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 MA is conferred by right on holders of a Cambridge BA degree and on certain other senior members. 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 not less than six years from the end of your first term of residence, providing that your BA degree has been conferred.

There is a £30 administrative charge to receive the MA Cantab. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to take your MA please get in touch with the Praelector's Secretary.

If you wish to receive another degree in addition to your MA on MA Day (e.g MB, MBA, PhD or MPhil), when applying please make sure that you state clearly in the ‘degree’ field that you would like to graduate to your MA and your MPhil (for example).

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

MA Day 2024

Saturday 6th April - MA Day for 2017 matriculands

Members who matriculated with an undergraduate degree in October 2017 are invited to receive their MA on Saturday 6th April 2023. The ceremony at Senate House will be followed by a Reunion Dinner in Hall that evening. Invitations will be sent out to eligible graduates three months prior to the event. If you think you should have received the details and have not, please email alumni@magd.cam.ac.uk.

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 page.

The majority of MA Graduands will wear the BA gown and BA hood. If you already have a degree from the University higher than the BA (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

It is not possible to offer accommodation for MA Day attendees (graduands or guests) as the ceremony takes place during Full Term and students are in residence.

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

Taking your MA at another ceremony

If you are unable to attend the MA Day, you are welcome to take your MA 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 Graduation to a Higher Degree page for dates and links to application forms.

If you 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 MA

Once you have been admitted to the MA degree, you are entitled to dine at High Table once per 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 page.