Car parking
There is limited car parking at Aberdeen Music Hall however, there are plenty of carparks available a short distance away within the City.
Aberdeen Ceremonies
Tuesday 7 October at the Music Hall in Aberdeen.
The Ceremonies
Get in touch
The Ceremonies
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
Book your place by Friday 22 August to attend one of the most exciting dates in the NESCol calendar.
Morning Ceremony – 10:30am
For students graduating in:
- HND 3D Computer Animation
- HNC & HND Accounting
- HND Acting & Performance
- HNC & HND Administration & Information Technology
- HNC & HND Applied Sciences
- HNC & HND Business
- HNC & HND Computing
- HNC & HND Contemporary Art Practice
- HNC & HND Creative Media and Communication
- HNC & HND Cyber Security
- HNC & HND Electrical Engineering
- HNC Fashion Business
- HND Games Development
- HND Industrial Biotechnology
- HND Legal Services
- HNC & HND Mechanical Engineering
- HNC & HND Music
- HND Networking & Cloud Infrastructure
- HNC & HND Photography
- HND Sound Production
- HND Technologies in Business
- HNC & HND Textiles
- HNC & HND Television
- HNC & HND Visual Communication
- HNC & HND Web Development
- Modern Apprenticeships (all pathways)
Afternoon Ceremony – 3pm
For students graduating in:
- HNC Childhood Practice
- PDA Childhood Practice
- HNC Complementary Therapies
- HNC & HND Fitness, Health & Exercise
- HNC Healthcare Practice
- HNC & HND Social Sciences
- HNC Social Services
- HND Sports Coaching & Development
- HNC & HND Travel & Tourism
Checklist
These are the key things that need to be done ahead of graduation, it’s important that they are booked in advance.
On the day
Arrive in plenty of time
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.
Registration
Students
If you’re graduating, please register when you arrive so we know you’re here and can guide you to your procession area.
- Morning Ceremony – registration opens at 9am until 10am. The ceremony begins at 10:30am.
- Afternoon Ceremony – registration opens at 1:30pm until 2:30pm. The ceremony begins at 3pm.
Guests
Guests do not need to register and can make their way to the seating areas.
Dress code
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.
Academic gowns
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.
Seating
Students
Graduands will be lined up for their ‘Grand Entrance’ around 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Guests
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.
Phones
Telephones should be switched off or on silent mode.
Photography
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.
Use of cameras
Cameras are allowed, but we ask that you refrain from using flash photography.
Filming
The ceremony will be filmed so that it can be shared in real-time on large screens.
What to expect
At the start of the ceremony
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.
Duration
The ceremony is expected to last around 90 minutes.
Presentation of awards
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
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.
Celebratory reception
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.
Get in touch
Accessibility
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.
Press listings
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.
Share your story
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! Share your story with us.
Questions?
Email marketing@nescol.ac.uk with any questions you may have on graduation.