Graduation gown hire
Hiring your Graduation robe
The University’s official gowning company is the Graduate Gowning Company, from whom we recommend you should hire your academic robe, hood and mortar board/cap. You will receive an email confirming how and when to book your Gown.
We strongly advise you book your gown in advance as it will cost more if you hire it on the day of Graduation.
- Advanced orders (online) - £45
- Hire on the day - £52
Further information about the day of the ceremony including where to collect and return your gown can be found on our Graduation pages.
Refunds
If you have ordered and paid for your gown and then find you are unable to attend your ceremony, please contact the Graduate Gowning Company directly to see if you are eligible for a refund.
Important Information
Graduation is a formal event and all Graduands must wear the gown, hood, and mortarboard/cap appropriate for their level of award. The University of Essex has appointed the Graduate Gowning Company as our official Graduation Gown supplier. It is recommended that you hire your gown, hood, and mortar board/cap through them to ensure exact colour matching and design.
If you hire or purchase your gown from another source, you must ensure that it is the correct colour, design, and style for your level of award. You will otherwise not be permitted to attend your ceremony.
Buying your Graduation robe
You can buy your full Graduation attire including robe, mortarboard/cap, and hood from our official supplier the Graduate Gowning Company. Please contact the Graduate Gowning Company directly for prices and general enquiries.
To be eligible to buy any part of your Graduation robing you must have had a degree awarded. If you are not sure then please contact graduation@essex.ac.uk who will be more than happy to advise.
Dress code
Graduation is a formal ceremony and as such smart attire must be worn. Any graduand who does not comply with the dress code may not be admitted to the ceremony. Graduands can wear what they feel fits their gender identity and expression best underneath their gowns as long as it is ‘smart attire’. Denim, t-shirts, trainers, flip-flops and other items of casual clothing are not deemed appropriate for Graduation events.
National dress
International students who would like to wear their own national dress are very welcome to do so along with the gown, hood and mortar board/cap.
Footwear
During the ceremony, you will be required to walk up and down steep stairs within the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall to be presented to the Chancellor or Presiding Officer. We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable footwear. If you are wearing high heels please ensure that you feel comfortable wearing them in order to walk up and down stairs. It is recommended that you bring a pair of flat shoes so that you can change into them if you have problems.
Wheelchair users
If you are a wheelchair user, the gowning company may be able to alter a gown so that it is easier for you to wear. Please contact the Graduate Gowning Company directly to discuss this.
Photos of University of Essex gowns
Below are examples of some of the University official gowns. For full details of the gowns for your degree please see the University's gowning company.
Foundation degrees (FdA and FdSc)
Foundation Degree Graduands wear a black gown, a black hood that is partly lined in the University red, and a black mortar board. (The red stripe around the neck of the hood is slightly narrower than the stripe around the neck of the Bachelors Degree hood).
Bachelors degrees (BA, BSc, BEng, LLB)
Bachelors Degree Graduands wear a black gown, a black hood that is fully lined in the University red, and a black mortar board. (The red stripe around the neck of the hood is slightly wider than the stripe around the neck of the Foundation Degree hood).
Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas
Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma Graduands wear a black gown, a black hood that is edged in the University red and white, and a black mortar board.
Masters degrees (MA, MSc)
Masters Graduands wear a black gown, a black hood that is lined with the University red and edged in white, and a black mortar board.
LLM degrees
Master of Law Graduands wear a black gown, a black hood that is lined with the University red and edged in white and black, and a black mortar board.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Master of Philosophy Graduands wear a black gown, a black hood that is lined in the University red and white, and a black mortar board.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctor of Philosophy Graduands wear a gown with the body in black and the sleeves in maroon, a hood in red with a maroon lining, and a black cap (bonnet) with a maroon cord.
Professional Doctorate
Professional Doctorate Graduands wear a gown with the body in black and the sleeves in maroon, a hood in red with a maroon lining, the edge trimmed in black, and a black cap (bonnet) with a maroon cord.
