University of Cambridge - MA Day

MA Day

The M.A. Cantab is an honorary degree awarded to those who hold a Cambridge B.A.

At Cambridge, the M.A. is conferred by right on holders of the B.A. degree of the University and on certain other senior members. Possession of the MA, or any other Cambridge masters 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 B.A. you may proceed to the M.A. Cantab not less than six years from the end of your first term of residence, providing that your B.A. degree has been conferred.

Invitations are sent to those newly eligible around Feburary of each year to invite them to MA Day (typically held in mid-May for Magdalene). If you believe you should receive an invitation but have not, please get in touch with the Praelector's Secretary who will check your eligibility to graduate at this ceremony.

If you wish to receive another degree in addition to your M.A. on MA Day (e.g M.B. or M.Phil.), please complete the ‘Apply to Graduate to your M.A.’ form below, but make sure that you state clearly in the ‘degree’ field that you would like to graduate to your M.A. and your M.Phil. (for example).

Applications and payment for MA Day must be received before the cut-off date. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

MA Days 2022:

Friday 1st April - for 2013 matriculands: Application deadline now passed

Friday 20th May - for 2015 matriculands: Details can be found here. Application deadline now passed

Information for MA Day Graduands

Academic dress and gown hire for MA Day

All information relating to academic dress and links to Cambridge gown hire companies can be found on the Graduands' Dress webpage.

The majority of M.A. Graduands will wear the B.A. gown and B.A. hood. If you already have a degree of the University higher than the B.A. (e.g MPhil), you will wear the corresponding gown and hood. Undergraduate gowns must NOT be worn. If you are in any doubt about which gown and hood you need to wear for the ceremony, it is recommended that you seek advice from one of the gown hire companies listed at the link above.

Accommodation and guests

Unfortunately it is not possible to offer accommodation in College for MA Day attendees (graduands or guests) because the ceremony takes place during Full Term and undergraduates are therefore in residence.

Guests are welcome to attend the ceremony at the Senate House. Tickets are required for guests to gain entrance to the Senate House on the day, and are limited by the University, to two per M.A. graduand. Please indicate clearly on the application form how many guest tickets you require. Please note that babies and children do require their own ticket for Senate House, however, it is not recommended by the University to bring babies and very young children to the Senate House ceremony.

Taking your M.A. at another ceremony

If you are unable to attend the MA Day, you are welcome to take your M.A. in absence at any other ceremony in the Senate House schedule, or in-person on the days designated for the presentation of Magdalene candidates. Please see the here for further dates and links to the necessary application form.

If you decide to receive your degree in person we will send you details about the exact format of the day, including academic dress regulations. On dates other than MA Day in May, while we host a graduation lunch in College for all graduands and up to two guests, we do not provide a reunion style event like that on the designated MA Day.

After receiving your M.A.

Once you have been admitted to the M.A. degree, you are entitled to dine at High Table once in each Full Term free of charge (except for wine). Full details of your dining rights, and other privileges available to alumni, can be found on the Alumni Benefits webpage.