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Graduation

Graduation Frequently Asked Questions

  • When will I get an invitation to the Ceremony?

    All eligible students will be sent an invitation with instructions on how to book in January.  Students undertaking resits in June, will receive information on their eligibility after the deadline for examination registration.

    If you believe that you are eligible to attend the ceremony in July 2013 and have not received information from us, please email ceremony@soas.ac.uk.

  • When is my Graduation?

    Please refer to the Schedule on these pages

  • Can I attend any Ceremony?

    There are four ceremonies and each degree is pre-allocated to one of these.  It is not possible for students to attend a different ceremony.

  • How many tickets can I have?

    Initially each student is entitled to purchase there own ticket and two guest tickets.  Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis.

  • What do I do if I need more than 2 guest tickets?

    When you book your tickets, you must inform us of the number of additional tickets you would like.  After the booking deadline (5th July), we will identify the number of spare tickets available at each ceremony and will allocate these to students who have requested additional tickets.  This allocation will be made in the order that the request was made.

  • What can I do if I can't have any additional tickets?

    Any additional guests who do not have tickets for the Ceremony can sit in the viewing suite to watch the proceedings.

  • Can children attend the ceremony?

    Children under 10 are not permitted into the Ceremony.  They can however sit in the viewing suite if accompanied by an adult.

    Children over 10 may attend the Ceremony and a ticket must be purchased.  There are no child concessions on tickets.

  • What if someone in my party has special requirements?

    When purchasing your tickets, please state on your booking what special requirements you or your guests have and how we can accommodate them.

  • How do I get a visa letter for my parents/friends?

    Once you have booked your tickets, you should request a visa certification letter from the Registry, using the online form.  Please ensure that you inform us when making this request of the information that you require in the letter (eg number of guests, date and time of the ceremony).

  • Are the seats numbered?

    The seats for guests are not numbered, so guests may choose where to sit.  However some seats will be reserved for academic staff and guests with special requirements.

    Students' seats are numbered.

  • When will I receive my tickets?

    Tickets will be issued on the day of the ceremony when you register in the Institute of Education.  Tickets will only be issued to the graduand with proof of identification (student ID card, photo driving licence or passport).

  • Can I get a refund on my tickets?

    Please refer to the refund policy on these webpages.

    If you require a refund, you must email your request to ceremonyrefund@soas.ac.uk

  • Can I park on Campus?

    Unfortunately there are no facilities for on-campus parking.

  • How long is the ceremony?

    The ceremony will be approximately 2 hours and will then be followed by a reception nearby.

  • What if I owe the school money?

    Any student who has not cleared their debts to SOAS, including library fines, will not be eligible to attend the ceremonies.

  • Will I get my certificate at the ceremony?

    We do not present degree certificates at graduation ceremonies. Your certificate will be posted to you by University of London Diploma Production Office. It is therefore important for SOAS to have details of your current address. 

    Certificates will be posted to your home address as follows:

    • Postgraduate students awarded a degree in December 2012 – certificates posted in March 2013.
    • Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Masters students awarded a degree in July 2013 – certificates posted in October 2013.


    Enquiries about degree certificates should be sent to diploma.enquiries@london.ac.uk

  • What should I wear?

    Most graduands will wear the appropriate gown, although this is not compulsory.  Gowsns must be booked from Ede & Ravenscroft.

    Graduands and guests normally dress formally for such occasions, but SOAS does not impose a dress code. Please see further details on the Gown Hire section of these pages.

  • Are there official photographs / DVD?

    There will be official photographers available.  Please see the Photography section of these pages.

    DVD's of the ceremony can be ordered in advance from Black Swan Film and Video.  They may also be ordered on the day. 

  • Can my guests and I stay on campus overnight?

    No.

  • Can I defer my graduation to next year?

    If you are unable to attend the ceremony this year, you will be able to defer to July 2014.  Please notify us by emailing the Graduation Ceremonies Office, who will record your request and ensure you are sent an invitation to the ceremony in 2014.

  • Are refreshments provided?

    Each ceremony will be followed by a reception, which is included in your ticket price.  You can also purchase other refreshments at SOAS.