Booking attendance

When will I receive an invitation to the ceremony?

Invitations will be emailed to all MSc students in December. Any student that believes they are eligible to attend the ceremony but who has not received their invitation should contact the Graduation Office at graduation@lshtm.ac.uk with details of their course and current email address.

Am I eligible to attend the ceremony?

If you find that you have not successfully passed your MSc degree this year you will not be eligible to attend the ceremony. Those re-sitting will be eligible to attend once they have passed, or may defer their attendance to a future year subject to successfully completing the course.

How do I register my attendance?

You must register in advance if you wish to attend. Please confirm your attendance by completing the online registration form. This link will be emailed to you with your invitation.

Is there a cost to attend the ceremony?

There will not be any costs for graduates and two guests. Additional guest tickets may become available and these will be priced at £10 each.

Guests

How do I book tickets for my guests?

Graduates will automatically receive two guest tickets. During the registration process you will have the opportunity to request extra tickets which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis after the registration closing date. The extra tickets will be charged at £10 each and are not guaranteed. If your ticket request has been successful, you will be contacted by email with your allocation details.

Can I bring children to the ceremony?

A crèche facility will be available free of charge for the duration of the ceremony. You must request this service when you register your attendance. The ceremonies can last up to two hours, and are not suitable for very young children. Babies and children aged two years and under are permitted to sit on an adults’ lap, however this is not recommended. Children aged over two years will require a seat, and this will need to covered within your ticket allocation.

Will my child need a ticket?

All guests attending the ceremony, including children, will require a ticket. Babies in arms are the exception.

How do I book crèche facilities?

If you would like to make use of this facility please register your interest via the registration link at the time of booking. Places will be allocated on the day on a first come, first served basis to those who have registered. Parents will be asked to complete a registration form upon arrival at the crèche. Suitable refreshments will be provided.

When will I receive my tickets?

Tickets for graduates and their guests will be issued at the registration desk on the day of the ceremony.  Please note that all tickets will be released to graduates only and ID may be required at registration. Please Note: There will not be any extra tickets available on the day of the ceremony.

Visas

How do I request a visa to come to London for the ceremony?

London based graduates requiring visa support letters for themselves or their guests should contact Registry at studentrecords@lshtm.ac.uk. Distance Learning graduates requiring visa support letters should contact the Distance Learning Office at sue.horrill@lshtm.ac.uk

Gowns

Do I need to hire a gown?

Graduates are not obliged to wear gowns. It is your own choice. For information, approximately 75% of attendees do usually wear gowns. Alternatively, graduates are also invited to wear national dress.

Gowns are designed to be worn with shirts, therefore for comfort and practicality, it is recommended that you wear a button-through jacket or shirt which will enable you to attach the academic hood to your clothing without pins.  If you choose to wear clothing other than a shirt or blouse we would recommend that you bring some safety pins with you so that your hood will remain secure.

How do I order a gown?

If you would like to hire a gown for the ceremony this must be ordered in advance from Ede and Ravenscroft. Once you have received your invitation you can order online at: www.gownhire.co.uk or call +44 (0)1223 861854. Pre-ordered gowns will be delivered to Friends House for collection on the day. After the reception, gowns should be returned to Keppel Street.

Photography & video

Will the ceremony be broadcast on the internet?

Yes. The ceremony will be recorded and will be available to watch live online at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/. This feed will also be available for download after the ceremony. We shall also be recording the day for use in various School materials. If you have any questions concerning the filming, please email graduation@lshtm.ac.uk

Will professional photographs be taken at the ceremony?

Success Photography will provide photographic services on the day.  If you would like photographs taken please book a time slot in advance via the Success Photography website once you have received your invitation: www.successphotography.com or alternatively please call +44 (0)1293 822255.

Should I book my photography session prior to attending the ceremony?

We highly recommend that you book in advance. Visit www.successphotography.com  or alternatively please call +44 (0)1293 822255.

Merchandise

Will School merchandise be available on the day?

Yes. There will be a selection of School branded merchandise available from the Keppel Street building during the receptions. This will be a cash only sale. T-shirts printed with the name of all graduates on the back and personalised champagne will be available to buy on the day. 

The ceremony

How long will the ceremony last?

The ceremony will last approximately two hours.

What time should I arrive for the ceremony?

Please allow 90 minutes to register, collect your gowns and have photographs taken. The doors to the theatre will open an hour before the start of the ceremony. Graduates must be in their seats NO LATER than 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

Am I able to sit with my friends during the ceremony?

Graduates will be seated by course, in alphabetical order.  The seat you are allocated is the order in which you will process onto the stage, so it is important that you stay in your pre-designated seat. 

Will we be told when to proceed to the stage?

Ushers will guide you as to when to leave your seat and proceed to the platform for presentation. Graduates and their guests are requested to stand when the platform and academic processions enter and leave the Hall.

Where should I arrange to meet my guests after the ceremony?

Guests are asked to leave Friends House promptly in order to clear the venue as quickly as possible.  Please arrange to meet friends and family members outside the building or at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for your reception.

Graduation brochure

Will my name appear in the graduation brochure?

Yes. All those eligible to graduate will have their name in the brochure, irrespective of whether you choose to attend the ceremony.

Will I receive a copy of the graduation brochure?

Yes. Each graduate attending the ceremony will receive a copy of the brochure. Those graduates not attending will be sent a copy by post in the weeks following the ceremony.

Other

Will the School pay for my travel expenses?

No. Accommodation and travel costs must be met by the graduate. Information on hotels in the area can be found at: www.hotels.com.

How do I get to the venue?

See our contact page for address and map. The nearest mainline station to the venue is Euston station. The nearest tube stations are Euston and Euston Square.  Parking facilities are not available at the venue, however the nearest NCP car parks can be found at Russell Court, Coram Street, London, WC1H 0ND and Marchmont Street, London, WC1N 1AF: http://www.ncp.co.uk.

Will disabled facilities be available at the venue?

Yes. If you or your guests have any access requirements or questions please contact the graduation team as soon as possible - graduation@lshtm.ac.uk.

Are there any other events taking place around the same time as the School graduation?

Yes, we hold a reception for our distance learning students and their families.  This takes place on the Friday afternoon before Graduation Day. For further details contact alumni@lshtm.ac.uk. The University of London International Programme hold their own graduation ceremony which distance learning students are also eligible to attend.  For further details contact graduation@london.ac.uk.

When will I receive my degree certificate?

At the ceremony you will be awarded a University of London MSc degree certificate. If you are unable to attend, your certificate will be posted to you after the ceremony.

How do I cancel my booking?

If you are no longer able to attend please do let us know.  This will ensure that the ceremony runs smoothly and all those who wish to attend are able to do so. You can cancel your booking yourself using the registration website.  Alternatively please email us at graduation@lshtm.ac.uk.

Will I be given instructions for the day?

Yes, we will email all graduates with instructions for the day approximately one week before the ceremony, please ensure you read through all the details.

Will there be a reception after the ceremony?

All graduates and guests are invited to a reception following the ceremony in the Keppel Street building.  Drinks and light canapés will be served.  You are encouraged to make your way to the School for the reception promptly as these must end at the given times.

After graduation

How do I keep in touch with the School?

After graduation you automatically become a member of our Alumni Association. For more information please visit our alumni pages.