GRADUATION
2026
Graduation tickets available from 20th April 2026
Class of 2026
We are so proud of all you have achieved and we look forward to welcoming you to Graduation from the 13 to 17 of July 2026. Here you will find everything you need to plan your special day
Graduation tickets
Secure your tickets today.
What you need to know
Before the day
Graduation ceremonies for Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Off-Campus graduands will take place at the Albert Halls, Bolton Town Hall, on:
- Monday 13 July 2026
- Tuesday 14 July 2026
- Wednesday 15 July 2026
- Thursday 16 July 2026
- Friday 17 July 2026
What time do I need to arrive?
On arrival in Bolton, you must register at Greater Manchester Business School (GMBS), Room Y0-02 before your ceremony.
Please make sure you allow two hours between arriving at GMBS and the scheduled start of your Graduation ceremony.
Depending on the time of your ceremony, you need to follow the table below:
| Time of Ceremony at the Albert Halls, Bolton Town Hall |
Registration Time at Greater Manchester Business School |
|---|---|
| 10am | 8am |
| 1:30pm | 11:15am |
| 4:15pm | 2pm |
Allow at least two hours to:
- Register and collect your ticket
- Collect your gown
- Have photographs taken (optional)
- Walk to the venue
The Albert Halls is approximately a five-minute walk from Greater Manchester Business School.
You must be seated at least 15 minutes before the ceremony.
Important - Closed Door Policy
All graduands and guests must arrive at the Albert Halls at least 30 minutes before the ceremony starts
Late arrivals may not be allowed into the ceremony and refunds cannot be issued. Latecomers may watch the ceremony in the livestream lounge.
How long does the ceremony last?
Ceremonies typically last 1.5–2 hours, depending on the number of graduates.
What happens after the ceremony?
A drinks reception will be held at Greater Manchester Business School following the ceremony. This is the same location in which you registered and received your academic gown.
Can I change my ceremony date or time?
Ceremony changes are not normally permitted unless there are extenuating circumstances supported by evidence.
Requests are considered case-by-case by the Graduation Team.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes. Graduating students must book a free student ticket.
Guest tickets must be purchased when booking your student ticket.
Failure to book your ticket means you cannot attend the ceremony.
When can I book tickets?
Booking opens:
- Monday 20 April 2026 (10am) – for students who have completed their studies
- Wednesday 24 June 2026 (10am) – for students awaiting results
Bookings close Friday 3 July 2026.
Are children allowed?
Children under the age of 6 are not permitted in the ceremony hall.
Guests with young children can watch the ceremony in the livestream lounge.
Children over the age of 6 require a paid guest ticket.
How many guest tickets can I buy?
- 2 guest tickets per undergraduate and postgraduate graduand.
Guest tickets cost £15 each and include:
- Entry to the ceremony.
- Drinks reception.
- Graduation programme.
Guest seating cannot be reserved.
You will be notified by email if extra tickets become available and will be offered first-come, first-served.
Can I defer my graduation?
If you cannot attend, you may request to defer to the following year.
Email graduation@greatermanchester.ac.uk with your:
- Full name.
- Student ID.
- Reason for deferral and any evidence you may have.
Requests are reviewed by the Executive Management Team.
On the Day
Student tickets are collected during registration at Greater Manchester Business School (GMBS) (Room: Y0-02).
Your ticket includes:
- Your name and award.
- Your seat number.
You must keep this ticket with you and hand it to the Narrator before going on stage, so that your name can be read out.
Where can guests collect their tickets from?
Your guests will register their attendance and collect their tickets at The Albert Halls when they arrive with you.
No, guests sit in designated guest seating areas. As seats in this area cannot be reserved, it is suggested that guests arrive together in order that they can sit with each other.
When called by the ushers:
1. Walk to the stage.
2. Hand your ticket to the Narrator.
3. Your name and award will be announced.
4. You will cross the stage and return to your seat.
You will be asked during booking if you wish to shake hands with the presiding officer.
Do I need to wear academic dress?
Academic dress is not compulsory, but most graduands choose to wear it.
Dress is hired through the official gown and photography company, William Northam Limited.
You must order:
- Gown
- Hood
- Cap
Orders must be placed by Friday 26 June 2026 at 5pm.
Website: www.williamnortham.com
Where do I collect my gown?
Pre-booked gowns can be collected from:
Greater Manchester Business School (GMBS) – Room Y0-02
Collection starts from 8am on the day of your ceremony.
