Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I want to apply to attend a Congregation ceremony - how do I do that?
Go to our How to Apply page, which will tell you what to do.
When is my ceremony?
Our website gives the dates of upcoming ceremonies. You will be eligible to attend a ceremony if your name has appeared on an official Newcastle University pass list by the deadline prescribed, and you are debt-free to the University by that date too.
I haven't completed my course yet - can I still apply to attend a Congregation?
Yes, please submit your application as soon as possible. If you wait until you have completed and passed your course, it may be too late. You can always cancel your attendance nearer the time, if it turns out that you cannot attend, for whatever reason. Go to our Before the Day page, for information about deadlines for applying to attend a Congregation.
How many guests can I bring to my ceremony?
The standard number of guest tickets issued to a student applying to attend a Congregation is two tickets in the Kings Hall (which includes the gallery area), where the ceremony takes place. You are guaranteed to be allocated these 2 guest tickets in the Kings Hall, provided you submit your application before the deadline.
With your application you can apply for up to 4 extra tickets, but these extra tickets are not guaranteed, because of space restrictions in the King's Hall and TV relay room. These extra tickets, if allocated, are charged at £12 for King’s Hall and £7 for the TV Relay. We will e-mail you to let you know how many tickets you have been allocated and which venue these extra tickets are for.
We will also give you information about how to pay for any extra tickets, in the ticket allocation e-mail.
Will I receive my parchment on stage?
No, a Presiding Officer will shake your hand as you cross the stage, but you will not receive your parchment at the ceremony. You can find more information about parchment issuing here.
What is the TV relay room?
A lecture theatre (in the same building as the ceremony hall) where there is a six-foot screen onto which we broadcast the Congregation ceremony as it is happening. If you are allocated extra guest tickets on top of your two standard guest tickets, the extra guest tickets may be in this venue.
What should I wear for my ceremony?
Please note that there is no dress code for the ceremonies (apart from the wearing of academic dress, which is compulsory for all candidates) but, as a guide, we advise candidates to wear a light coloured shirt or blouse with dark trousers or a skirt. Traditional and national dress is encouraged. However, please note that this is purely advice and you do not need to follow it. Candidates and their guests usually dress in a smart or smart-casual way. All attendees are advised to dress warmly in case of cold weather and queues outside the Armstrong Building.
I haven't received my parchment yet, what should I do?
Go to our Issuing Parchments page, which will tell you our procedure for issuing parchments.
What is a parchment?
Parchment is the official word which the University uses to mean your certificate.
I have lost my parchment - what should I do?
You can apply for a duplicate copy of your parchment by visiting our online webstore.
I still have my parchment but I need to get a copy of it certified as a true copy - can you do this for me?
Yes, this service is also available via our webstore.
