Your Graduation Checklist
It’s almost time to wear your cap and gown, reunite with your course mates and celebrate your incredible achievements at your graduation ceremony! But are you ready for your special day? Here’s what you need to do before your big moment…
Reserve your seat
In order to attend your Graduation ceremony, you need to follow the information included in your invitation and register your attendance by Wednesday 10 November at 23.59pm.
You just need to register via the registration portal which is available on the BCU mySRS portal here, under the ‘Awards’ tab.
If you miss this deadline you may be unable to attend your ceremony due to the capacity in Symphony Hall.
In order to be eligible and receive an invitation to attend, you either must have already received your award or your award must be confirmed by your school by Friday 26th November 2021.
Book tickets for your guests
You can book up to two guest tickets if you wish to invite anyone to celebrate with you. You will receive an email detailing how to book your guest tickets when they are available on sale. Please note that if you book more than two tickets, these will be refunded.
Hire your gown
The University's gowns are provided by Ede & Ravenscroft. You will receive an email to advise you when the order lines are open and how to place your gown order. You will also be advised of the deadline by which to order your gown. We advise that you wait until you receive this notification to ensure that the correct award and collection details are set up for you in advance.
Availability of gowns if hired through Ede & Ravenscroft can only be guaranteed if you book by the deadline. Gowns which are hired on the day will be subject to an increase in price and availability. Payments on the day can only be made by card.
Book your photo slot
Ede and Ravenscroft’s photographers will also be present on the day to capture professional photos. They will be welcoming graduates, family and friends into their studios at the Symphony Hall.
You will receive an email to advise you when the order lines are open and how to place your photography package order. We advise that you wait until you receive this notification to ensure that the correct details are set up for you in advance.
Ede and Ravenscroft offer a wide range of photograph packages to suit everyone. Once order lines are open, we recommend that you pre-book your photography package via their website. Payments can also be made on the day by card only.
Get your outfit ready
You need to wear smart business attire. Those who attend in jeans, t-shirt etc will not be presented on stage. Make sure you wear a shirt, blouse or dress with buttons so that your gown can be easily secured to your clothing. Also make sure you wear shoes in which you will feel comfortable climbing up/down steps and walking across a large stage.
Plan your way there
All BCU graduation ceremonies are held at Symphony Hall, which is part of the International Convention Centre (ICC).
The postcode of this venue is B1 2EA. A map showing the location of the Symphony Hall and ICC within Birmingham City Centre is here.
Redevelopment of the Paradise Circus area of the city centre is still ongoing and while the city council is committed to keeping Birmingham working throughout this major transformation, there will be disruption around the area, including near to Symphony Hall, which could significantly affect your journey time.
To help make your journey as smooth as possible:
- Plan ahead for travel
- Leave the car at home whenever possible
- Use public transport, walk or cycle
- Allow plenty of time
Advice on travelling via car, rail, air and more is here.
Check the graduation itinerary
From the venue and ceremony to how to get involved on the day, check out what your graduation ceremony schedule will look like here.
Double check the time and date for your ceremony
Graduation ceremonies are being held from 5 to 11 January 2022 at Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Double check the time and date for your ceremony today, and make sure you arrive early enough to get your cap and gown, photographs taken and tell us what your plans are for the future! All ceremony dates and times can be seen here.
Check out our FAQs if you have any further queries.