Gowns must be returned by 7pm the same day.
Where are official photographs taken?
Photography is available at:
Greater Manchester Business School (GMBS) – Room Y1-04
Open 8am – 7pm.
Photos are also taken automatically when you cross the stage.
For enquiries: www.williamnortham.com
Will my classification be read out?
Degree classifications are not printed in the programme. However, First Class Honours and Postgraduate Distinction will be announced during the ceremony.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates will be posted to your home address usually within eight weeks of Graduation.
Important Dates
Ensure your address is correct by the deadlines below:
Update via the Student Portal by Tuesday 23 June 2026
When are results released?
Results will be published in the Student Portal at 10am on Wednesday 24 June 2026
Students who have not completed their studies will be invited to a future graduation ceremony.
Parking
University student car parks will be open for the Graduation period on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking can be found at:
NCP Deane Road multi-storey public car park, Deane Road, Wellington Street, Bolton BL3 5DX.
NCP Bolton Octagon Theatre multi-storey public car park, Great Moor Street, Bolton, BL1 1SB.
NCP Bolton Topp Way (Duke St), Duke Street, Bolton, BL1 2DD.
NCP Bolton Ashburner Street, Asburner Street, Bolton, BL1 1TD
Euro Car Parks, Higher Bridge Street – Bolton, All Saints Street, Bolton, BL1 2ER
View our campus map for further information
Bolton is located:
- 12 miles from Manchester City Centre (approximately 40 minutes in a car, traffic depending).
- 20 miles from Manchester Airport (approximately 55 minutes in a car, traffic depending)
If you or your guests require accessibility support (e.g., wheelchair access, hearing assistance, mobility support), please contact the Graduation Team before booking tickets.
Email: graduation@greatermanchester.ac.uk
Disability Team: disabilityinfo@greatermanchester.ac.uk
International Graduates
If your student visa expires before the ceremony, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa to attend graduation.
More information can be found on the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) website.
For visa support letters contact:
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions, please download our FAQ document
Contact Us
If you have further questions about the day, visas, contact: graduation@greatermanchester.ac.uk
Please include in the correspondence:
- Your full name
- Your student ID number
- Area of Study.
GRADUATION
2026
Graduation tickets available from 20th April 2026
Class of 2026
We are so proud of all you have achieved and we look forward to welcoming you to Graduation on the 8 and 9 of July 2026. Here you will find everything you need to plan your special day
What you need to know
Before the day
Graduation ceremonies for PhD, MRes and Dental Graduands will take place at Bolton Parish Church on:
- Wednesday 8 July 2026
- Thursday 9 July 2026
What time do I need to arrive?
On arrival in Bolton, you must register at Greater Manchester Business School (GMBS), Room Y0-02 before your ceremony.
Please make sure you allow two hours between arriving at GMBS and the scheduled start of your Graduation ceremony.
Depending on the time of your ceremony, you need to follow the table below:
| Time of Ceremony at Bolton Parish Church | Registration Time - GMBS |
|---|---|
| 10am | 8am |
| 1:30pm | 11:15am |
| 4:15pm | 2pm |
Allow at least two hours to:
- Register and collect your ticket
- Collect your gown
- Have photographs taken (optional)
- Walk to the venue
Bolton Parish Church is approximately a 10-minute walk from Greater Manchester Business School.
You must be seated at least 15 minutes before the ceremony.
Bolton Parish Church,
Bolton Town Centre
Please use this Google Map to find your way from GMBS to Bolton Parish Church
Google Maps RouteImportant - Closed Door Policy
All Graduands and guests must arrive at Bolton Parish Church at least 30 minutes before the ceremony starts
Late arrivals may not be allowed into the ceremony and refunds cannot be issued. Latecomers may watch the ceremony in the livestream lounge.
How long does the ceremony last?
Ceremonies typically last 1.5–2 hours, depending on the number of Graduands.
What happens after the ceremony?
A drinks reception will be held at Greater Manchester Business School following the ceremony. This is the same location in which you registered and received your academic gown.
Can I change my ceremony date or time?
Ceremony changes are not normally permitted unless there are extenuating circumstances supported by evidence.
Requests are considered case-by-case by the Graduation Team.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes. Graduating students must book a free student ticket.
Guest tickets must be purchased when booking your student ticket.
Failure to book your ticket means you cannot attend the ceremony.
