Summer Graduation to bring a week of celebrations to Dundee

Graduands will be joined by family and friends at Caird Hall to herald their achievements as part of four days of festivities in the heart of the city.

Ceremonies begin on Tuesday afternoon, when students from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design receive their awards. On Wednesday it is the turn of students from the Schools of Health Sciences, Science and Engineering, Dentistry and Life Sciences to be recognised.

Ceremonies for students from the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law will take place the following day, while students from the School of Business and School of Medicine will round off the celebrations on Friday.

The University of Dundee’s Graduation ceremonies are steeped in tradition and bring thousands of visitors to the centre of Dundee.

After crossing the stage in front of their peers, family and friends, students will receive the traditional tap on the head from the Dundee Bonnet, marking the moment their degree is conferred.

This summer will also see the University award an Honorary Doctorate of Laws to Claudia Virginia Samayoa, a globally renowned human rights defender. Human Rights Defenders are individuals or groups who act to promote and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in international human rights law. Their efforts often place them at risk of harassment, violence, criminalisation, and, in extreme cases, death.

Ms Samayoa has been recognised for her exceptional contribution to the defence of human dignity, freedom, and justice in Guatemala and across Latin America. Her Honorary Degree underscores the University’s commitment to international justice and the protection of civic space worldwide. Ms Samayoa will receive her Honorary Degree on the afternoon of Thursday 26 June.

"It's an honour to receive this honorary degree not only for me but for what it means to a University that opens itself to international students and human rights defenders,” she said.

“In a time when human rights are in crisis and human rights defenders are key in the Global North as well in the Global South, this recognition sends a strong message of commitment that I commend.”