University of Cambridge - MA Day

MA Day

The MA Cantab is an honorary degree awarded to those who hold a Cambridge BA.

At Cambridge, the MA Cantab is conferred by right on holders of a Cambridge BA degree. Possession of the MA, or any other Cambridge master's degree or doctorate, confers membership of the University Senate. This gives the right to:

  • participate in Discussions (part of the University's decision-making process)
  • vote in the election of a new Chancellor or High Steward
  • borrow books from the University Library

If you hold a Cambridge BA, you may proceed to the MA Cantab no sooner than six years after the end of your first term of residence, provided your BA has been conferred.

If you wish to receive an additional degree on MA Day (e.g. MB, MBA, PhD, or MPhil), ensure you clearly state both degrees in the ‘degree’ field of your application (e.g. "MA and MPhil").

There is a £30 administrative charge to receive the MA Cantab. Applications and payment must be submitted before the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.

MA Day 2025

Saturday 5 April - MA Day for 2018 matriculands

Members who matriculated with an undergraduate degree in October 2018 are invited to receive their MA on Saturday 5 April 2025.

The ceremony at Senate House will be followed by a MA Day Reunion for 2018 Matriculands in Hall that evening. Invitations will be sent to eligible graduates three months before the event. If you believe you should have received an invitation but have not, please email congregations@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Information for MA Day Graduands

Academic dress and gown hire for MA Day

Full details on academic dress, including links to Cambridge gown hire companies, are available on the Graduands' Dress page.

Most MA Graduands will wear the BA gown and hood. If you already hold a Cambridge degree higher than a BA (e.g. MPhil), you should wear the corresponding gown and hood. Undergraduate gowns must not be worn.

If you are unsure which gown and hood to wear, it is best to seek advice from one of the gown hire companies listed on the Graduands' Dress page.

Accommodation and guests

Accommodation cannot be provided for MA Day attendees (graduands or guests) as the ceremony takes place during Full Term when students are in residence.

Guests are welcome to attend the ceremony at Senate House, but tickets are required for entry. Each MA graduand may request up to two guest tickets, as set by the University. Please indicate the number of tickets you require on the application form.

Babies and children must have their own ticket. However, the University advises against bringing babies and very young children to the ceremony.

Taking your M.A. at another ceremony

If you are unable to attend MA Day, you may take your MA in absence at any other ceremony in the Senate House schedule or in person on days designated for Magdalene candidates. For dates and application forms, please refer to the Graduation to a Higher Degree page.

If you choose to receive your degree in person, we will provide details about the format of the day, including academic dress requirements. On dates other than MA Day in May, a graduation lunch in College is available for graduands and up to two guests.

After receiving your MA

Once admitted to the MA Cantab degree, you are entitled to dine at High Table once per Full Term free of charge (excluding wine). Full details of your dining rights and other alumni privileges can be found on the Alumni Benefits page.