Graduation

IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

And Say Hello to the Future

Graduating from university will be one of the proudest moments of your life. It's a moment to recognise your huge achievement when all the hard work you have put into your degree over the last few years will finally be rewarded. This moment marks the beginning of the rest of your life, no matter where you decide to go.

And, no matter what you do, the University of Cumbria is here to support you. Upon graduation, you become a member of the alumni association, keeping you connected to Cumbria and each other.

Find out everything you need to know and do in the lead up to graduation.

Download the graduation programme (PDF): Graduation July 2025

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Essential Information

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Key Dates

The summer graduation ceremonies 2025 will take place in the week commencing Monday 14 July. For those graduating in winter 2025, the ceremonies will take place in the week commencing Monday 24 November.

Check Key Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?

What if I don't complete or pass my course in time to attend graduation?

If you don't complete your course in time to attend the ceremony to which you've been invited, but you still intend on completing your award, you will be invited again to next year's ceremony. I.e., if you were due to graduate in July, you will be invited to the ceremony the following July.

Please see our assessment web pages or contact the Ceremonies Team for further details regarding your eligibility to attend graduation.

What should I do if I'm about to graduate and I think I owe money to the University?

You won't be able to graduate if you have any academic fees owing to the University. If you need to pay money or want to check if you owe any money, please contact the Accounts Receivable Team.

Please see our assessment web page or contact the Ceremonies Team for further details regarding eligibility to attend graduation.

Can my family attend from abroad?

How do I get to Carlisle?

Carlisle is easily accessible with good road and railway links.

For details about travelling by car, rail and air, see our travel and accommodation information.

Where can I stay in Carlisle?

Good value accommodation is available for students and guests at the University of Cumbria Fusehill Street and Brampton Road campuses. Read more about our rates and services here: Carlisle Conference Rates 2022.

Alternatively, Carlisle has plenty of accommodation including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering. The Carlisle Tourism Partnership offers accommodation information for visitors on the Discover Carlisle website.

For more details, see our travel and accommodation information.

How should I dress?

We don't have a specific dress code for what you should wear under your gown, but we do suggest that both you and your guests dress smartly.

For more information, and tips on what to wear, see our gown hire information.

Please note that there is no cloakroom facility at the Fratary. Any bags or coats you bring with you when gowning up will need to be carried on the procession to the Cathedral, so it is best to leave them with one of your guests.

What Happens After Graduation?

You become a member of the University of Cumbria alumni community, a network of over 75,000 graduates worldwide, on graduation day and your relationship with us will continue for life. Our aim is to keep you connected to Cumbria and each other.

Join the Cumbria Network

You receive support from the careers and employability service for up to three years after graduation. Make appointments, book events and workshops, gain CV and application feedback and search the online jobs board.

Activate your graduate account on My Career Enriched

Continue your studies, eligible graduates could receive up to 20% discount on taught courses.

Browse our range of postgraduate courses

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Experience Carlisle

Carlisle Cathedral

The jewel of the Northwest, Carlisle Cathedral sits in the city centre. Having celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2022, the stunning architecture hosts numerous degree award ceremonies in July and November.

Across the grounds, graduates will find the Fratry where the day will begin.

Discover Carlisle Cathedral