London Graduation Information

Below you will find all the information and tasks you need to complete prior to your London Graduation Ceremony.

Guests can find details on ceremonies and how to prepare for your graduation on port.ac.uk.

Ticket booking is currently closed.

Eligibility and deferrals

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria by 14 Nov 2025:

Awarded your registered qualification (check Student View), AND
No outstanding debts (such as tuition fees, library fines or halls fees). You can make payments via your Student View online account.

Eligibility FAQs

Deferrals

Deferrals are only considered in exceptional circumstances, such as:

Bereavement
Illness (self or family)
Deployment
Jury service

Deferrals are typically granted for one academic year.

To request a deferral, submit your request before the booking system closes. If you missed last year's graduation or have any issues after 7th Nov that will affect your attendance at graduation, contact the graduation team to discuss your options. Note that decisions are made on behalf of the Academic Registrar and are final.

Graduation day details

Collect your cap and gown: Gowning opens on the first floor of Ravelin Sports Centre 2 hours before your ceremony starts. However, if your ceremony is at 10.00am you can collect your gown between 4.00pm and 6.00pm the day before. You'll also receive a text message when your gown is ready to be collected.
Head to the venue: Portsmouth Guildhall. Please allow 20-30 minutes to walk from Ravelin Sports Centre to the ceremony venue.
Arrive at the ceremony: Arrive early, with your e-ticket at the ready, to ensure you have time to check in before the ceremony starts, as per your time slot below. Doors will open one hour before the ceremony begins and you should be seated 10 minutes before the ceremony starts. Be sure to arrive on time, as latecomers may not be allowed entry.
Attend ceremony: Enjoy your ceremony and celebrate with your fellow graduates! Ceremonies typically last 1-1.5 hours.
Photography: If you pre-book a photography package, you can go straight to the photography studios when you’ve collected your gown and cap. If you haven't booked, you can purchase a package on the first floor of Ravelin Sports Centre, but be prepared to wait a little while. You can have your photos taken any time during the day, but we recommend allowing 20-30 minutes to reach Portsmouth Guildhall for your ceremony. Professional photographers will also capture moments during the ceremony.
Post-ceremony activities: Celebrate with your fellow graduates, friends and family at the Graduation Village in Ravelin Park, where the celebratory reception takes place. Afterwards, you can keep the festivities going at various local venues in Portsmouth. Take some time to explore the city and discover the perfect spot to continue your celebrations.
Return academic dress: After the ceremony, return your academic dress to the designated collection point by 7.30pm.

Remember to bring a bottle of water with you. With everything going on, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Having water on hand will help you stay comfortable and enjoy the day.

As we get closer to the ceremony dates, we’ll be updating the website with more detailed information to help you prepare. Please check back regularly, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need any support in the meantime or explore our FAQs.

Ceremony FAQs Ticket FAQs Academic Dress FAQs Photography FAQs

Your celebratory reception will include

A selection of complimentary drinks for you and your guests, including prosecco and soft drinks.
The student union will be providing summer games for everyone to join in.
Get your Portsmouth keepsake from the Student Union pop-up shop, with a range of merchandise available to commemorate your time with us.
Pekish? Enjoy a choice of food from our vendors, including loaded tater tots, strawberries and cream cups, and ice cream. Available for purchase.
Visit the Alumni booth for a fun photo in our photobooth.

After graduation

After you graduate from the London campus, you’ll join our alumni network connecting you to events, opportunities, and a community for life. You’ll also get practical support with things like accessing, sharing, or verifying your award documents.

If you’re thinking about further study, you can continue your journey with us in London and benefit from fast-tracked, discounted postgraduate options. Whatever you decide, we’ll be here for you.

Access, share or verify your documents

Save on Master's study

Access careers support

Join our alumni network