Contact us and FAQs
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Contact us and FAQs
Get in touch
Email: graduation@uel.ac.uk
We aim to respond to all queries within five working days.
Post
Graduation Team
Communications
University of East London
University Way
London
E16 2RD
General FAQs
When is the next Graduation ceremony taking place?
The next set of graduation ceremonies will be held from Tuesday 13 January to Friday 16 January. Please visit the Graduation page for a breakdown of the ceremony dates and times.
I have an outstanding debt to the University, what should I do?
If you have an outstanding debt to the University and it has not been paid off before the date of your ceremony you are not eligible to attend.
Do I need to have been awarded to register for graduation?
Students can process their student ticket and purchase guest tickets, regardless of whether they have received their results. However, in order to be eligible to attend your graduation, you must have been successfully awarded by the awarding body by 31 October 2025.
I have not registered, can I still attend?
No. If you have not registered, you are not eligible to attend graduation. Please email graduation@uel.ac.uk for more information.
Can I defer my graduation?
Yes. We understand that circumstances can change. If you wish to defer to the summer graduation in September 2026 please email graduation@uel.ac.uk no later than one week after the ceremonies conclude. You can also defer your order via the Marston Events’ website. Requests received after this deadline will not be accommodated or transferred.
Guests and tickets
How many guests can I bring?
Each student can purchase up to two guest tickets at £28 each. Please indicate on the registration form if you would be interested in purchasing extra tickets, and if any become available at a later date, we will notify you.
How much are livestream tickets?
Livestream tickets are free, and the link will be made available via our YouTube channel on the day of the event.
How much are tickets?
Your student ticket is free, while guest tickets are £28 each. There are no concessions and no group discounts. The money that you pay for each guest ticket will cover the cost of a seat and light refreshments after the ceremony.
Are children allowed to attend the ceremony?
We do not recommend bringing young children to your Graduation ceremony as they are long and formal occasions.
Children/babies in arms under two-years-old may sit on an adult guest's lap without a ticket. Children over two-years-old who do attend must have their own seat and you will have to pay the full £28 for their tickets. They must be accompanied by an adult. Please note - children of all ages will still be classed under a strict capacity number for each ceremony. For example, if you have a partner and a child this is classed as two guest tickets. Please ensure to opt-in for additional tickets if you require.
Children and minors under the age of 16-years-old who attend as guests are your responsibility. If they are not accompanied by a suitable adult guest you will be asked to leave so that you can care for them. Please note that children and other guests do not sit with graduands during the ceremony. There are no concessions and everybody will need a ticket to enter.
Babies and children are not permitted to cross the stage with graduands.
Do I have to pay for my ticket?
There is no charge for graduand tickets.
Me/My guest have special needs, how can these be accommodated?
Please clearly explain yours or your guests requirements in the Marston Events' online booking form when registering for your graduation or email graduation@uel.ac.uk and we shall look into how we can support you on your day
Will I be seated with my guests?
No. You will be seated with your fellow graduands at the front of the hall, directly before the stage. All guests will be seated behind the graduands.
Can I buy extra tickets?
If any spare guest tickets become available for purchase, they will be released once registration has closed. Please make sure you include in the booking form how many guest tickets you would be interested in purchasing, if any do become available. Extra guest tickets are not guaranteed and will depend on capacity limits for the ceremony hall. Any requested guest tickets will show as requested (£0) on your order confirmation – these will not be fully booked unless purchased within the extra ticket sale window, if opened after registration has closed.
Venue FAQs
What is the address for graduation?
The venue for the winter 2026 graduation ceremonies is the SportsDock, Docklands Campus, E16 2RD.
Will parking be available?
There is no on-campus parking available, unless you are a blue badge holder, which must be pre-booked in advance. Please fill out this form once you have registered for graduation or contact graduation@uel.ac.uk to pre-book a space if this applies to you. Entry to campus will be refused to anyone who has not pre-booked a space. For all others requiring parking, this should be arranged off UEL premises. Details on alternative parking options will be released closer to the time.
Where is the reception held?
The post-ceremony reception will be held at the UEL Docklands campus in London.
FAQs about the ceremony
How long will the ceremony last?
Each ceremony will last around 1 hour and 30 min, however this will depend on the amount of students in attendance.
What happens after the ceremony?
The University hosts a reception for graduates and their guests to celebrate and enjoy the day.
Will I receive my certificate/scroll at the ceremony?
Certificates and Diploma Supplements are not presented at the graduation ceremonies. Students will receive them either: by post through Royal Mail recorded delivery/registered airmail to the address nominated on UEL Direct or by personal collection - requests for this can ONLY be made by logging to:
My Portal, ensuring you have your login details (email and password) to hand'. The process of producing certificates begin as soon as classifications are published on UEL Direct and it is expected that students should receive theirs no later than 12 weeks after publication, although this cannot be guaranteed.
FAQs about gowns and services
How do I order an academic gown?
You will be able to order your graduation gown through the registration booking link.
What should I wear underneath my academic gown?
As the Awards Ceremonies are formal occasions, we advise you to dress smartly, and we recommend if possible for you to wear a shirt or top that buttons up in order for your gown hood to sit comfortably.
TIP: You may also wish to bring some hairgrips, to ensure your mortar board stays on and safety pins to fix your gown hood should you not be wearing a shirt.
Can I book professional photographs?
Photography can be booked via Marston Events. Please arrive two hours before the ceremony to avoid disappointment.
What merchandise can I buy on the day?
You will be able to purchase a wide variety of products from our official retailer First Class Honours, on the day and online throughout the year.
Contact us
You can contact us by email at graduation@uel.ac.uk.
