Summer Graduation 2026 Programme
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Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Graduation is a truly special occasion. It is the culmination of all the hard work and effort you have put in during your studies. It is a time to celebrate everything that you have achieved throughout your time here and to reflect on the new foundations of knowledge, friendships, and memories you have developed during your time here at Royal Holloway.
Our graduates carry these firm foundations with them as they travel the world and go on to do great things. We would love to hear all about your next steps. Please share your contact details and update us about any changes in your life and career so that our Alumni Engagement team can keep you up to date with developments at the University, including reunions and other events. Our alumni support us and each other and are all part of a lifelong, global community.
As a modern and future-facing University, Royal Holloway has a powerful and pathbreaking history rooted in some of the first women’s Colleges in the UK – Royal Holloway and Bedford Colleges, and as a University of Social Purpose, and through living our shared values of being respectful, daring, open and innovative we look to find solutions to global challenges through our education and our research – and most importantly through our globally connected community. I know that as graduates of this magical place, you will want to use your qualifications wisely and well to make a positive contribution, and we at Royal Holloway will be your proudest supporters every step of the way.
Have the most amazing day today. I wish you the very best for the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead of you.
Professor Julie Sanders
Vice-Chancellor and Principal -
About the Ceremonies
ORDER OF EVENTS
Opening Procession
The ceremony begins with the University staff procession. Please stand if comfortable to do so and remain standing until the Presiding Officer invites you to be seated.Presentation of Graduates
Each graduate will be individually presented to the Presiding Officer. As graduates walk across the stage, a department representative will announce their name. Graduates will respectfully doff their hats toward the Presiding Officer before receiving their scroll.Graduates are presented in order of their department and level of their degree:
- Bachelor's degree graduates
- Postgraduate diploma graduates
- Master's degree graduates
- Doctors of Philosophy (PhD).
Presentation of Honorary Degrees
These will take place during some of our ceremonies. Honorary degrees of the University of London are awarded in recognition of an individual’s outstanding achievement in their field of expertise, or in recognition of the application of the individual’s knowledge and intellectual ability for the benefit, or the potential, that it offers to society. Read more about this year’s recipients in our online programme.Student Oration
A chosen Student Orator will deliver a speech sharing their experiences and reflections on their time at Royal Holloway. You can find details of the Student Orators below.Educational Excellence Awards
Staff who have won an Education Excellence Award will receive their award as part of some of our ceremonies. The awards recognise individuals and teams whose innovative, inclusive and collaborative work has made an outstanding contribution to education and the student experience at Royal Holloway.
Presiding Officer closing remarks
Closing recession
Please stand if comfortable to do so for the closing procession. Guests are asked to remain in the venue until graduates have left for departmental photos in the South Quad.FOR OUR GUESTS
Applause: Please applaud each graduate after their name is announced - your support means everything to them.
Photography: Professional photographers and videographers will be capturing this special moment. To ensure clear shots for everyone, please remain seated throughout the ceremony.
Receptions: Guests are invited to join graduates at their reception after departmental photos have been taken.MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMIC PROCESSION
- Bedels
- University staff
- Students' Union Representative
- Faculty Deans
- Council Representative
- Mace Bearer
- Presiding Officer
PRESIDING OFFICERS
Monday 20 July
- 12.30pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 3pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Tuesday 21 July
- 10am - Professor Tracy Bhamra, Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global)
- 12.30pm - Professor Tracy Bhamra, Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global)
- 3pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 5.30pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Wednesday 22 July
- 10am - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 12.30pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 3pm - Professor Tracy Bhamra, Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global)
- 5.30pm - Professor Tracy Bhamra, Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global)
Thursday 23 July
- 10am - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 12.30pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 3pm - Professor Ruth Livesey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
- 5.30pm - Professor Ruth Livesey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
Friday 24 July
- 10am - Professor Ruth Livesey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
- 12.30pm - Professor Ruth Livesey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
- 3pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 5.30pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Monday 27 July
