link.

For more information see our tickets information.

How do I get to Carlisle?

Carlisle is easily accessible with good road and railway links.

For details about travelling by car, rail and air see our travel and accommodation information.

Where can I stay in Carlisle?

Good value accommodation is available for students and guests at the University of Cumbria Fusehill Street and Brampton Road campuses.

Alternatively, Carlisle has plenty of accommodation including hotels, bed and breakfast and self catering.

For more details, see our travel and accommodation information.  

What kind of visa do I need to come to the UK for my graduation ceremony?

You will need a Standard Visitor Visa.

For more information, see our visa information.

Can I get a letter of information from the University to support my visa application.

Yes. We can provide you with a letter to support your application. You must request this by the published deadline.

For more information, including the information you need to provide and deadlines, see our visa information.