What is the order of ceremony?
Each ceremony will last approximately two hours. There will be a reception after the ceremony for students and their guests.
Order of ceremony
- Procession - music will play and the audience is asked to stand.
- Dean of Southwark Cathedral's Opening Address (Medical/Dental ceremonies only)
- Principal's Opening Address
- Presentation of Jelf Medallists (if any)
- Presentation of Gold and Silver medallists (Medical/Dental ceremonies only)
- Presentation of Students
- Presentation of Teaching Excellence Awards (if any)
- Response from the Students’ Union
- Graduation Oath (Medical/Dental ceremonies only)
- Presentation of Fellows (if any)
- Chair of Council's Closing Speech
- National Anthem - the audience is asked to rise for the National Anthem
- Recession - music will play and the audience is asked to remaining standing as the platform party leaves
Ceremony ends
Will I receive my degree certificate at my ceremony?
Your certificate will be posted to you within 3 months of your date of award.
For more detail, we advise reading our article Your Degree Certificate.
What happens if I am graduating with an AKC?
If you are graduating with a King’s College London award and have completed the Associateship of King's College (AKC), you will wear as part of your academic dress a black epitoge embroidered with the university's lion 'Reggie', buttoned to the left shoulder.
The epitoge, a short streamer of black fabric that matches the fabric of the university's gowns, will be given to you to attach to your gown as you are checked before you cross the stage. The epitoge will be collected by an usher after you have crossed the stage.
Important to know: Epitoges cannot be ordered through Ede & Ravenscroft. They are provided by the Graduation Office based on information from the Dean's office. Please contact us about this through our Ceremonies & Events contact form should you have any queries.
Can my guests take photos and videos during the ceremony?
Your guests are very welcome to take photographs/video images during the graduation ceremony but we ask that they please remain seated to avoid blocking the view of those around them.
What if I’m not able or comfortable shaking hands?
It is the custom for graduates to shake hands with the Principal and the Chair as they cross the stage, but this is not an official requirement of graduation. If for religious reasons, or for concerns about hygiene, you would prefer not to shake hands, please clasp your hands in front of you as you cross the stage.