A student shakes hands with the Chancellor at Graduation

Summer Graduation 2025

Graduation is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your academic achievement with friends, family, supporters, your peers and the wider University.

Congratulations to the class of 2025!

Summer Graduation will take place from 21st July until the 23rd July 2025.

  • Monday 21st July at 16:00pm - Quiet Graduation
  • Tuesday 22nd July at 11:00am - Bath Business School and Bath Spa University London
  • Tuesday 22nd July at 14:30pm -  The School of Design and The School of Writing, Publishing and Humanities
  • Wednesday 23rd July at 10:00am - The School of Education (undergraduates) and The School of Music and Performing Arts
  • Wednesday 23rd July at 13:00pm - The School of Science
  • Wednesday 23rd July at 16:00pm - The School of Art, Film and Media

Just a reminder that for undergraduates to graduate in July 2025, your award must have been agreed by a Central Assessment Board by Monday 7th July 2025.

Don’t forget to make your booking via our TicketSource platform (links in your invitation email) by the booking deadline. Sadly, we can’t guarantee availability if you miss the deadline.

Initial Teacher Education (including SCITT and Teach First) Graduation 2025

Initial Teacher Education, Postgraduate Taught, SCITT, and Teach First students' graduation will take place on the 28th October 2025.

Graduation Checklist

In order for everything to run smoothly, please make sure you've done the following by Friday 27th June 2025:

  • Register your attendance and confirmed your name and pronunciation (if applicable).
  • Order your robes from Ede & Ravenscroft
  • Book your guest tickets through TicketSource
  • Booked any photos you've decided to have taken
  • Checked out the GradStock pages to see what’s on offer for your post or pre graduation celebrations.

Please check out the ‘How to get there’ information to familiarise yourself with the various venues and locations so you know where you’re going on the day.

Tickets

Registration and guest tickets

Online Registration for graduation is now open.

Once you’ve registered to confirm attendance, you will automatically receive a booking confirmation with the links you need to book your guest tickets and reserve your gown.

Tickets

Once you’ve registered to confirm attendance, you will automatically receive a booking confirmation with the links you need to book your guest tickets and reserve your gown through our TicketSource booking system.

During the registration process and buying guest tickets you can let us know if you or your guests have access needs.

For queries about booking, access and robes please email: graduationbookings@bathspa.ac.uk.

Robes and Photography

Robes and Photography

All students who attend Graduation must wear a robe. If you have any issues relating to this, please email graduationbookings@bathspa.ac.uk outlining your concern.

Once you’ve registered your place, you’ll immediately receive a link to book robes and photography.


How do I order my robes?

Use the link provided in your email confirmation when you register to attend. Robes can be hired or purchased only from official suppliers Ede & Ravenscroft. Bath Spa University robes are dark blue (except PhD robes, which are a lighter  blue) and the hoods are blue and silver; the design of the hood varies depending on which level of award you are receiving.

Please do not send robe orders to the Graduation Office.

Where can I collect my robes?

Robes can be collected at Bath Pavilion, prior to your ceremony start time. Please leave enough time before your ceremony – we recommend around 2 hours.

Please refer to our FAQ’s for any further information or contact Ede & Ravenscroft directly. 

Quiet Graduation

Quiet Graduation is a ceremony for graduates and their guests who may need additional assistance to attend, particularly those with learning difficulties, autism, social anxiety or sensory processing difficulties.

This is a much smaller ceremony held in the auditorium, not on the stage.

There will not be any:

  • Music
  • Clapping
  • Theatrical lighting
  • Streaming of the event (stage clip)

Unlike the larger ceremonies:

  • You do not have to walk across the stage or stand during the ceremony.
  • Your seat will be allocated on the day, you will be able to choose if you wish to be seated with your guests or with other graduating students.
  • You and your guests will be invited to attend afternoon tea in the Ballroom at The Forum.
  • Wearing a robe is your choice.
  • You will not be able to attend Gradstock on the day.

Gradstock

All graduates and their guests are invited to join us at Bath Recreation Ground to celebrate their achievements with their peers and academics.

Expect a fabulous, relaxed summer festival vibe with a bar, food concessions, live music and photo opportunities. 

