Graduation information

We'll send invitations to register for your ceremony, book guest tickets and order robes closer to the event. This is all done through the same booking platform.

Links are sent to your personal email address, not Hartpury, so it's important you ensure your contact details up to date. This can be done on my.hartpury.ac.uk

You'll be able to book up to two, three or four guest tickets per graduate initially, dependant on the size of the graduating class.

During the registration process, there will be an opportunity to indicate if you would be interested in additional guest tickets if they become available after the initial booking period. If additional tickets are available and you have indicated that you would be interested, you'll be informed by email. They’ll be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Children aged four and over will need a guest seat. An adult must accompany children at all times. If you're bringing a pushchair, it's important you include this information when completing your online booking, to ensure suitable seating is allocated.

You’ll be able to hire or purchase robes at the same time as registering, through Marston, the University’s recommended supplier. We’ll make arrangements for you to be able to collect your gown at Gloucester Cathedral on the day. Given the formal nature of the event, we recommend you wear smart clothing beneath your robe.

You'll be able to pick your robes up at Gloucester Cathedral on the day and return them to a drop-off point outside after the ceremony has finished.

Hartpury University is delighted to cover the cost of all graduate robe hire for the 2023 ceremonies. 

Gloucester Cathedral is fully accessible and we'll be happy to assist with seating arrangements. If you are a graduate or guest with access requirements, please ensure you provide full details of any access requirements when completing your online booking. You can also get in touch with us ahead of the event by contacting the team on graduation@hartpury.ac.uk

You can find further information on Gloucester Cathedral’s website.

Certificates and transcripts will not be given on the day. These will be sent to your home address prior to the event. Further information on certificates can be found here.

Official photography on the day is provided by Marston Events and is available before your ceremony. You can book this at the same time as ordering your guest tickets and gown.

Roaming photographers will also be capturing the spirit of the day. These photographs may be used by the University for media publications and advertising. They will be archived for future use. By registering to take part and purchasing guest tickets, you're giving permission for your image to be used in this manner. If you’d like to opt-out, please email graduation@hartpury.ac.uk before the event.

We recommend arriving at least 1.5 hours before your ceremony is due to start.

You'll be guided into the Cathedral where staff will direct you through the next steps. This will include, registering your attendance for the script, collecting robes and taking a formal photograph if booked. We recommend your guests take their seats while you get yourself ready to graduate.

The ceremony is usually around 1-1.5 hours long.

Once finished, you and your guests will be directed straight out of the cathedral with opportunities to celebrate and take pictures outside.

We recommend arriving at least 1.5 hours before your ceremony begins, when doors open to students. Upon arrival, you’ll need to register at the front desk. This is the most important step of the day, as your name will not be read out if you do not register.

If you arrive late and after registration has closed, we cannot guarantee you’ll be able to take part in the ceremony.

Entry to the venue is by ticket only. Please bring your e-ticket with you (either electronic or printed).

Guest seats will be allocated and we recommend locating your seat upon arrival. Guests must have tickets and be seated at least 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

We're delighted to be able to live stream the ceremonies to additional guests. This can be watched from a personal device with internet access. Further information on accessing this will be available in due course.

All attendees should be aware that they'll feature in this footage and it may be used by Hartpury University for media publications and advertising. By registering to take part  and by purchasing guest tickets, you are giving permission for your image to be recorded and broadcast in this manner.

Please note that Gloucester Cathedral is an old building with thick walls, so please bear with us if there are any technical issues.

The Cathedral is located at the heart of the city centre, and no car parking is available at the venue. As such, we advise planning parking in advance. There are public car parks available within walking distance. Further information can be found on the Cathedral’s website.

There is a very limited number of disabled parking spaces available at the venue, which are for use by Blue Badge holders on a first-come, first-served basis.