Graduation or celebration of your degree is a formal occasion, and an appropriate standard of dress is expected. The University’s dress code is strictly enforced at degree ceremonies. The Proctors reserve the right to refuse any graduand or celebrant who is not properly dressed to graduate or celebrate at a particular ceremony. Anyone in doubt about their dress should consult the Praelector for advice well in advance of the ceremony. 

Dress code for all celebrants or graduands

You are required to wear dark clothes with your academical dress. The overall appearance should be neat and tidy. ‘Dark’ means black or very dark grey so as not to contrast noticeably with a black academic gown; subject to this, a subdued stripe or check is acceptable but not ideal. To be worn with the appropriate academic gown and hood:

Option 1 

  • A dinner jacket, or a black or very dark grey lounge suit.
  • A plain, long-sleeved, collared, white shirt.
  • Formal black shoes – no sandals, trainers, open-toed shoes, sling-backs (heeled or flat), boots or oversized buckles. Heeled shoes should be low enough for you to walk comfortably across the marble floor of the senate house.
  • Un-patterned black or very dark grey socks.
  • A white bow-tie and bands must be worn by those taking this option. Academic bands and white bow ties can be hired from the academic outfitters along with gown and hood. 


Option 2 

  • A black or very dark grey trouser suit or skirt suit, with a plain, long-sleeved (or ¾ length sleeve), collared, white shirt or blouse. Skirt or dress length is not specified but should be long enough for you to kneel in the award of your degree and still look modest. 
  • A black skirt without a jacket, with a plain, long-sleeved (or ¾ length sleeve), collared, white shirt or blouse. 
  • A black, long-sleeved dress (without jacket).
  • Un-patterned black, nearly black, or natural coloured hosiery. Bare legs or feet are not permitted.
  • Formal black shoes – no sandals, trainers, open-toed shoes, sling-backs (heeled or flat), boots or oversized buckles. Heeled shoes should be low enough for you to walk comfortably across the marble floor of the senate house.
  • A white bow-tie and bands are optional, but must be worn with a properly collared, white shirt. If the white bow-tie and bands are worn with trousers then a matching jacket must be worn.


Other dress notes 

  • Jewellery and hair accessories can be worn, but these should not be overly decorative or conspicuous, and should befit the formal occasion of the ceremony. 
  • A mortar-board (‘square’ cap) is not required. It must not be worn inside the Senate House, you would have to carry it, which can lead to difficulties in the ceremony. If you do hire one, it is best to leave it with your guests and enjoy wearing it after the ceremony!
  • Headdress may be worn inside the Senate House only to comply with religious obligations. 
  • A black cassock may be worn instead of a dark suit, skirt or dress, but it must be worn with either a white bow tie and bands or a clerical collar and bands.
  • Bags of any variety, including handbags, are not permitted.
  • Coats should not be worn. If it is raining, you may bring an umbrella, but will need to leave it in the Senate House Yard, in the expectation of being able to retrieve it on your way out.

See also the University’s information: https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/graduation-and-what-next/degree-ceremonies/academical-dress


Academical dress

Academical dress for those celebrating their degree (having previously graduated in absence)
You must wear the gown and hood of the degree that you graduated in absence with for your degree celebration. If you are in any doubt about what this should be, please get in touch with Louise Yirrell, ley20@christs.cam.ac.uk

Academical dress for those graduating to their degree

Postgraduate candidates: Cambridge graduates should wear the gown and hood of the highest existing Cambridge degree they already hold. If you are not already a Cambridge graduate then a BA or MA status gown and the hood of the degree you are about to receive. If you are 24 years or older on the day of graduation, then you wear a MA status gown, otherwise a BA status gown. If you are in any doubt about what this should be, please get in touch with Louise Yirrell, ley20@christs.cam.ac.uk

Undergraduate candidates: the undergraduate gown of Christ’s College and the hood of the highest degree you are about to receive. (This includes BTh. candidates)

Candidates for degrees by Incorporation or for the MA degree under Statute B II 2: the gown and hood of the degree you are about to receive
 

Academical dress hire

Gowns, hoods, and bands can be hired from the following Cambridge companies:
Ryder & Amies, 22 King’s Parade, Cambridge.   01223 350 371
sales@ryderamies.co.uk 
www.ryderamies.co.uk

Ede & Ravenscroft, Denny Industrial Centre, Waterbeach.   01223 734 759
customerservices@academic-services.co.uk 
https://graduation-services.edeandravenscroft.com/academic 

The robe companies will advise on arrangements for returning items to them after the ceremony.
 

Notes for guests attending the degree ceremony

  • There is no prescribed dress code for guests attending the degree ceremony, but guests usually dress smartly as it is a formal occasion. 
  • Guests can take handbags into the Senate House, but University request that guests do not bring rucksacks, holdalls, or bags larger than 35cm x 25cm. 
  • There is limited very shelter at the Senate House and guests are advised to bring coats and umbrellas, depending on the weather. 
  • Smoking, use of mobile phones, and photography are not permitted in the Senate House. Personal photography in the Senate House Yard and the surrounding lawns is fine!