Graduation FAQs
Graduation FAQ
How much do tickets cost?
Student tickets are free and Guest tickets cost £15 each. Guest Tickets are limited to 4 per student.
Can I bring more than 4 guests?
There is limited space in the Cathedral so to give everyone the opportunity to bring their family and friends along to celebrate, Guest tickets are limited to 4 in the first instance. However, if there are any tickets remaining after sales close, then you may be able to purchase additional guest tickets. We will advise you about this nearer the time.
Can I reserve seats for my guests in Norwich Cathedral?
Seats in Norwich Cathedral are not allocated and are available on a first come, first served basis. Guests can take their seats up to half an hour before the ceremony and must be seated 15 minutes prior to the start time.
Do I need to book a guest ticket for my child?
This will depend on the age of your child. If they are small enough to sit on your lap then you will not need to purchase a ticket for them. However, if they need their own seat then you will need to buy one.
Can I bring a pram/buggy into the Cathedral?
Yes, but there will not be room for you to take it into the Ceremony. There should, however, be space for you to leave it near the Registration desk in the South Transept.
When will you send me my tickets?
You can collect your tickets (and graduation brochure) on the day when you register in Norwich Cathedral. They will not be sent to you in advance.
Where can I park?
There are many car parks in the city centre within close proximity to Norwich Cathedral or you can use the Park and Ride system. Norwich Cathedral grounds can only cater for a small number of disabled drivers or guests. If you or your guests are Blue Badge holders or have mobility issues, please let us know when you book your tickets and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Will there be wheelchair access in Norwich Cathedral?
There is level access to Norwich Cathedral from both the main Hostry entrance and the South door. If you or your guests use a wheelchair, please let us know when you book your tickets so that we can make arrangements for you.
What time do I need to arrive?
Check the timetables for each ceremony. We suggest arriving an hour before your ceremony to ensure you have sufficient time to register and collect your tickets and academic gown, take photographs and generally feel unrushed before the ceremony. A pre-ceremony briefing is given 15 minutes before the ceremony so please make sure you are seated at this time.
What will happen if I arrive late to my ceremony?
If you fail to arrive at least 30 minutes before your ceremony is due to start, we will cannot guarantee that you will be permitted to take part in the ceremony.
What do I have to wear?
Graduation is a formal event and graduands are asked to dress smartly. You may find it helpful to wear something with a button on the front to help prevent your academic gown slipping off your shoulders. Jeans, T-shirts and other casual items are not considered appropriate for Graduation ceremonies. Bear in mind that the floor in Norwich Cathedral is stone and you will need to walk a fair distance to collect your award, so appropriate footwear should be worn.
Do I have to wear an academic gown?
Yes – the wearing of an academic gown is mandatory for all graduands. Academic gowns must be hired from Ede and Ravenscroft in advance of the ceremony. A small number of academic gowns may be available on the day (in case of emergency) however you are advised to book your academic gown well in advance. All academic gowns must be returned to the academic gowning marquee by 4.00 pm.
What colour will this be?
If you are graduating from a UEA degree or foundation degree programme, your gown will be mid-blue with a hood edged with either spectrum green (Bachelor/Foundation Degree of Science) or coral (Bachelor/Foundation Degree of Arts). For Dip HE and Cert HE awards, your gown will be mid-blue with a hood edge with white. For all other awards, your gown will be black with a white and red hood.
Filming and Photography
You are welcome to take your own photographs during the day. We do ask that during the ceremony, guests refrain from taking photographs and videos. The College’s media team will cover the ceremony.
What happens during the ceremony?
The ceremony commences with the Academic procession of management and lecturing staff from City College Norwich, Officers of the University, Guests of Honour, Representatives of the City of Norwich and Honoured Guests. The Representative of Norwich will welcome all to the ceremony with the Chair of the Corporation formally opening the ceremony. After a musical interlude City College Norwich management will confirm the statements of authority.
Guided by City College Norwich staff, students will move from their seats in seat number order and proceed to the side of the stage. As soon as your name is announced you should walk to the stage where you will receive a certificate tube. You will then walk down the centre aisle where you will be handed your certificate by a member of the Graduation team. You will then return to your numbered seat for the remainder of the ceremony which will include the Guest of Honours and Principals addresses. Following the ceremony, students will process out of Norwich Cathedral behind the main Academic procession.