Graduation ceremonies
Your graduation ceremony marks the end of an era, but also celebrates new beginnings as you embark on your career or continue with more in-depth study.
We recently celebrated with our Class of 2020 in a series of virtual graduation ceremonies to mark the special occasion, with messages from staff in each School as well as our Chancellor Sir Lenny Henry and Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Plowden.
Students were also given the chance to upload a photograph, personal message, short video or combination of all three while they were presented on screen. You can view a replay of each ceremony below.
Graduation FAQs
In person ceremonies postponed
Our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of our BCU community. Therefore; regrettably, and in line with public health guidelines we have no choice but to postpone in-person graduations this winter.
However every student who was due to graduate will be invited to an in-person ceremony when it is safe to do so, so that you and your family and friends have the opportunity to celebrate your achievements. Please note that attending the virtual graduation events will not preclude students from being invited to in-person ceremonies when these are rearranged at a later date.
These virtual events will be open to students who are due to gain an award between Monday 20 July and Friday 11 December 2020, 12 noon.
Eligible students will receive an invitation to register their intention to join in with their virtual ceremony so please keep an eye on your BCU emails over the next month.
Students who are awarded after Friday 11 December will then be invited to the summer ceremony series which is currently due to take place between Monday 19 and Friday 23 July 2021.
Graduation Scheduling
The scheduling of in-person graduation ceremonies are based on your course of study and the number of graduate and guest seats available in the venue. Whilst every effort is made to reserve and maintain your place in the live ceremony to which you were invited, we may sometimes have to re-allocate you to another ceremony on a different date or time; for example, if student registration unexpectedly exceeds capacity.
Cancellation and Refunds
In the event of the Birmingham City University’s graduation ceremonies being cancelled, delayed, prevented, hindered or postponed due to circumstances beyond the control of the University, including (but not limited to): fire; explosion; terrorist act (or threat of a terrorist act); act of God; crisis situations; pandemic; epidemic; industrial action or dispute involving the University or the venue(s) at which the ceremonies are due to be held, the University will not be liable for any losses direct or otherwise incurred by students or their guests. Graduands and their guests should ensure they have sufficient insurance protection to cover any losses they may incur as a result of postponement or cancellation of the ceremonies. The University will endeavour to maintain accurate information on its website and regular communications with the attending students.