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2026 Summer Graduation on 10 July
There are two ceremonies in the summer, each lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours. Both are on 10 July 2026.
10am start: The Graduate School & The Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences.
3pm start: The Graduate School & The Faculty of Design, Informatics and Business.
Graduation Ceremony schedule:
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Presentation of honorary degrees.
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Speeches by Honorary Graduates.
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Award of research degrees.
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Award of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
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The Principal gives a speech.
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Chancellor/academic procession out to city square.
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Graduate procession out to city square.
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Celebration time!
Arrive at the Graduation Ceremony
Get to the Caird Hall
The Graduation Ceremony is at the Caird Hall, which is a 10 minute walk from campus. We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time.
You and your guests must be sat down at least 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Late arrivals won’t be allowed in once the ceremony has started.
What happens when I arrive?
Please make sure you have your seat number with you. You will be shown to your allocated seat by University staff. You sit alphabetically, in order of your course.
Guest do not have specific seat numbers. Guests sit where they can on a first come, first served basis.
Crossing the stage
At the right time University staff will guide you towards the stage. Please stay in the order in which you are seated.
You'll have your name checked before you go up the stairs to the stage.
Walk across the stage
When your name is called, walk across the stage to the Chancellor. Pause and bow your head slightly for the Chancellor to 'doff' you (this means they tap you on the head with a soft cap). Please don't shake hands with the Chancellor.
Walk off and collect your certificate
Walk to the far end of the stage where you'll be handed your certificate holder. You leave the stage through the door in front of you. In the corridor you'll be given your certificate. Then return to your seat. You've done it, you're a graduate!
End of the ceremony
The Academic Procession
At the end of the ceremony, the Chancellor leads the people on the stage out of the Caird Hall to the City Square. This is the 'Academic Procession'. You join the end of the academic procession as directed by University staff.
Celebration drinks
Now it’s time for you and your guests to enjoy celebration drinks in the City Square.
Collecting and returning robes
The venue: Caird Hall
The Caird Hall is a grand and impressive building located in the heart of Dundee’s city centre, providing a stunning venue for our Graduation Ceremonies.
Getting here: here is a map showing the Caird Hall.
Address: City Square, Dundee DD1 3BB.
It's accessible for everyone and has ramps for wheelchair users and those with other mobility requirements. Please see the Caird Hall Access page for more information.
How to get to the venue
Walking to The Caird Hall
The Caird Hall is about a 10 minute walk from the campus. Here's a map showing a suggested walking route from the campus to the Caird Hall.
Please aim to get to the venue at least 30 minutes beforehand, this gives you and your guests plenty of time to get settled. You must be seated 20 minutes before the ceremony begins.
Prams and buggies need to be left in a designated area during the ceremony. There is very little space, so they can't be taken into the main hall.
Driving and Parking
Caird Hall is in a pedestrian area, so you'll need to park and walk in. There is no parking directly outside the Caird Hall, but there are plenty of car parks nearby. Find out more on the Dundee City Council parking page and the accessible drop off points here on the Caird Hall page.
Graduation Day Ceremony FAQs
When and where do I collect my ceremony tickets?
Registration desks are set up at the Caird Hall, and you'll be emailed the room details. This is where you to collect your invitation card, seat number and any guests tickets you've bought.
Tickets are normally available to collect 2pm-5pm the day before Graduation, and from 8.30am on the day of the ceremony itself.
Where do I collect my academic robes?
Find out everything you need know on the Academic Dress page.
Where do I sit?
You have an allocated seat number.
When you register, you’ll be given your own invitation card and an allocated seat number.
Your seat number is very important, so keep the card safe and bring it with you to the ceremony.
How do I arrange specific access/disability requirements?
If you have specific access or disability requirements, need special seating arrangements or require support on the day, please tell us about this during the graduation registration process by emailing graduationevents@abertay.ac.uk.
We always do our very best to accommodate you. But we need time to plan, so please tell us as early as you can before the ceremony.
We may not be able to organise support if you haven't told us about it before the actual day of the ceremony.
How do I get on stage? What happens then?
At the right time, you'll be guided to the steps by University staff. Your name will be called, and then you go up approach the chancellor who 'doffs' you (softly taps you on the head) with a soft cap.
Where do I collect my graduation certificate?
Once you've crossed the stage, you'll be handed your certificate holder, and then given your certificate by University staff backstage. You'll then be shown back to your seat.
What happens after I've received my certificate?
You'll be guided by University staff to return to your seat. You stay until the ceremony ends, so you can watch all your friends graduate as well.
How long do Graduation ceremonies last usually?
Both summer and winter Graduation ceremonies last about 1.5-2 hours.
I'm neurodivergent, what should I expect?
Graduation ceremonies usually involve:
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Bright, theatrical lighting and music.
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Occasional low lighting.
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Long periods of applause.
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Large crowds, some crowd congestion and general crowd noise. Queueing.
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Being seated in a row with other students next to, behind and in front of you.
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Raised voices and PA system announcements, including speeches through the PA.
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Large digital screens showing text and videos.
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Photography, sounds and lights associated with flash photography.
If you email us during the registration process, we will do our best to discuss how to manage this with you. But we can only do this if we have enough time to help you, so please contact us beforehand by emailing graduationevents@abertay.ac.uk
I have another question, what are the contact details?
For any other questions about the Graduation ceremony, please email graduationevents@abertay.ac.uk and include your student number.
Ceremony photography at the Venue
Our University photographers take photographs on the day of the ceremony for publicity purposes. Wherever possible we’ll obtain your consent, but this may not be feasible in all circumstances (such as crowd shots).