A photo showing graduates and guests at Gradstock

This is a free event and is located next to the Pavilion with easy access. 

Whether you are coming from the Pavilion, where you will collect your gowns, or directly from The Forum after your ceremony, we will be there to ensure you have a memorable day of celebrations.

Bath Recreation Ground is a flat, accessible route and just a 12 minute walk from The Forum.

There are local car parks around the area (including Bath Pavilion and Bath Cricket Club) and limited Blue Badge parking on a first come first served basis and it is not guaranteed.

Address

North Parade Rd, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4EU

How to get there

Graduation ceremony at The Forum

The graduation ceremonies will take place at The Forum in Bath (street address: St James's Parade, Bath BA1 1UG). This Grade II listed building was originally an Art Deco cinema, and with up to 1600 seats is Bath's largest events venue.

Seating is upholstered and is raked so everybody has a good view of the stage. The Stalls on the ground floor are fully accessible for wheelchair users. The Circle (first floor) is accessible only via stairs.

There are toilets on both floors, including an accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Robes and photography at The Pavillion

The Pavillion (street address: North Parade Rd, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4EU) is opposite Bath Cricket Club and is in the same location as Bath Sports and Leisure Centre. This is where you'll collect your academic robes, and where official photos are taken and is also next to Bath Recreation Ground where Gradstock will take place. 

Gradstock will be the perfect place to meet your fellow graduates and celebrate your success together. There will also be the opportunity for more informal photos as well as meeting with our colleagues from careers and the Students Union, who will be selling BSU merchandise.

Clean Air Zone

If you're driving into Bath for your graduation event, please note that Bath's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is now in operation and that some vehicles may be subject to these charges. For more information, please visit the Bath & North East Somerset Council website.

Parking in Bath

There is limited parking at the Pavilion and no parking at the Forum.

The nearest large car parks to The Forum are in Avon Street and Southgate, and there are a number of car parks in Bath.

The city also has good public transport links and several Park and Rides; you may find these websites useful when planning your journey:

Travel by train

Bath Spa train station is located in the heart of Bath’s city centre and is only a five minute walk from The Forum and a 10-15 minute walk to the Pavilion.

There's a taxi rank outside the train station.

Accessibility

At Bath Spa, we pride ourselves on making our events as inclusive and accessible as possible. If your requirements are not covered here contact graduationbookings@bathspa.ac.uk

The Bath Pavillion:

  • is wheelchair accessible
  • has an accessible toilet 
  • has chairs available
  • assistance dogs are welcome
  • has quiet space 
  • there is limited disabled parking.

The Forum 

When booking your tickets you can tell us if you or your guests require a wheelchair space. 

At The Forum:

  • level access is available in the stalls only
  • there is a ramp to access the stage
  • there is an accessible toilet
  • a hearing loop is available in the stalls
  • assistance dogs are welcome
  • there are chairs available 
  • there is a quiet space
  • BSL by request.

There is no disabled parking at The Forum. The nearest disabled parking is Avon Street or Southgate.

Gradstock:

  • is wheelchair accessible and on level ground - area of Gradstock on grass
  • has an accessible toilet
  • assistance dogs welcome
  • has chairs available 
  • has a quiet space
  • there is limited disabled parking 

Members of staff will be available if you require assistance between venues

If you have specific questions about access email graduationbookings@bathspa.ac.uk.

Children at Graduation

Your child is welcome to join you at Graduation, please note these points to ensure your child is happy and safe at this special occasion.  

  • All children must be accompanied by an adult guest. 
  • Children must sit with your guests throughout the ceremony. 
  • Any child old enough to have their own seat must have a booking. Children young enough to be held throughout the ceremony don’t need a ticket. 
  • We will need to remove prams and buggies from the ceremony space, we will label them and return them to you after the ceremony. 
  • If your child becomes noisy or distressed, we ask you to remove them from the ceremony to the Ballroom as quickly as possible. The Ballroom is an air-conditioned space at Circle level in the Forum. We will be streaming the ceremony so your guests can continue to enjoy your celebration.  
  • At GRADSTOCK we ask you to be aware of the safety of your children at all times.   
  • We will have a First Aid tent and a lost child tent at Gradstock.

