Frequently Asked Questions

When can I book my place at the congregation?

We will send you an email when the online booking system opens, usually about 3 months before the congregations.

Emails will be sent to your University email address and any personal email account we have on your intranet account.

I am not bringing any guests to the congregation - do I still need to complete the application process?

Yes, it is essential that you complete the application process to ensure that your seat is reserved for you.

I will not be attending the congregation - do I still need to complete the application process?

Yes, you will still need to complete the application process, as we need to know how many students will be attending.

I am still waiting for my results. Should I wait until they are published before completing the application process?

No, you should complete the application process as soon as possible, to ensure that you are allocated tickets.

We cannot guarantee that tickets will still be available if you apply after the booking deadline.

If you do not pass your final assessments, you will automatically be uninvited from the congregations and will receive an email informing you that you are no longer eligible to attend.

Am I able to change my congregation day/time?

No, all students will be allocated to a congregation based on their home department. This principle will apply across all Schools.

If you are unsure of your home department please contact your School in the first instance. 

How can I book guest tickets?

When you receive our email invitation to the online booking system you will automatically be allocated and guaranteed 2 free guest tickets.

Graduating students do not need a ticket to attend their congregation. 

You will collect your tickets from Swansea Arena on the day of your congregation. 

Will there be additional tickets available?

Most students like to bring friends and family to their graduation congregation.  We are only able to guarantee TWO FREE GUEST TICKETS per student when students register their attendance.

If additional tickets are available, this will be communicated to all students by email in advance of the ceremonies.

Additional tickets cost £15.00 and if available will be sold on a first come first served basis. Information regarding additional tickets will be sent to you following the June Examination Boards.

Tickets can only be purchased online, are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Tickets will NOT be posted out to you; they will be sent to your student email account and will contain a unique QR code that will be scanned upon entry to Swansea Arena on the day.

Guests without a ticket will not be permitted entry into Swansea Arena and the ceremony.

Further information regarding your e-tickets will be sent to you nearer the time.

Live ceremonies will be broadcast during graduation via the following webpage: Graduation - Swansea University

Can I bring children to the congregation?

We recognise that graduation is a family occasion and children are welcome to attend. However, they must be accompanied by an adult.  The congregations last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes so they may not be suitable for very young children.  Out of respect for other guests we request that children should be taken outside if they become unsettled during the congregation so as not to disrupt proceedings and disturb other guests.  We reserve the right to ask any child (or adult) to leave the auditorium during the ceremony if they are making unnecessary noise or action which is disruptive to the proceedings or to other guests.

Children under the age of 2 years must sit on an adult’s lap, and not on a seat. They do not require a ticket. 

Children aged 2 years and over must have a full price guest ticket for entry to the congregation.

Child care facilities are not available.

Is there wheelchair space available?

Yes, but please note that wheelchair seating is limited and must be booked in advance.

If you or your guests have any special requirements, please note this when requested during the online booking process or, if you have already booked, contact the Graduation Office directly.

How will I receive my tickets?

Guest tickets will be sent electronically.

You will be informed by e-mail of your total ticket allocation prior to the congregations.

Graduating students do not need a ticket to attend their congregation but will need to register on the day.

Is there a dress code?

All graduating students are required to wear academic dress.

Ede and Ravenscroft is the approved supplier of the correct academic dress for Swansea University. 

We also recommend that graduands wear a shirt or blouse, to enable the hood of the gown to be attached to one of the buttons.

For more information, visit our Academic Dress page.

For guests, there is no official dress code.  However, as the congregation is a formal event, we recommend that guests wear smart dress.

Where do I order my graduation gown? How much will it cost?

You are responsible for ordering your own gown.

Ede and Ravenscroft is the approved supplier of the correct academic dress for Swansea University. 

The cost of hiring an academic gown through Ede and Ravenscroft is dependent on your level of award, but typically costs between £40 and £60.  Please see prices: 

Prices when ordering online:

What time do the congregations start and finish?

All congregations begin at 10.00am, 1.30pm or 4.30pm. Please visit the graduation Timetable for specific congregations.

You will need to arrive approximately 1½ hours before your congregation is due to start to make sure you have enough time to collect your tickets and gown and have your official photographs taken.

Please note that the photography studios are open before or after your congregation and are based in The Waterfront Museum.

Each congregation lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Where is the venue and how do I get there?

Graduation will take place at Swansea Arena, Oystermouth Road, Bae Copr Bay, Swansea, SA1 3BX

Pay and display car parking is available at the Arena and surrounding city centre car parks.

What do I need to do on the day?

On the day of your congregation you will need to go to the Arena to register, obtain your seat number, collect your tickets and your certificate. (If you are awarded your degree or award 8 weeks or more before the congregations, your certificate will be sent by post to your home address.) You will then need to collect your robes and may choose to have official photographs taken.

Please be aware there may be queues and we advise you to arrive approximately 1½ hours before your congregation start time to allow yourself enough time.

Your official photographs can be taken in the Waterfront Museum before or after the congregation.  

Please be aware that both you and your guests must be seated no later than 15 minutes before the start of the congregation. Late arrival may affect your guests' ability to take their seats and your ability to take part in the congregation. We reserve the right to refuse admission to any late guests to the congregation, even if they have a ticket.

The doors to the auditorium will open 30 minutes before the beginning of the congregation.

Where will I sit at the congregation? Will I sit with my guests?

You will sit with other graduands at the front of the auditorium, organised alphabetically by award and programme.

Each award is announced, followed by the names of all graduands attending. As your name is read out, you will walk across the stage to doff your cap to the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor.  

Marshals will be available to assist you on the day, ensuring that you are presented correctly for your degree or award.

Guests will sit in a separate area behind the graduands.

Can I bring a camera and video camera to the congregation?

Yes, but please be considerate of those sitting around you if photographing or filming during the event.

Professional photographs and a USB of the congregation will be available to purchase after the congregation - for more details, please visit our Photographs section.  

When will I receive my certificate?

Your certificate will be ready for collection once you have registered on the day of your ceremony.  For those students not attending the ceremonies the policy is that certificates shall be posted to the student at their home address as specified on the Student Profile on the Intranet within 8 weeks of conferment. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain accurate contact details on their intranet account. 

If you have any queries regarding your certificate, or if you do not receive your certificate within three months of your award being confirmed, contact degreecertificates@swansea.ac.uk 

I need a visa support letter for me/my family to attend the congregation - what should I do?

Please go to our International Visa Support Letters section for further details.

How can I contact the Graduation Office?

Please see our Contact The Graduation Team page

Force Majeure