Academic Dress
The wearing of academic robes is compulsory for all graduation ceremonies.
Gowns for University of Surrey undergraduate degrees are black. All hoods incorporate a rich, royal blue damask lining with a ribbon trim according to the type of degree.
| Subject | Trim colour |
|---|---|
| Arts | Red |
| Engineering | Grey |
| Laws | Purple |
| Music | White brocade |
| Science | No trim |
| Theology | Claret |
Diploma hoods have a rich, royal blue damask lining with a white trim.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to wear academic dress?
Yes. Graduands must wear their gowns and hoods throughout the ceremony and reception. Mortar boards are not worn during the ceremony and may be left on your seat or carried for the presentation. The mortar board should be put on when you stand ready to leave the Cathedral in the procession
- What should I wear with my robe?
We recommend that you wear a suit or similar formal outfit for your ceremony. Jeans, trainers, or collarless shirts are not suitable attire for the occasion.
Graduands are very welcome to wear national dress. Members of the armed forces may wear the appropriate uniform, and members of religious orders their normal mode of dress.
Footwear: please note you will have to walk to the front of the Cathedral and back during the ceremony, and the Chancel steps that you will have to climb are made of marble and may be slippery. We therefore recommend that you do not wear high heels.
- How do I hire or buy my robes?
You can purchase or hire your robes online from the University robe makers, Ede & Ravenscroft: www.edeandravenscroft.com.
Should you have any problems with hiring your robes please contact Ede & Ravenscroft directly on 01223 861854.
The fee for robe hire is approximately £40.
- What information will the gown hire company need?
Before you start, make sure you know your head circumference, chest and height measurements and have your credit/debit card details to hand. Print out your order form confirmation and take it with you when you collect your outfit on the day of the ceremony.
- Where should I collect my robes from on the day?
We recommend that you allow at least 30 minutes to collect and put on your academic dress.
Ede & Ravenscroft will be located in Lecture Theatres 1 and 2 in the Austin Pearce Building. Robing will commence from 8am. Please bring a note of your booking reference. Staff from the robe hire company will assist if you have lost your receipt and help with robing on request. A few safety pins may be useful to secure the hood to your gown.
- I have not ordered my robes in advance, what should I do?
Please make every effort to book your robes in advance. If you are unable to do so, you will need to bring the hire fee in cash, and queue in the robing room on degree day where the robe company will do their best to fit you. It is likely that an additional charge to the standard fee will be payable for robes not ordered in advance and there is no guarantee that the correct robes will be available to hire on the day.
- When should I return my robes?
You are responsible for the returning of your robes to the robing room after the ceremony and by no later than 6pm (unless you have made arrangements to hire them for an additional week, in which case you must return them by post to Ede & Ravenscroft Limited, Unit A Denny Industrial Centre, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB5 9QD).
- Is there somewhere to leave my coat?
Hanging rails will be provided in the robing areas in the Austin Pearce building. There is no cloakroom in the Cathedral and therefore, graduands are requested not to bring coats or umbrellas to the Cathedral unless the weather is inclement.