Ceremonial FAQ’s
Diploma Certificates
How long does it take for my diploma to be prepared?
Diplomas can take up to 12 weeks to be prepared after the date of election, as they are personally signed by our Office Bearers.
In the absence of your diploma, a letter of verification is included with the welcome letter and can be used as proof of membership. We will also provide you with a digital copy of your certificate via email while the hard copy is being prepared.
Will I receive my diploma by post before I attend a ceremony?
If you have indicated that you wish to attend a ceremony, we will hold your diploma and will present it to you at the event.
Please contact us if your circumstances change and we can post the diploma to you.
I need my diploma immediately after my election. How can you help me?
A letter of verification is included in this welcome pack while your diploma is being prepared. This will allow you to submit for regulatory body applications in the absence of your diploma.
The digital copy of your diploma will also be emailed to you in the meantime, as mentioned above.
Diploma Ceremony
How many ceremonies are held in Edinburgh per year?
We hold several ceremonies, between 7-9 ceremonies, at the College in Edinburgh throughout the year. Places are in high demand and are often booked up months in advance.
Does the College host diploma ceremonies outside of the UK?
Yes, we hold ceremonies in different locations such as Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong to name a few. We hope to be able to bring you more details of our overseas dates soon.
How long will it take for me to hear back about my ceremony?
The length of time it takes to process applications varies depending on the time of year due to a significant number of applications to process, and it might take a couple of weeks to respond to you. Once you have been allocated a diploma ceremony date, it is not possible to change this date within six weeks of the event, due to the high demand for ceremony places. You are welcome to contact us for further enquiries at ceremonial@rcsed.ac.uk.
How many guests can I bring?
We will send the information email for the ceremony and the link to purchase the guests ticket nearer the time of your ceremony. You will be able to bring up to 2 guests, who will be seated in the ceremony room. Any additional guests can be accommodated in our ceremony screening room to watch ceremony in a comfortable environment where guest can watch the ceremony and still be involved in the special day.
Due to the formality of the occasion, children under the age of 8 years will be required to view the ceremony in our family screening room and must be supervised by an adult.
Can children attend the ceremony?
Children are welcome to view the ceremony from our screening room if supervised by an adult. There is also a baby and parent room for very young children. Buggies can be accommodated.
Please note, unfortunately children cannot attend the formal diners which occasionally take place following our diploma ceremonies.
Can you help me with a visa support letter?
Yes, a visa support letter can be provided on request once we have confirmed your ceremony date.
If I choose not to attend a ceremony now, can I attend one in the future?
You are welcome to attend a Diploma ceremony in the future, however we recommend booking on early as our ceremonies are filling up very quickly. Please contact us and we can let you know what options are available.
Travel & Accommodation
When can I book my travel and accommodation?
Please do not book your travel or accommodation until you have received email confirmation of your ceremony date.
Our travel agents, Surgeons Quarter Travel can assist you with your arrangements.
The College’s 129 bedroomed, 4 Star Hotel, Ten Hill Place Hotel is located onsite.
Please contact travel@surgeonsquarter.com or reservations@tenhillplace.com
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
Yes. The College’s on-street café, Café 1505, and the bar and restaurant at Ten Hill Place Hotel are both on campus.
Is the College easily accessible?
All areas of the venue can be reached by lift or access ramp. Please let the team know if you have any requirements you would like to discuss.
Any other questions?
Please contact: ceremonial@rcsed.ac.uk
Click here for an overview of what your Diploma ceremony day will look like.
Click here for a step-by-step account of how to attend a Diploma ceremony.