Graduation Etiquette and Behaviour

Graduation is an occasion which mixes formal elements with celebrations.   Everyone has their part to play in ensuring the day is  respectful and joyful for everyone. 

  • Please arrive on time and take your seats as directed by staff. 
  • Please don’t use your mobile phone during the ceremony, remove headphones and avoid chewing gum. 
  • Please feel free to nod, namaste or doff your academic cap as you reach the person greeting you. 
  • Please remain seated at the end of the ceremony until instructed to leave the Forum and make your way to the Gradstock 
  • This is a non-political ceremony, please don’t bring flags or signs. 
  • For your safety random bag checks may take place. 

For Guests 

  • Please do not take photographs or film the ceremony. Anyone not present can watch the ceremony on the BSU YouTube channel and every student will be filmed crossing the stage, so you can relax and enjoy the ceremony either at home or at Gradstock.
  • Please clap or cheer all the graduates, and remain in your seats until directed to leave after the ceremony and make your way to Gradstock. 

FAQs - Preparation

Am I eligible to attend?

  • The following awards are presented at graduation: BA or BSc degrees (with or without Honours), PGCE (Primary or Secondary), PGDip, MA, MSc, MRes or MTeach, MPhil, PhD
  • If you achieve an appropriate award, or are expected to achieve an appropriate award, between January and July, you'll be invited to our July graduation ceremonies. Awards made or due after July will be invited to our Winter ceremonies.
  • Students undertaking a degree or a top up degree at one of our partner institutions may be invited to our graduation ceremonies depending upon our partnership arrangements, or invited to ceremonies held by their institution. In some exceptional cases, students may be eligible to attend both ceremonies.

How do I book guest tickets, and how many can I have?

Tickets are booked online via Ticketsource.

Your invitation will include the booking link, and will tell you the opening and closing dates for booking and how many guests you can bring.

What if I don't pass my course in time for Graduation?

Should you not complete the course in time to graduate at your expected ceremony, you can obtain refunds on any of your purchases by contacting each of the services involved.

Please don't wait until you've passed your course before obtaining your tickets as the closing date for booking falls before some results have been announced.

Should you complete your course after your expected graduation, your certificate will be issued within six weeks of when the award is achieved, and you'll be invited to the next ceremonies.

I'm an international student - do I need to make special arrangements?

We're not able to provide letters to help your guests arrange visas for their travel, but you can write one yourself. Please email: immigrationadvice@bathspa.ac.uk for more information and help on what to include in your letter.

If you require a letter to confirm your completion of studies please email the alumni team: alumnirecords@bathspa.ac.uk.

What do I wear?

You must wear the correct academic robes in order to take part in your ceremony. These may be hired or bought from our official suppliers, Ede and Ravenscroft.

Graduation is a formal event, and we advise that you dress to suit the occasion in clothing which will be manageable and comfortable beneath your robes.

FAQs - General

How many guests can I bring?

You are guaranteed two guest tickets (in addition to yourself) at no charge. You may purchase additional tickets (as outlined in your invitation) at a cost of £15.00 each.

We'll be looking to ensure that we can accommodate the number of guests, depending on the capacity of the venue. Guests are classified as any age and do include small children and babies.

Please see the section on Children to see if your youngest guests need a ticket.  

If you'll be driving to the city please try to travel with your guests if possible.

What if I need to cancel?

Please email the Graduation Office at graduation@bathspa.ac.uk as soon as possible so that we can update our records. If you've purchased additional tickets you'll be reimbursed for these.

What if I have special requirements?

You can book wheelchair spaces, aisle seats of stall seats when you book your guest tickets. When you register for your own ticket you’ll be able to tell us about any access issues you have (not your guests) and we’ll contact you nearer the time.

If you need help please email the Graduation Office at graduation@bathspa.ac.uk.

If we are not aware that you have any special requirements, we may be unable to meet them on the day.

You can also provide us with details on your preferred name and/or how to pronounce your name. During the ceremony, your name will be read by someone but they may not know you personally, so if you would rather have a different name read out than that of your official name or think that it would be useful to provide guidance regarding the pronunciation of your name, please let us know via the link which was provided in your invitation email.

