Degree Ceremony/Graduation Information | Merton College

We congratulate all Mertonians eligible to graduate, whether you have completed your undergraduate degree, postgraduate Masters or doctorate, or are returning to have the Oxford MA conferred.

The degree ceremony is followed by a reception at Merton College; both events need to be booked. Please contact the degree referrals team to discuss booking your degree day.

Full information on all aspects of the degree ceremony and subsequent reception can be found below and on the Degree Conferrals website.

Contact us

For booking and administrative enquiries: degree.ceremonies@merton.ox.ac.uk
For procedural and ceremony enquiries, the Dean: john.eidinow@merton.ox.ac.uk

How to book a ceremony and degree ceremony dates

University of Oxford degrees are conferred at a ceremony held at the Sheldonian Theatre.

Degrees are not automatically conferred at the end of your course and you will need to book onto a ceremony in order to receive your degree certificate; degrees can be conferred in person or in absentia.

Degree ceremony bookings close 60 days prior to each ceremony date. Once booked onto a ceremony, graduands will be unable to change to another ceremony date during the 60-day period before the degree day. If you decide to withdraw from the ceremony during this time, your degree will be conferred at the ceremony in absentia and you will not be able to attend a future date (unless withdrawing due to exceptional circumstances).

Some ceremonies are booked up many months in advance so please submit a booking request form as soon as possible.

How to Book

Degree Ceremony and Reception dates

Forthcoming degree ceremonies for the 2025/26 cycle are:

Saturday 16 May 2026 – 4:15pm
Saturday 23 May 2026 – 10:30am

Forthcoming degree ceremonies for the 2026/27 cycle are:

Saturday 18 July 2026 - 1.30pm
Friday 31 July 2026 - 1.30pm
Saturday 8 August 2026 - 1.30pm
Saturday 7 November 2026 - 10.30am
Friday 13 November 2026 - 1.30pm
Saturday 15 May 2027 - 10.30am
Saturday 22 May 2027 - 10.30am

Alumni: Degree Ceremony/Graduation Information

Contact us

How to book a ceremony and degree ceremony dates

How to Book

Degree Ceremony and Reception dates

Video: A students’ guide to degree ceremonies at Oxford

Reception Information

Further information (gowning, dress code, degree certificates, mobility enquiries etc.)

FAQs

Alumni: Degree Ceremony/Graduation Information

Contact us

How to book a ceremony and degree ceremony dates

How to Book

Undergraduate or Taught Master's students

Research students

Alumni

Points to note when booking

Degree Ceremony and Reception dates

Video: A students’ guide to degree ceremonies at Oxford

Reception Information

Introduction

Format for the Day

Collecting Gowns and Tickets

Ceremony Briefing

Proceeding to the Sheldonian Theatre

Degree Ceremony

Reception at Merton College

Points to Note

Further information (gowning, dress code, degree certificates, mobility enquiries etc.)

Dress Code

Gowns

Non-Christian Formula

Mobility/Special Arrangements

Degree Certificates

Degree Transcripts

Oxford MA

Verification of University Qualifications

Graduates' Rights

Dining Rights

FAQs

What should I wear?

How do I hire a gown?

My surname has changed, will my new surname be on my degree certificate?

Can I book accommodation at Merton College?

Is parking available?

Are there any mobility/special arrangements available?

Can I have my photograph taken at the ceremony/reception?

Is it possible for guests to take photographs during the graduation ceremony?

Are animals allowed at the ceremony/reception?

Will I be able to amend the details of my booking?

What if I cannot attend a degree ceremony on the dates I have been offered?

Can I book a place at a ceremony if I have not completed my degree?

Do I need to pay anything for graduation?

Is there anything that can prevent me from graduating?

How do I request the non-Christian formula?

How do I obtain my degree certificate?

Can I have a degree certificate before the graduation ceremony?

Can more than one degree be conferred at the same ceremony?

I have been invited to a ceremony for my most recently awarded degree but I have a previous Oxford degree which has not been conferred. Can I graduate for each one separately?

When do graduates become eligible for the MA?

How many guest tickets can I have for the ceremony, and is there a dress code for guests?

How many guest tickets can I have for the reception at Merton College, and is there a dress code for guests?

How can friends and family watch the ceremony if they don’t have a ticket?