Tuesday 7 October at the Music Hall in Aberdeen.
Ceremonies for students studying at Aberdeen City Campus, Aberdeen Altens Campus and those learning in the workplace in the Aberdeen area will take place on Tuesday 7 October 2025 at the Music Hall in Aberdeen.
Your guide to Graduation 2025 – Aberdeen ceremonies
Book your place by Friday 22 August to attend one of the most exciting dates in the NESCol calendar.
For students graduating in:
For students graduating in:
These are the key things that need to be done ahead of graduation, it’s important that they are booked in advance.
Please make sure that you arrive in plenty of time! Traffic can be heavy, especially coming into Aberdeen in the morning.
Directions to Music Hall, Union St, Aberdeen AB10 1QS
Students should be robed and in designated procession areas, 20 minutes ahead of the ceremony start time.
If you’re graduating, please register when you arrive so we know you’re here and can guide you to your procession area.
Guests do not need to register and can make their way to the seating areas.
In keeping with academic dress, you are requested to wear a white/light coloured top/shirt/tie and dark skirt/dress/trousers or national dress.
Upon registering at the Music Hall, students collect their gowns and can have photographs taken.
Twenty minutes before the ceremony starts, students will go to a designated area to get instructions for the ceremony.
Graduands will be lined up for their ‘Grand Entrance’ around 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Guests may sit in any area that is not reserved. Ushers will inform you of any sections within the Music Hall that are unavailable for seating. Please ensure you are seated at least 20 minutes before the ceremony begins.
Telephones should be switched off or on silent mode.
During the ceremony College photographers will be around to take individual, group and crowd shots. If you don’t want to be photographed, let us know at the time.
Cameras are allowed, but we ask that you refrain from using flash photography.
The ceremony will be filmed so that it can be shared in real-time on large screens.
There is limited car parking at Aberdeen Music Hall however, there are plenty of carparks available a short distance away within the City.
If you’re graduating, please register when you arrive so we know you’re here and can guide you to your procession area.
Guests do not need to register and can make their way to the seating areas.
In keeping with academic dress, you are requested to wear a white/light coloured top/shirt/tie and dark skirt/dress/trousers or national dress.
Upon registering at the Music Hall, students collect their gowns and can have photographs taken.
Twenty minutes before the ceremony starts, students will go to a designated area to get instructions for the ceremony.
Graduands will be lined up for their ‘Grand Entrance’ around 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Guests may sit in any area that is not reserved. Ushers will inform you of any sections within the Music Hall that are unavailable for seating. Please ensure you are seated at least 20 minutes before the ceremony begins.
Telephones should be switched off or on silent mode.
During the ceremony College photographers will be around to take individual, group and crowd shots. If you don’t want to be photographed, let us know at the time.
Cameras are allowed, but we ask that you refrain from using flash photography.
The ceremony will be filmed so that it can be shared in real-time on large screens.
There is limited car parking at Aberdeen Music Hall however, there are plenty of carparks available a short distance away within the City.
If you’re graduating, please register when you arrive so we know you’re here and can guide you to your procession area.
Guests do not need to register and can make their way to the seating areas.
In keeping with academic dress, you are requested to wear a white/light coloured top/shirt/tie and dark skirt/dress/trousers or national dress.
Upon registering at the Music Hall, students collect their gowns and can have photographs taken.
Twenty minutes before the ceremony starts, students will go to a designated area to get instructions for the ceremony.
Graduands will be lined up for their ‘Grand Entrance’ around 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Guests may sit in any area that is not reserved. Ushers will inform you of any sections within the Music Hall that are unavailable for seating. Please ensure you are seated at least 20 minutes before the ceremony begins.
Telephones should be switched off or on silent mode.
As the ceremony begins, guests will be asked to stand for the arrival of the graduands, who will be led into the auditorium by a piper. Once seated, a musical performance will open the celebration. Guests will then stand again to welcome the academic procession. After they are seated, you will be officially welcomed to Graduation.
The ceremony is expected to last around 90 minutes.
Following the Principal’s address, graduands will be invited to stand at the side of the stage, one row at a time. When your name is called, you’ll walk onto the stage, receive your commemorative scroll, and shake hands with members of the academic procession. Your photo will be taken – so take your time and enjoy the moment!
As you leave the stage, now a graduate, you’ll be welcomed by a representative from NESCol’s Students’ Association, who will hand you your certificate. You’ll then return to your seat.
At the end of the ceremony, guests will be asked to stand as the academic procession leaves. Graduates will then exit the auditorium in order, starting from the front row. Once all graduates have left, guests may remain in the auditorium or head to the Coda Café Bar.
Graduates and guests are warmly invited to celebrate and join us for a drinks reception following the ceremony, located in the main auditorium and Coda Café Bar. Complimentary drinks will be served in both areas.
If you or any of your guests have a disability or require additional support with entry to or seating at the venue please contact us at least 10 days ahead of your ceremony.
It is the custom of universities and colleges to publish listings of those who choose to graduate. A list complete with first name, surname and town is supplied to Aberdeen Journals. If you do not want your name to be passed to the the newspaper publication you must let us know 30 days prior to the your ceremony date.
If you have an interesting “student journey” story to share with us we would love to speak with you. Perhaps your story will inspire others thinking about their next move! Email marketing@nescol.ac.uk.
Email marketing@nescol.ac.uk with any questions you may have on graduation.
