Completion and graduation
Passing the examination, formal award approval, thesis deposit and conferment are different steps. Follow the Operations Team’s formal confirmation and graduation instructions.
Complete the process
- Satisfy the examiners, including required corrections.
- Receive formal confirmation of institutional award approval.
- Complete final PDF and RD20 deposit before graduation.
- Apply to graduate and clear outstanding fees/University debts.
Approval authority needs clarification
The 2026/27 framework inconsistently names RDEB, URDC and a legacy “ACDC meeting” when describing final approval/completion dates. The wiki cannot determine your formal completion date from this alone. Ask the Operations Team to confirm the authorised approval and recorded completion date. See Source differences and clarifications.
Applying
Student Administration invites potentially eligible students to apply. An invitation does not guarantee you will complete in time. The framework says payments can be carried over to a later ceremony if needed.
Everyone must apply, including students graduating in absentia. In-absentia graduation has no fee under the framework. The University does not issue a parchment to someone who has not applied. Use My Napier graduation pages for current dates and instructions.
When can I use “Dr”?
For PhD, DBA and Prof. Doc, the framework says after the award is conferred, either at a ceremony or in absentia—not just after the viva or acceptance of corrections. If you need evidence before conferment, request an award-approval letter from the Operations Team.
Certificate
In-person graduates receive their parchment at the ceremony. In-absentia graduates normally receive it by post four to six weeks afterwards. The framework says it cannot be provided early; an approval letter can bridge the gap.
Sources: Framework §§7.15, 8.1–8.4, pp. 84, 86–87. Read the source.