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Graduation

Your graduation is a celebration of your fantastic achievement. You'll have an unforgettable day surrounded by classmates, family and friends.

A close up of a couple of graduates who are smiling to camera, dressed in mortarboards and graduation robes

Your celebration

Your graduation marks the culmination of all your hard work. In a formal ceremony, alongside your classmates and in front of your loved ones, you'll receive your certificates and awards.

The University Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and members of University executive preside over the ceremonies. They follow the procession party out at the start of each ceremony and give their personal congratulations to every student graduating on the stage.

The Fire Station

Our graduation ceremonies take place at The Fire Station. The venue is a restored Edwardian fire station which opened in 2021 as a performing arts space for local live music, comedy, and theatre. Located in the heart of the city's cultural quarter, it's the perfect place to honour your time and achievements in Sunderland.

After the ceremony, you'll be close by the city centre and its selection of restaurants, cafés, and bars to celebrate.

A graduate smiling during a graduation ceremony

Upcoming graduation ceremonies

Our upcoming ceremonies will take place during the week commencing 11 January 2027. The booking window is between Monday 5 October 2026 at 2pm and Friday 16 October 2026 at 4pm. Only bookings placed during this window will be accepted.

We've made to our booking process to meet student demand and ensure cohorts graduate together, where possible.  All ceremony dates and times will be confirmed on Tuesday 3 November 2026 by email.

If you didn't receive your invite, please email graduations@sunderland.ac.uk.

Graduates sitting

Preparing for graduation

Find out everything you need to know about how to prepare for your upcoming graduation day.

Learn how to book your place, arrange your guest tickets and their accommodation, and what you need to do about gown hire and photography.

Preparing for graduation
Smiling students in graduation caps and gowns

On graduation day

Explore useful information on what to expect on your graduation day.

Find out more about arrivals, your options for after the ceremony, travel information, and disabled access.

Please also read our code of conduct to ensure everyone can enjoy the ceremony on the day.

On graduation day

Join our alumni community

Once you graduate, you'll automatically join our Alumni Association and will have access to a whole range of benefits and services.

Alumni Association