Graduation FAQs

No. Graduates will be seated on the left hand side of the Irwin Mitchell Oval Hall stalls in alphabetical order. Your family and friends will be seated elsewhere in the Oval Hall.

UK based graduates will have their tickets posted to them approximately two weeks before the ceremony. Tickets for overseas graduates will be held for collection on the day from the CIPS Information Desk in the foyer of Sheffield City Hall.

You will be assigned a robing time slot e.g. 10.45 to 11.00am and this is when you should arrive at the City Hall for robing. Please leave plenty of time to travel.

The ceremony itself will last about an hour and a half and will be followed by a drinks reception.

We suggest that you wear smart business dress. The gown hood has a loop in front designed to hook over a button which keeps it tidy and in place: it is easier therefore if you wear a shirt, blouse or dress with buttons.

Arrangements can be made for anyone attending the graduation ceremony, either as a graduate or a guest, who may have a disability or other needs.

If you have any guests with mobility difficulties, please contact us at graduation.ceremony@cips.org or by calling 01780 756777 so that we can seat them in a suitable area.

Car parking in Sheffield city centre is available however, finding parking can take time. You may wish to consider Sheffield’s Supertram network which has a stop outside City Hall. There is also a Park and Ride service available. See the “Getting there and parking” page for further information.

There is no restriction to the number of guest tickets which you can apply for. The graduation package from Northam’s includes one guest ticket. Additional tickets can be ordered through the CIPS website at the cost of £10.00 each or for free for children under the age of 14.

Yes! If you have completed the Graduate Diploma and are a fully subscribed member, you are eligible to attend the Graduation Ceremony.   To check on your membership status, please contact qualifications@cips.org

Visit the training and events section for further information.

Our graduation ceremonies are family occasions and we welcome your child’s attendance on this special day.

If your child becomes restless during the ceremony itself, a crèche facility is available. It is not intended that this be used to leave a child for the duration of the ceremony.

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