- 10am - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 12.30pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 3pm - Professor Mark Fellowes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Strategy, Planning and Resources)
- 5.30pm - Professor Mark Fellowes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Strategy, Planning and Resources)
Tuesday 28 July
- 10am - Professor Emma Mayhew, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience)
- 12.30pm - Professor Emma Mayhew, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience)
- 3pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 5.30pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Wednesday 29 July
- 10am - Professor Tracy Bhamra, Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global)
- 12.30pm - Professor Tracy Bhamra, Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global)
- 3pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
- 5.30pm - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Thursday 30 July
- 10am - Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
STUDENT ORATORS
Monday 20 July- 12.30pm - Arzoo Abbas (BEng Computer Systems Engineering)
- 3pm - James Orriss (BSc Physics)
Tuesday 21 July
- 10am - Simran Chandarana (BSc Computer Science)
- 12.30pm - Zainab Shaikh (BSc Computer Science)
- 3pm - Dev Mehta (BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering))
- 5.30pm - Eleanor Haughton (BSc Geography)
Wednesday 22 July
- 10am - Sophie Turner
- 12.30pm - Denisa Solovastru (BSc Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health)
- 3pm - Bana Asqalan (BSc Genetics)
- 5.30pm - Sabeeh Mirza (BSc Biomedical Sciences)
Thursday 23 July
- 10am - Jasper Bunclark (BA History)
- 12.30pm - Robin Ridehalgh (BA Classical Studies)
- 3pm - Leah Sadr (BA English and Classical Studies)
- 5.30pm - Hania Ahmed (BA English and Drama)
Friday 24 July
- 10am - Brooklyn Storey (BA Music)
- 12.30pm - Domiselah Antwi (BA Film, Television and Digital Production with Integrated Foundation Year)
- 3pm - Rebecca Feghali (PhD Media Arts)
- 5.30pm - Lucy Bailey (BA Drama with Acting)
Monday 27 July
- 10am - Anahita Kesharwani (BA Philosophy with Politics)
- 12.30pm - Ahmed Mustafa (BA Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year)
- 3pm - Alina-Anna Akram (BSc Economics with a Year in Business)
- 5.30pm - Fatima Jaguraga (Financial and Business Economics)
Tuesday 28 July
- 10am - Eashaa Woochit (BSc Criminology and Psychology)
- 12.30pm - Alexya D’Amours (LLB Law)
- 3pm - Emma Oliver (LLB Law with Year in Industry)
- 5.30pm - Ula Medani (LLB Law with International Relations)
Wednesday 29 July
- 10am - Sarah Faruqi (BSc Management)
- 12.30pm - Gilmar Piero Baca Caballero (BSc Management with Digital Innovation (Year in Business))
- 3pm - Jaydhan Garcha (BSc Management with Marketing (Year in Business))
- 5.30pm - Rudraduttsinh Vaghela (BSc Management with Entrepreneurship)
Thursday 30 July
- 10am - Zainab Mustali Kurban Hussain (BSc Management with International Business)
MUSIC AND STUDENT MUSICIANS
The procession and recession music is Rondeau in D minor, Abdelazer suite by Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
- Nicole Yuen – Violin
- Hannah Lam – Violin
- Maisie Pearce – Viola
- Laura Field – Viola
- Harry Aldrige – Viola
- Bella Hughes – Cello
- Naoki Aso – Cello
- Claudia Buchanan - Cello
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Roll of Graduates
View the roll of graduates.
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Welcome to our global alumni community
Whether you are starting a new career or planning your next adventure, your journey with Royal Holloway continues long after you graduate and the Alumni Engagement Team is here to help.
As alumni, you have access to a range of exclusive benefits and support including:
Professional careers support
As a recent graduate, you'll enjoy access to continuous career support, helping you navigate your career path, whether you're seeking a job, further education, or a new adventure. Support includes access to one-to-one appointments with Employability Consultants, practice tests and assessments and access to career and employer events. Find out more about the support available.Events and reunions
Join us at alumni events around the world! Make sure you keep your details up to date so you can hear about events relevant to you.Have a question?
Visit Alumni FAQs or contact alumni@royalholloway.ac.uk and a member of the team can help.
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Watch Live Stream
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Vendors and Merchandise
Merchandise and memorabilia
Today’s ceremonies are being filmed and streamed live. To help you remember your special day, a video of your graduation ceremony will be available to download towards the end of September, free of charge. We’ll email you with a username and password once the videos are ready to download at royalholloway.ac.uk/graduation
A range of graduation merchandise is available in The Emily Wilding Davison Building. Campus Clothing offers personalised t-shirts and hoodies as well as other merchandise, including graduation bears and crested glassware. You can visit Campus Clothing in person today or online at campusclothing.com
Our online shops
You can buy a variety of items from our University or Students’ Union online shops. Whether you’re looking for University gifts or memorabilia. Find the perfect memento of this special occasion and links to all our online shops at royalholloway.ac.uk/onlineshops
Conferences and banqueting
Today’s catering is provided by the University’s Commercial Services department. Our campus offers a variety of versatile meeting and function spaces to suit every event or occasion, from small meetings to large annual conferences, banquets, and weddings. Residential groups are well looked after, with over 2,500 bedrooms and all dining facilities within easy reach of our meeting spaces.
