Graduation
With Leeds, you can study online then choose how you graduate — on campus, or at a virtual ceremony.
Every year our graduates, along with their families and friends, gather to recognise their achievements at a choice of campus, online or relaxed graduation ceremonies.
Celebrate your hard work and success and look forward to new opportunities on the horizon, no matter where you are located.
Video transcript: Flexible graduation options for online students at the University of Leeds
On-campus graduation
Our on-campus graduations give you the chance to celebrate with your classmates at a ceremony in our historic Great Hall. You will also be invited to an informal reception where you can chat with staff and students.
Look the part in official University of Leeds academic dress, which you can hire from our supplier Ede and Ravenscroft, and remember your special day with professional photos and University memorabilia.
Virtual graduation
Our online graduations offer you the chance to celebrate your important milestone, wherever you are in the world. They are an ideal option if you are unable to travel to Leeds.
Just like our on-campus ceremonies, each virtual ceremony will be streamed from the stage in our Great Hall.
Shortly before the day of your ceremony, you will receive a link to join the live proceedings, where you will be allocated to a breakout room with a small group of other graduates.
As the name of each graduate is announced by the Presiding Officer of the virtual ceremony, you’ll appear on the screen alongside other graduates in your group.
At this point you can turn on your camera, celebrate and wave to any family and friends watching online.
Our virtual ceremonies last between 30 minutes and one hour.
Relaxed graduation
This experience is designed for students or guests with learning difficulties, autism, social anxiety, or sensory processing difficulties, and is also open to anyone who may find this alternative format more comfortable, subject to availability.
The ceremony will follow a similar format to our on-campus graduations, meaning you will be able to wear official University of Leeds academic dress, however, the ceremony is held in a smaller, quieter room in the Great Hall building.
There are accessible routes to all areas of your ceremony, and our friendly staff will be on hand to guide you.
For the comfort of our graduates and guests, relaxed graduation ceremonies don’t include loud music or applause.