About Sheffield graduation ceremonies
Additional information about University of Sheffield graduation for guests and supporters.
The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield was founded with the amalgamation of the School of Medicine, Sheffield Technical School and Firth College. In 1905, we received a Royal Charter and Firth Court was officially opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. At that time, there were 363 students reading for degrees in arts, pure science, medicine and applied science.
By the time of our centenary, there were over 25,000 students from more than 100 countries, across 70 academic departments.
The first ever graduate of the University was its first Chancellor, the 15th Duke of Norfolk, who was awarded an Honorary Degree in 1908 prior to the first ever graduation ceremony. This graduation ceremony took place in the historic setting of Firth Hall on 2 July 1908 at 5pm - three years after the University had been opened by King Edward VII. At this inaugural ceremony, 81 graduates were present, 10 of whom were female. There were also 4 honorary graduates. The first female student to cross the stage was Winifred Parker with the first male student being William Watson. The first international student to graduate on this day was Zung Tse Kien Woo from China.
Today, a degree from Sheffield is recognised all over the world as a hallmark of academic excellence. We are proud of our graduates and we are confident that they will make a difference wherever they choose to build their future. With every generation of graduates, our university goes from strength to strength.
Our governance, history and heritage
The Chancellor
Professor Andy Haldane CBE is the ninth Chancellor of the University of Sheffield.
Arms of the University of Sheffield
The University Arms, whose background colour is azure, contains a gold-edged open book at its centre, on which is inscribed Disce Doce (Learn and Teach). On either side of the book is a sheaf of eight silver arrows, which is derived from the shield of old Sheffield. The gold crown is the Crown of Success and the White Rose of York denotes the University’s home county. The scroll carries the motto of Firth College, Rerum Cognoscere Causas (To Discover the Causes of Things; from Virgil’s Georgics II, 490).
Honorary degrees
The University of Sheffield confers honorary degrees (or degrees honoris causa – as a ‘mark of honour’) on people who have given distinguished service or brought distinction to the University, the City of Sheffield or the region. They may be individuals of national or international standing or alumni of the University who have risen to the height of their chosen profession or field of expertise.
The University is proud to include many notable figures amongst its honorary graduates since the first honorary degree was awarded in 1908. This year is no exception.
This week's honorary graduands
- Sue Horne, OBE
Sue Horne is a former Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, standing down in 2022. She has been responsible for building the UK's Mars science community over several decades, and is the driving force behind the flagship Mars rover, Rosalind Franklin, due to launch in 2028. In 2000 she received an MBE for services to space science and education, and an OBE in 2025 for services to space exploration.
- Dame Kate Barker, CBE, FAcSS
Kate Barker is one of the country's leading applied economists who has contributed to housing, planning and social care policy in Britain. She was an independent member of the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee for nine years, the longest term possible, and has also been a member of the Office for Budget Responsibility. Dame Kate studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University and is currently chair of the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
- Professor Geoffrey Garnett
A world-renowned leader in public health and epidemiology, Geoffrey Garnett is the Professor of Infectious Disease Dynamics and Control and Dean of the Faculty of Public Health and Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In his previous role as a Deputy Director of Global Health at the Gates Foundation, he was responsible for the global efficiency of HIV interventions. He is a graduate of the University of Sheffield (BSc Zoology 1986, PhD 1990).
- Paul Blomfield
The former MP for Sheffield Central, Paul Blomfield won the seat for Labour at four general elections, standing down in 2024. An effective constituency MP, he was also an advocate for higher and further education students and international students. Previously General Manager of the Students' Union at the University of Sheffield, he oversaw its development to become one of the best students' unions in the UK. He is Chair of the Campaign for Dignity in Dying.
- Johny Pitts, FRGS
Born and bred in Sheffield, Johny Pitts is a writer, broadcaster and photographer. He is best known for his award-winning book Afropean, which explores what it means to be a European of African heritage. He has presented Open Book on BBC Radio 4 and written for many publications including The Guardian. He has been a visiting professor at the University of Sheffield and has received a Daiwa Scholarship to work and study in Japan.
