At Edinburgh, 24 graduation ceremonies are held over 2 weeks in the summer.

While all students are presented with their degree in front of loved ones in the historic McEwan Hall, some are selected to speak to their peers, and reflect on their experiences.

A significant milestone

History PhD student Christopher Wheeler recently graduated from the University. During his ceremony, he also delivered the student oration on behalf of his graduating cohort.

“My academic path has a bit different from most,” Christopher explains. “I left school at 18 and entered the workplace as a trainee Chartered Accountant. 43 years later, after a long career in finance, I embarked on a BA in history at Oxford, followed by a taught MA at Warwick University, before completing my PhD at Edinburgh.”

With an interest in US history, it was Edinburgh’s reputation in this area that caught Christopher’s eye.

After working under the supervision of Professor Frank Cogliano and Professor Enda Delaney in the School of History, Classics & Archaeology, Christopher officially completed his PhD in Autumn 2025 and received confirmation of his graduation for summer 2026.

A moment worth celebrating

“I wanted to make a big celebration of the graduation day,” Christopher says. “My Mother’s family are from Glasgow so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get everyone together for a party.”

At Edinburgh, two ceremonies take place each day – from Monday to Saturday – throughout the graduation season.

“It was a rainy day, but that didn’t dampen the mood. Everyone was happy, people throwing their scrolls in the air and getting pictures. That was really exciting.”

The graduation day experience

Graduating from Edinburgh is not just about receiving a degree, it’s the unforgettable moment of standing in the iconic McEwan Hall, surrounded by your peers, friends and family, to celebrate your achievements.

“I was delivering a speech on behalf of my cohort, but I was also feeling intimidated by McEwan Hall. I’d been once during fresher’s week, so while it was really exciting, the size and grandeur of the building is quite daunting!”

Each graduation ceremony starts with an academic procession entering the Hall, led by a bagpiper. After a short introduction by the graduation choir, students are then invited to process across the McEwan Hall stage.

“The choir was fantastic! Having music and the organ played during the ceremony was really nice and very different from my previous graduations,” says Christopher.

At the end of each ceremony, a graduating student is invited to deliver an address on behalf of their cohort. Christopher jumped at the chance when an invitation was shared with him and his peers a few months before the graduations.

“I thought that it would be a privilege to stand in front of the other students.”

In recent years, universities in the UK and further afield have seen ceremonies used as a moment to protest, but for the vast majority of students, their family and supporters, graduations remain a hugely joyous occasion.

As was the case for Christopher. During his oration, some graduating students briefly interrupted his speech.

Christopher explains: “For me, it didn’t change the celebration in any way. At the end of my address, I called for three rounds of applause – for students, staff and supporters. Everyone in the hall joined in, the response was amazing. After my speech, I stood there on stage for a few minutes and it was a sort of ‘oh my goodness, this is quite something’ moment.”

A day to reflect and look forward

Christopher has since reflected on the day and what he feels it means for students.

“To get to a degree, is a huge achievement, and to be able to graduate is something that’s going to stay with you for the rest of your life.

“You should make the most of it, and you should make the most of the time you’re having with people who you are at university with. The old adage is pretty valid that the friends you make at university stay with you for life.”

He adds: “The great thing about finishing your time at Edinburgh is that you get this wonderful graduation. The setting is magnificent and the music only adds to it. It is still a serious ceremony, but most importantly it is one of thanksgiving, so make the most of it.”