Academical dress
If you choose to graduate in person at the Senate-House, you are required to wear the following Cambridge academical dress at the ceremony.
- Undergraduates and affiliated students: undergraduate gown of your college and the hood of the highest degree that you are about to receive.
- Postgraduate candidates: either the gown and hood of your highest existing Cambridge degree or, if not already a Cambridge graduate, a BA or MA status gown and the hood of the highest degree you are about to take.
- Candidates for degrees by Incorporation or the MA under Statute B.III.6 the gown and hood of the degree that they are about to receive.
Academical dress hire
You may hire or buy academical dress from any of the following Cambridge suppliers:
Ede & Ravenscroft
70-72 Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RJ
www:www.gownhire.co.uk or 01223 861854
Purchase Enquiries: 01223 350048 (shop) or 01223 861854
Ryder & Amies
22 King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SP
www: www.ryderamies.co.uk
Email: enquiries@ryderamies.co.uk
A.E. Clothier
5a Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QY
WWW: www.aeclothier.co.uk
Email: sales@aeclothier.co.uk
What to wear at graduation
As graduation is a formal occasion, an appropriate standard of dress is expected. The dress code below is strictly enforced at ceremonies, and if you do not observe it, you may not be permitted to graduate on a particular occasion. Your Praelector or Presenter is able to offer further advice on dress.
Men
- A black, very dark grey or very dark blue suit. The suit must be dark enough not to contrast obviously with a black gown.
- A plain, long-sleeved, white shirt.
- Formal black shoes. Sandals are not permitted.
- Unpatterned black or very dark grey socks.
- White bow-tie and bands.
Women
- A black, very dark grey or very dark blue suit, or a dark skirt without a jacket or a dark, long-sleeved dress.
- A plain, long-sleeved, white shirt or blouse.
- Formal black shoes. Sandals are not permitted.
- Unpatterned black, nearly-black, or natural coloured hosiery.
Bands are optional for women. They may only be worn with a properly collared white shirt.
Headdress
The square cap, or 'mortarboard', is optional for graduands at Cambridge. If you do decide to wear one on the day, you should take it off and carry it in your left hand inside the Senate-House.
Jewellery
Conspicuous jewellery and hair-grips are not permitted.
Further information
Some useful tips on wearing academical dress are available at the following websites: