Graduation

In Stoke-on-Trent, graduation ceremonies will take place from Monday 14 July to Tuesday 22 July 2025 at The Catalyst. We will be holding our London Awards Ceremony at Hackney Church on Thursday 10 July 2025.

We’ve listened to feedback over recent years, including concerns over accessibility, sustainability and transport. The Catalyst is a purpose-built, modern venue designed for major University events, providing a more accessible and high-quality experience for you and your guests.

The Catalyst is designed to offer a welcoming, spacious, and well-organised setting for your special day. It has successfully hosted prestigious events like the University of Staffordshire Business Awards, our Chancellor Levison Wood’s installation ceremony and TEDx talks. With a carefully planned layout and dedicated staff support, you can expect a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

The Catalyst is designed to enhance your celebration experience with its modern facilities, central location, and carefully planned event flow. Planning is underway to dress The Catalyst and surrounding areas for the Awards Ceremonies which will create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the significance of your achievement. We will ensure the venue feels truly special for your big day.

Yes! Multiple ceremonies have always been held due to large cohort sizes, even at the King’s Hall. You can book tickets as a group to ensure you graduate with your friends if there are options available.

Initially, guest tickets are capped at two per student. However, additional tickets will be released if availability allows, with communication about this happening via email on 1 May. 

Absolutely! The ceremony will be streamed live, making it accessible from anywhere in the world, so your loved ones can join in the celebration even if they cannot attend in person.

Despite inflationary pressures, we have frozen guest ticket prices to ensure the event remains affordable. The cost of guest tickets reflects the overall quality and logistics of the event, not just the venue. We will be investing in The Catalyst location and campus environment to ensure it is the experience you deserve. 

We’re proud to provide a range of complimentary elements to help you and your guests enjoy the day to the fullest. This includes free parking, a complimentary video clip of your graduation ceremony provided by StageClip (you just need to register in advance to receive it), live recordings and streaming of the ceremony, plenty of photo opportunities around the venue, and a welcoming atmosphere and refreshments to enjoy throughout the day. If you’d like to make the day extra special, there will also be opportunities to pay for professional photographs, pick up University merchandise or souvenirs, buy flowers and enjoy more food and drink from additional bar and catering stands.

We want your graduation to be memorable for all the right reasons – and we’ve worked hard to ensure it’s as affordable as possible.

Yes – of course! The iconic mortar board toss will take place in a dedicated outside space, choreographed by our photographer and marshals, so that everyone can take part together, capture the moment, and create a stunning photo opportunity with your graduating class.

No. The decision was based on enhancing your experience and creating a high-quality event that reflects the significance of your achievement. Our focus is on delivering a memorable, student-centred experience – one that truly reflects the spirit of our University and brings graduation right to the heart of campus.

We encourage all graduates to wear academic dress to the Awards Ceremony. This comprises a gown, hood, and mortarboard or bonnet. Awards Ceremonies are formal occasions, and we encourage graduates and guests to wear smart or formal attire. We also recommend checking the weather forecast to ensure your own clothes are suitable for the conditions. If you would like to book a ticket without arranging academic dress, please email: service@graduationattire.co.uk

Yes, absolutely! Your feedback over the years has played a key role in our decision-making. We continuously strive to enhance the graduation experience, and the move to The Catalyst is part of our commitment to providing a memorable and inclusive ceremony for everyone.

We will continue to keep you updated through student emails and our dedicated Awards Ceremonies webpage.