We are pleased to offer alumni a discount on our competitive room hire rates for private functions, events and wedding receptions. For further details or to arrange a visit, please get in touch with us.
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News highlights
Read the latest news from Royal Holloway and alumni news.
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Honorary Degrees
At this year's summer graduation ceremonies, we are proud to be awarding honorary degrees of the University of London to Suw Charman-Anderson, Ece Özdemiroğlu, Professor Pippa Norris and Mark Rose OBE.
L-R: Suw Charman-Anderson, Ece Özdemiroğlu, Pippa Norris, Mark Rose OBE Suw Charman-Anderson is the founder of Ada Lovelace Day, an international celebration of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), which she began in 2009. Suw was also co-founder and first Executive Director of the Open Rights Group, a digital rights campaigning organisation. She is currently writing Fieldwork, an eco-sitcom podcast, in collaboration with ecologists at the Universities of York and Edinburgh.
Ece Özdemiroğlu is the founder and CEO of eftec. Her work focuses on the economic valuation of natural capital and the use of this evidence in accounting, nature finance and economic appraisal. She uses economic analysis to work with forward-thinking investors, businesses, NGOs, and central and local governments, showing the multiple economic benefits of investing in nature and adapting to climate change.
Professor Pippa Norris is the Paul McGuire Lecturer in Comparative Politics at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and founding Director of the Electoral Integrity Project. She is a well-known public speaker and prolific author, the recipient of multiple honours, and a fellow of the British Academy and American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is currently listed on Research.com as the 4th highest ranked political scientist in the world.
Mark Rose OBE studied BSc in Zoology at Royal Holloway and his conservation career spans roles from wildlife officer and crocodile rancher in Papua New Guinea to 30 years as CEO of conservation charity Fauna & Flora International. Mark now works as special advisor on a range of innovative projects including Expert in residence HRH The Prince of Wales' Earthshot Prize. He was appointed OBE in 2024 in recognition of his contributions to wildlife conservation in the UK and internationally.
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History of the University
Royal Holloway College and Bedford College, each with long and distinguished histories, merged together through an Act of Parliament in 1985 to form the University we know today as Royal Holloway, University of London.
Bedford College was the inspiration of the pioneering social reformer Elizabeth Jesser Reid and was founded in 1849 as the first college for the higher education of women. It was sited at various locations in central London before finding a base in Regent’s Park in 1913 where it remained until the time of the merger.
Royal Holloway College was opened by Queen Victoria in 1886, who bestowed the title Royal. Its founder, Thomas Holloway, was a Victorian entrepreneur whose fortune was made in patent medicines, and the idea for a women’s college came from his wife, Jane. Early in its history, the University was housed completely in the magnificent Founder’s Building which also provided a home for the Royal Holloway Picture collection, one of the world’s most comprehensive private collections of Victorian art. Preserved in Founder’s Picture Gallery, the collection was the final touch to Holloway’s generous endowment.
Both Colleges became part of the University of London in 1900 and both admitted male undergraduates for the first time in 1965. Then in the 1980s the two Colleges merged, building on the strengths of both to create a first class academic environment. The commitment to innovation and the egalitarian spirit which characterised the founders of both parent Colleges remains to this day.
The University of London was founded in 1836 to examine and grant degrees to the students of King’s College and University College London. Up until then the only two English universities in existence were Oxford and Cambridge; both limited entrance to communicant members of the Church of England. Today the University of London is comprised of 17 independent institutions of varying size and is renowned for offering a world class education.
The tradition of Graduation Ceremonies within the University’s of London dates back to 1850 with the Royal Albert Hall being used as a venue for most of the last century. In 1992, the responsibility for organising the ceremonies was devolved to the Colleges so that ceremonies provided a more personal experience for our graduates and guests.
The Mace
The University's Ceremonial Mace was created by Elizabeth Matthews, a local goldsmith. The design symbolises the Victorian heritage of both Royal Holloway and Bedford Colleges and also represents the University’s present status as a multidisciplinary university institution committed to excellence in all its areas of activity. It is based on the Octagon of the Founder’s Building. The head of the Mace, knobs and handholds are in gold-plated silver and the shaft is made of rosewood; this represents the contrast of the red brick, characteristic of the Founder’s Building, with the Portland Stone of the Octagon. The University Coat of Arms has been embossed in enamel onto the floor of the replica of the Octagon.
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What to expect on the day
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Extra guest tickets