I'm experiencing financial difficulty – is there any assistance available?

Although we are providing two guest tickets free of charge, for some students the cost of hiring academic robes for the event may present difficulties. We can assist a limited number of students with the cost of hiring academic robes for graduation.

Any student who has been allocated funds from the Bath Spa University Access Fund during the current academic year, or who has received a Bath Spa University Bursary, will be given a 50% discount on their robe hire – this will be applied automatically when you book your robes with Ede & Ravenscroft. This discount will be applied only once.

What if I don't achieve my award in time for Graduation?

Should you not complete your award in time to graduate at your expected ceremony, you can obtain refunds on any of your purchases by contacting each of the services involved.

When you do complete your course, you'll be invited to the next available graduation ceremony.

Do I have to wear robes to my Graduation ceremony?

Yes, all students who attend Graduation should be wearing a robe. If you have any issues relating to this, please email graduationbookings@bathspa.ac.uk outlining your concern.

How do I order my robes?

Robes can be ordered through Ede & Ravenscroft (the University’s official gown supplier). You'll receive a link to book robes and photography once you have registered your place to attend Graduation.

Please do not send robe orders to the Graduation Office.

Where can I collect my robes?

Robes can be collected at Bath Pavilion, we recommend 2 hours prior to your ceremony start time, and should be returned there by 7:00pm on the same day.

What kind of clothes should I wear?

Graduation ceremonies are formal events and we advise that you dress to suit the occasion, in clothing which will be manageable and comfortable beneath your robes.

The hood is designed to be attached to a button on a shirt or blouse, but can also be pinned. You will be walking between the venues, so wear or bring comfortable shoes. 

I need to change or amend my registration – how do I do this?

Any changes to your booking (changes to any special requirements, change of address, etc.) should be made by contacting the Graduation Office directly: graduationbookings@bathspa.ac.uk.

Who can I contact about a refund on my gown hire, photography or other service?

Refunds for other services (gown hire, photographs, souvenirs) should be sought directly from the supplier. Please note that you may be subject to an administration fee.

When will I get my degree certificate?

Certificates will not be handed out at graduation; your documents will be sent by post to your home address after the ceremonies.

Documents are sent to the home address recorded in the student records system (SITS). If your details have changed, then these can be updated via the Evision portal or you can raise a call via MyServices and we will update SITS records on your behalf.

Is there anything to be aware of if bringing a child or vulnerable adult?

We warmly welcome younger members of your family to join us in celebrating Graduation. To help make your day enjoyable and safe for our younger guests it is important that the children in your care remain with you at all times.

We ask that you accompany younger children, and any vulnerable adults in your party too.

Please also refer to the quick link information regarding Children at Graduation that can be found towards the top of the Graduation page. 

Is there anything else I should know?

Perhaps most importantly, Graduation is your big day – remember to slow down, take it in and enjoy it!

Animals at Graduation

Assistance dogs are welcome, no other animals are permitted at the Forum or Gradstock. Please make alternative arrangements for your pets.

FAQs - On the day

What time do I need to be there?

You'll need to register for your ceremony and collect your academic robes before your ceremony starts. We recommend you allow at least two hours for this.

What happens during the ceremony?

Before the ceremony, while guests and students are taking their seats, music is played. 

The ceremony will begin promptly at the advertised time, and it will not be possible to admit late arrivals.

After welcomes from a senior member of staff, the academic procession enters.

The Order of Ceremonies is as follows:

  • Ceremony is declared open
  • Vice-Chancellor’s address
  • Presentation of honorary awards (if applicable)
  • Presentation of student awards
  • Ceremony is declared closed.

For the presentation of your award, stewards will direct you to the side of the stage at the appropriate time, your name will be read, and you'll cross the stage to be congratulated in the centre by the Chancellor or another senior member of staff. You then leave the stage on the opposite side, and stewards will direct you back to your seat.

At the end of the ceremony, the academic procession will leave first.

We expect each of our ceremonies to last about 60-90 minutes.

Can I film the event?

The use of cameras and video recorders during the ceremony is strictly prohibited (this includes mobile phones) as they distract those taking part and  spoil the enjoyment of other guests.

You may of course take photographs before and after the ceremony.