University benefactors
- Ann and Jim Cairns
Ann Cairns (BSc Pure Mathematics 1978, Hon LittD 2019) and Jim Cairns share a passionate commitment to social mobility. Since 2019, they have funded 60 Cairns Scholarships at this University for disadvantaged and underrepresented young people. They are also champions of our world-leading Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), which researches treatments for conditions including motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s and dementia. Their latest gift has been vital to our campaign to raise £14 million for SITraN’s new sister facility.
University of Sheffield academic dress
Academic dress at the University of Sheffield differs according to the type and level of award.
- Bachelors
Bachelors wear a black gown to the pattern of the Oxford Bachelor of Arts.
The hood is in green and half-lined with white artificial fur and edged with silk of the colour distinctive of the degree and of the faculty.
- Postgraduate diplomates and PGCE candidates
Postgraduate diplomates and PGCE candidates wear a black gown to the pattern of the Oxford Bachelor of Arts.
The hood is green silk, edged in silk of the colour of the faculty. The neckband of the hood is of the colour of the faculty.
- Masters
Masters wear a black gown to the pattern of the Oxford Master of Arts.
The hood is green silk and lined throughout with the colour distinctive of the degree and of the faculty.
The Master of Philosophy hood is lined in green.
- Doctors of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctors of Philosophy and equivalent level awardees wear a gown in fine scarlet cloth, faced with green silk with bell shaped sleeves.
The hood is of the Cambridge shape, made of red ottoman silk and lined throughout in green.
- Higher Doctorates
Higher Doctorates wear a gown in fine scarlet cloth, faced in green silk. The bell sleeves are lined in scarlet silk and looped with a green button and cord.
The hood is of the Cambridge shape, made of red ottoman silk and lined throughout with silk of the colour of the faculty.
- Foundation degrees
Foundation degree candidates wear a black gown to the pattern of the Oxford Bachelor of Arts, no hood is worn.
- Diplomates
Diplomates wear a black gown to the pattern of the Oxford Bachelor of Arts, no hood is worn.
The facing is edged in broad corded ribbon of the colour of the faculty.
Faculty colours
- Crushed Strawberry: Faculty of Arts and Humanities – all qualifications except BMus, MMus and DMus
- Cream Brocade: Faculty of Arts and Humanities – BMus, MMus and DMus
- Purple: Faculty of Engineering – all qualifications
- Red: Faculty of Health – Medicine and Surgery
- Pale Rose Pink: Faculty of Health – Dental Surgery
- Cerise: Faculty of Health – all other qualifications
- Apricot: Faculty of Science – all qualifications
- Lemon Yellow: Faculty of Social Sciences – all qualifications
Officers
- The Chancellor wears a robe in black and blue damask silk trimmed with gold.
- Pro-Chancellors of the University wear robes in blue damask silk trimmed with gold.
- The President and Vice-Chancellor, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Presidents wear robes in black damask silk trimmed with gold.
- Other officers and staff of the University wear academic dress from the university from which they graduated.
Distinguished alumni
A degree from Sheffield paves the way for graduates to do amazing things. From scientists and writers to politicians and business leaders, here are just a few alumni who have achieved success in their field.
Sheffield alumni
No matter where life takes our graduates, they are part of the global Sheffield alumni community. Sheffield is here for all graduates - offering exclusive benefits, guidance and more.
- Alumni benefits
Keep learning and growing with:
- postgraduate study discount
- free careers advice
- support for budding entrepreneurs
- job opportunities
- library access – online and in-person
Connect with our alumni community through:
- local alumni groups, wherever you are in the world
- exclusive events, online and in-person
- volunteering to inspire the next generation
Enjoy Sheffield with:
We’ll email graduates in the next few months with a full introduction and more about the support on offer.
- Stay in the loop
Keeping contact details up to date means we can send graduates the latest news, benefits and exclusive opportunities tailored to them.
- Let's get social
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