Graduation ceremonies
Graduation ceremonies take place on 11 days (mainly Saturdays) throughout the year, usually in the Sheldonian Theatre, sometimes at the Exam Schools. Visit the University website for a list of dates.
Balliol is allocated a quota of places (between 14 and 20) at each ceremony.
The College provides a lunch for Graduands and their guests after the official graduation ceremony.
Guests
A limited number of guest tickets are available for family and friends; usually two, sometimes three. The ceremony is not suitable for children under the age of 7.
Academic dress
All Graduands must wear full academic dress with subfusc clothing for the ceremony. Balliol has amassed a stock of gowns over the years and is pleased to offer its own Graduands the opportunity of hiring academic dress appropriate to their degree(s) at a substantial saving over prices at commercial outlets.
Special requirements
Please notify the College at the time of your booking if you have special requirements (for example due to a disability), so that the University and College event organisers can plan where to accommodate you most comfortably and conveniently.
If you are not able to attend a ceremony
You may take your degree in absentia (in absence), but note that if you do so, you will not be able to attend a ceremony at a later date.
If you book a place to attend a ceremony but are then unable to attend, you must give at least two weeks' notice of your intention to withdraw. If you fail to give sufficient notice, you will graduate in absentia by default.
Degree certificates
You can obtain your degree certificate only once you have graduated (either in person or in absentia). Certificates are usually handed out after the Degree Day Luncheon.
Candidates who have yet to attend a degree ceremony will be provided by the University Degree Conferrals office with a 'Confirmation of Degree' statement, free of charge on request.
For further general information on the graduation process, or to register for a particular ceremony, please contact Richard Beacham in the College Bursary at degrees@balliol.ox.ac.uk.