Graduation FAQs for 2021

The running of graduation is subject to the UK government permitting large-scale events in December. Should additional restrictions be imposed, it is possible that we may have to postpone or cancel the graduation ceremonies. Were this to happen, graduands would be given as much notice as possible. Whilst we hope that graduation will take place, we would encourage graduands to avoid making non-refundable travel and accommodation arrangements, and/or take out appropriate travel insurance.

The safety of all of our graduands, guests and staff is of paramount importance and, in planning graduation, we have carefully considered where risks might arise and have implemented ways of protecting everyone. We are closely following government advice in relation to the organisation of large-scale events. 

Graduation locations will be cleaned frequently throughout the day and we will adhere to any social distancing guidance which is in place at the time. 

All attendees (graduands, guests and staff) must have received a negative Covid test result within the 48 hour period before the ceremony. All attendees will be asked to provide evidence of their test result prior to entry to the ceremony. We will have testing kits available on the day for those that are not able to provide this. If, on the day of graduation, you or your guests are experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19 or are having to self-isolate, you must not travel to the campus.  Please contact the Graduation Office to advise us that you are unable to attend your ceremony. 

Information about how to obtain home testing kits can be found on the UK government website. Alternatively, kits are available from some pharmacies.

If you are travelling to the UK from overseas, please adhere to the latest UK government guidance in relation to testing and quarantining.

We would ask that all graduands and guests wear a face mask during the ceremony, unless exempt for medical reasons.  Graduands will be able to remove their face mask prior to crossing the stage and should then put it back on after returning to their seat.  

Please provide this information in the online booking form. We will endeavour to accommodate the needs of all graduands and guests. All venues will be fully accessible to wheelchair users and first aid provision will be in place. If you experience any difficulties on the day, please alert a member of staff.

Graduands should dress smartly for the event and must must wear academic dress (gown, hood and cap) which should be hired from Ede and Ravenscroft in advance of the ceremony. There is no dress code for guests, although graduation is a formal event.

You can check your most recent statement or contact the Finance Office on +44 (0)1509 223538.

For information about how to pay your outstanding fees, please refer to the Finance Office website.

Normally the timescales involved are very tight and it is rare for appeals to be fully resolved ahead of the degree ceremonies. Therefore, if your appeal is regarding your degree classification, we recommend you attend your ceremony. You should note that this will not prejudice the consideration of your appeal.

If your appeal is subsequently upheld and results in a change to your degree classification, you will be issued with an updated transcript and certificate. Should you wish to attend another degree ceremony you will be permitted to do so - please contact the Graduation Office to make the necessary arrangements.

If you have completed your programme, or are due to complete your programme in time to graduate in December, and have not received an invitation by 15th November, please contact the Graduation Office.

If you wish to attend your ceremony, but are not sure whether or not this will be possible, please book your place by the 26th November deadline.  If your plans subsequently change, please email us at graduation@lboro.ac.uk.  

Each graduand will have the opportunity to request a maximum of 2 guest tickets when booking their place at the ceremony. 

We regret that it is unlikely that we will be able to offer extra tickets. However, ceremonies will be broadcast online for those who are unable to attend.

In order for us to manage the safe flow of graduands and guests across campus, we regret that this will not be possible. The ceremonies will be broadcast online for those who are unable to attend but we are unable to offer an indoor webcast facility this winter.

Your certificate is a formal record of your award and, as such, we strongly recommend that the official version of your name is used for graduation purposes.

Your name will appear in your certificate and transcript in the form 'first name(s) surname / family name' (Titles and other awards are not included). If your full name follows a different convention, or you need to make any other changes to your name, please complete the Name Change form and email it with supporting evidence (e.g. passport or marriage certificate) to graduation@lboro.ac.uk by 19th November 2021. Changes cannot be made after the production of your certificate.

• Name Change form‌ (Word .docx)
  Please use this form if you need to change your name as it appears on your certificate and transcript.

You can either collect your certificate and, if applicable, your transcript from the Rutland Building (Loughborough campus) or pay for postage via the button below.  If you would like to arrange a courier at your own expense, or nominate someone to collect your certificate, please email graduation@lboro.ac.uk with the details.

Certificates will be available from Monday 20th December 2021 onwards.  Due to the proximity of graduation to the Christmas vacation, it is unlikely that we will be able to post out degree certificates until January 2022.  

If Loughborough University’s graduation ceremonies need to be postponed or relocated or cannot take place as planned due to circumstances beyond the University’s control, the Graduation Office will notify all graduands at the earliest possible time and publish notice of the position online.

We regret that Loughborough University cannot be held responsible for any loss or additional expense incurred by graduands or guests arising from the postponement, cancellation or relocation of its graduation ceremonies due to circumstances beyond the University’s control. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, fire, flood, natural disaster, explosion, terrorist act (or threat of a terrorist act), epidemic or pandemic, period of national mourning, industrial action, or dispute involving the University or graduation venue. Graduands and guests should ensure that they have adequate insurance protection to cover any losses which could be incurred in such circumstances including, but not limited to, travel and accommodation costs.