University Level Graduation Ceremony 2026

To help us plan the event, please let our Higher Education team know. You can do this as follows:

1. Use the contact form under the get in touch section.
2. Call 0115 838 0700.
3. Email us at he.team@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk.
4. Pop into the University Centre Office – Room G005 in the NSEC building at our Basford Campus.

If you prefer, you can collect your official certificate in the week after the ceremony. Otherwise, we will post these to the address held on our records system, so you should ensure that these details are up to date.

You must tell us by 5:00 pm on Friday 30th November if you are coming to Graduation.

You can do this by registering online with Graduation Attire.

You can order your guest tickets, gowning and photography at the same time.

If we do not hear from you by the above deadline – we will assume you are not coming.

Fletchers Theatre is located at the back of our City Hub campus. Please use the Fletchers entrance to access the building. 

The nearest public car park to City Hub is Broad Marsh Car Park.

The nearest tram stop is Nottingham Station, a short walk away.

Our City Hub campus is fully accessible. In the theatre, we have step-free reserved seating for wheelchair users. The entire events will take place on the ground floor. Please advise Graduation Attire of any specific seating needs when ordering your guest or graduate tickets.

If guests are meeting you just for the ceremony, we suggest they should arrive at Fletchers, City Hub no later then the latest arrival time for your ceremony.

Graduates and guests will be invited to take their seats in Fletchers Theatre, an hour before the ceremony begins.

Everyone must be seated before the ceremony starts for the arrival of our VIP guests.

Latecomers will not be admitted to the theatre once the ceremony has started.

Dress code for graduates

Graduation is a traditional occasion as well as a celebration. Wearing a gown and hat isn’t compulsory however, we do expect all of our graduates to dress smart.

We recommend a ‘smart business’ dress code.

We reserve the right to exclude anyone from the on-stage ceremony if they are not suitably dressed. This includes items with slogans or wording which could cause offence.

Smart alternatives may be worn for cultural or religious reasons.

The wearing of jeans, t-shirts, trainers or similar ‘casual’ wear is not appropriate for this special event.

Footwear

Smart shoes, bear in mind that you will need to be confident when going up and down several steps and walking along the red carpet in front of a large audience. No trainers or similar sportswear please.

International Heritage graduates

Are very welcome to wear national/traditional dress (with or without an academic hat or gown) if you wish.

Members of the armed forces or public services

Are permitted to wear full dress uniform and medals with an academic gown if you wish.

Dress code for guests

There is no strict dress code for guests. However, if possible, guests should dress smartly, (as if attending a wedding or similar family celebration). Guests of our international heritage students are welcome to wear traditional dress if they wish.

General notes

The auditorium can get quite warm during the ceremony, so please consider this when choosing what to wear (especially if you are having a gown).

Unlike most colleges or universities, wearing a gown isn’t compulsory. This allows you to make a choice. However, most of our graduates do decide to wear one for their big day.

As Graduation is a traditional and formal occasion with VIPs in attendance we do expect all of our graduates to look smart and reserve the right to exclude anyone from the ceremony if they are dressed inappropriately.

When you arrive, there'll be staff and signs directing you to the Gowning Studio, close to the entrance on the ground floor.

When you arrive, there'll be staff and signs directing you to the Photography Studio, close to the entrance on the ground floor.

The photographic studios will be open from 10:00 am until about 1:30 pm (when graduates need to enter The Great Hall for the ceremony) and again afterwards – for a short time - until about 4:30 pm. However, we strongly recommend having your studio photographs taken beforehand to avoid any possible disappointment.

Yes. Photography and video can be taken inside and outside the Great Hall but, as a courtesy to those people around you, please do not stand up or leave your seat to take photos or film during the ceremony.

For everyone’s comfort and safety: stairs, gangways and doors must be kept clear at all times.