Graduation 2024 FAQs

Tickets, gowns and photography

Is there a charge for Graduation?
There is no charge for graduand or guest tickets for the graduation ceremonies. Tickets will be released soon. Each graduand can book two free guest tickets for the ceremony. If venue capacity allows, additional guest tickets will be released and allocated by ballot after the ticket deadline has passed.
Do I have to wear a gown?
Yes. Graduands will not be able to cross the stage without a gown. You will receive the details of how to book your gown when the online booking system opens.
When do I need to book my tickets by?
It is important that you confirm your attendance before the 20 November and book your gown by 27 November. If you do not book your place by this date, you and your guests will not be able to attend the ceremony.
How many guest tickets am I able to book?
Each graduand can book two free guest tickets for their nominated ceremony.
Will the ceremony be live-streamed and recorded?
The ceremony will be live-streamed and recorded. A link to the live stream will be sent to all graduating students approximately one week before your Graduation day.
Will there be tickets available on the day?
No tickets will be available on the day, all tickets for graduands and guest must be booked in advance.
Can I or my guests bring children to the Graduation ceremony?
Yes, children are able to attend the graduation ceremony. Please note, the ceremony is a formal event which will last around 60-90 minutes and we would ask that young children or babies are able to sit quietly for that period of time so as not to disrupt the proceedings for others. All guests, including young children (over the age of two), will require their own guest ticket and you will need to make sure that you book these before the deadline.  
I haven't received a link to book my gown/photography.
Please email graduation@lstmed.ac.uk to let them know. For all enquiries, please include your name and programme of study.
Do I have to attend the ceremony in order to graduate?
We welcome as many of our students to celebrate at the graduation ceremony, as possible. However, attendance at graduations is optional. Your degree will be valid, and degree certificates and final transcripts are dispatched within two months of your award being conferred, regardless of whether you attend.
I or one of my guests have accessibility requirements.
Please email graduation@lstmed.ac.uk to let them know. For all enquiries, please include your name and programme of study.
I can no longer make it, how do I cancel my ticket/gown hire?
Please email graduation@lstmed.ac.uk to let them know. For all enquiries, please include your name and programme of study.

Travelling to the UK

I am an overseas graduate; will I need to get a visa to attend my Graduation?
If you have very recently completed your studies, your existing visa may still be valid for you to attend your graduation ceremony. Please check the expiry date on your visa before travelling to Liverpool. However, if your visa expires before Monday 9 December 2024, you will need to apply for a UK visitor visa as a tourist to enable you to attend the ceremony. Your invitation email to the ceremony should be used as evidence, if required by UKVI. If you have any questions about visa requirements, please email graduation@lstmed.ac.uk. For all enquiries, please include your name and programme of study.

On the Day

What time do I need to arrive?
Doors will open from 8.30am and we recommend arriving no later than 09:30am. Late guests or graduands will not be allowed to enter the hall once the ceremony has started so it is important you allow enough time for your journey, gowning and photography.
How do I get to St George's Hall?
St George’s Hall is in the centre of Liverpool City Centre and is easy to get to on foot, by bus, train or car. There is limited car parking nearby. Please arrive at the North Entrance, by William Brown Street. The full address for the venue is: St George’s Hall, St George’s place, Liverpool L1 1JJ.  The taxi/ car drop off area is approximately 200m from the entrance over an uneven surface. If you, or your guests, have any specific mobility issues, please contact us via graduation@lstmed.ac.uk before Thursday 7 December, providing a telephone number so that we can support your arrival. 
What happens at the Graduation ceremony?
During the ceremony all graduands will be seated together in the Hall, with guests seated nearby. Each graduand will be invited on stage when their name is called. They will then walk across the stage and greet the Presiding Officer before returning to their seat for the remainder of the ceremony. Staff from across the school will be on hand to guide you. At the end of the ceremony, you will have the opportunity to join the celebration reception with your friends and family.
Will I receive a certificate for my LSTM qualification at the Graduation day?
Depending on when your course ended you may have already received your certificate by post. For the majority of graduands, certificates will be available for collection at the venue following the ceremony. 
What is the dress code?
As this is a formal event, we recommend that you wear smart clothing or national dress. Please note, St George’s Hall is a very old building. Whilst there is lift access for those who cannot manage stairs, the majority of graduands will need to be able to navigate over 200 stairs in the building as you make your way from the front door to the stage and back to your seat. We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Graduation gowns are traditionally made to fit onto buttons, so if you are wearing clothing without buttons you may need some safety pins to keep it in place. These are not provided by our gown suppliers.  

For further information

If you have any further queries not answered here, please contact studentsupport@lstmed.ac.uk