When can I book tickets?
Booking opens:
- Monday 20 April 2026 (10am) – for students who have completed their studies
- Wednesday 24 June 2026 (10am) – for students awaiting results
Bookings close Tuesday 30 June 2026.
Are children allowed?
Children under the age of 6 are not permitted in the ceremony hall.
Guests with young children can watch the ceremony in the livestream lounge.
Children over the age of 6 require a paid guest ticket.
How many guest tickets can I buy?
- 3 guest tickets for PhD graduands
- 2 guest tickets for MRes and Dental graduands.
Guest tickets cost £15 each and include:
- Entry to the ceremony.
- Drinks reception.
- Graduation programme.
Guest seating cannot be reserved.
You will be notified by email if extra tickets become available and will be offered first-come, first-served.
Can I defer my graduation?
If you cannot attend, you may request to defer to the following year.
Email graduation@greatermanchester.ac.uk with your:
- Full name.
- Student ID.
- Reason for deferral and any evidence you may have.
Requests are reviewed by the Executive Management Team.
On the Day
Student tickets are collected during registration at Greater Manchester Business School (GMBS) (Room: Y0-02).
Your ticket includes:
- Your name and award.
- Your seat number.
You must keep this ticket with you and hand it to the Narrator before going on stage, so that your name can be read out.
Where can guests collect their tickets from?
Your guests will register their attendance and collect their tickets at The Albert Halls when they arrive with you.
No, guests sit in designated guest seating areas. As seats in this area cannot be reserved, it is suggested that guests arrive together in order that they can sit with each other.
When called by the ushers:
1. Walk to the stage.
2. Hand your ticket to the Narrator.
3. Your name and award will be announced.
4. You will cross the stage and return to your seat.
You will be asked during booking if you wish to shake hands with the presiding officer.
Do I need to wear academic dress?
Academic dress is not compulsory, but most graduands choose to wear it.
Dress is hired through the official gown and photography company, William Northam Limited.
You must order:
- Gown
- Hood
- Cap
Orders must be placed by Friday 26 June 2026 at 5pm.
Website: www.williamnortham.com
Where do I collect my gown?
Pre-booked gowns can be collected from:
Greater Manchester Business School (GMBS) – Room Y0-02
Collection starts from 8am on the day of your ceremony.
Gowns must be returned by 7pm the same day.
Where are official photographs taken?
Photography is available at:
Greater Manchester Business School (GMBS) – Room Y1-04
Open 8am – 7pm.
Photos are also taken automatically when you cross the stage.
For enquiries: www.williamnortham.com
Will my classification be read out?
Master of Research Postgraduate Distinction awards will be announced during the ceremony.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates will be posted to your home address usually within eight weeks of Graduation.
Important Dates
Ensure your address is correct by updating the Student Portal by Tuesday 23 June 2026
When are results released?
Results will be published in the Student Portal at 10am on Wednesday 24 June 2026
Students who have not completed their studies will be invited to a future graduation ceremony.
Parking
University student car parks will be open for the Graduation period on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking can be found at:
NCP Deane Road multi-storey public car park, Deane Road, Wellington Street, Bolton BL3 5DX.
NCP Bolton Octagon Theatre multi-storey public car park, Great Moor Street, Bolton, BL1 1SB.
NCP Bolton Topp Way (Duke St), Duke Street, Bolton, BL1 2DD.
NCP Bolton Ashburner Street, Asburner Street, Bolton, BL1 1TD
Euro Car Parks, Higher Bridge Street – Bolton, All Saints Street, Bolton, BL1 2ER
View our campus map for further information
Bolton is located:
- 12 miles from Manchester City Centre (approximately 40 minutes in a car, traffic depending).
- 20 miles from Manchester Airport (approximately 55 minutes in a car, traffic depending)
If you or your guests require accessibility support (e.g., wheelchair access, hearing assistance, mobility support), please contact the Graduation Team before booking tickets.
Email: graduation@greatermanchester.ac.uk
Disability Team: disabilityinfo@greatermanchester.ac.uk
International Graduates
If your student visa expires before the ceremony, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa to attend graduation.
More information can be found on the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) website.
For visa support letters contact:
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions, please download our FAQ document
Contact Us
If you have further questions, contact: graduation@greatermanchester.ac.uk
Please include in the correspondence:
- Your full name
- Your student ID number
- Area of Study.
