Graduation Ceremonies - Gowning and photography - Alumni | Birmingham City University We use cookies on this website to improve the experience we provide. By continuing to use our site you agree to this, or visit our cookie policy to manage your settings. Saved courses Search website Graduation Ceremonies Graduation dates and registration Gowning and photography Graduation Clothing & Gifts Guest tickets Important ceremony information What happens on the day Our graduation venue Outstanding academic-related debt Award certificates Visa support letters Ceremony permissions Graduation FAQs Watch Your Ceremony Back Graduation brochures Gowning and Photography Gown hire Graduates must wear academic dress to cross the stage. Gown hire and pre-booking for photography packages through Ede and Ravenscroft website will open on Wednesday 27 May 2026 from 10:00am onwards. Once bookings open, you will receive an email with instructions on how to hire your gown via Ede & Ravenscroft. You must hire your gown in advance to ensure availability. A confirmation of order email will be sent after booking, including a QR code required for gown collection. If you have any booking issues, please submit an enquiry here for assistance. While some gowns may be available on the day, they will be subject to availability, may be recycled from previous ceremonies and will cost more. For more details, check your booking confirmation email or visit the Ede & Ravenscroft website. On the day of your ceremony , please remember to: Bring your gown hire reference number and a form of photographic identification. Dress appropriately (e.g., business attire, buttoned shirt/fitted blouse for securing the gown). Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking across the stage. Return your gown before leaving Symphony Hall unless you’ve arranged an extended hire. Graduating members of staff If you are a BCU staff member, please follow the instructions sent to your email. If you have not received an email, please submit an enquiry here with your staff ID number. Photography Professional photography will be available at the venue through Ede and Ravenscroft. How to book photography: Pre-book a package via their website once bookings open. Payments can also be made on the day (card only, AMEX not accepted). Photos should be taken before your ceremony , but you may have the opportunity for additional photos afterwards if queues are long. You're also welcome to take your own photos with guests at Brindley Place or Centenary Square , both great backdrops for memorable pictures. Please note: The deadline for gown hire and photography package booking is Monday 13 July 2026 at 5:00pm. Orders placed after this deadline will not be accepted. Refunds & queries If you need to cancel your gown hire, this must be done directly through Ede and Ravenscroft. In accordance with Ede and Ravenscroft’s Refunds policy, cancellations must be requested at least seven days before the date of the first ceremony takes place to be eligible for a refund. To cancel your order, you must either: Contact Ede and Ravenscroft with your name, address and order reference , stating that you wish to cancel, or Complete their Cancellation form and return it to the address provided on the form. For any gown hire or photography queries, including refunds , please contact Ede and Ravenscroft directly. The university is unable to process these requests. Recent searches No recent searches Popular searches Virtual Tour Interview advice Postgraduate study Scholarships Open Days Suggested searches Accommodation Life in Birmingham Reaching beyond Graduate Scholarship Degree Apprenticeships