Dress Code
Please check very carefully that your dress conforms with the dress code below: this cannot be stressed too highly. You might not be allowed to be presented for your degree if your dress and general appearance do not meet the University's exacting standards. This would be distressing for you and your guests. If you are in any doubt about the suitability of your dress do not hesitate to contact the Praelector (praelector@queens.cam.ac.uk) well in advance of the day.
Graduands are not able to take bags or belongings into the Senate House so please ensure that you arrange for your guests to take any of your possessions.
No exceptions can be made on the day itself.
Option 1
A plain black suit, black dinner suit, or very navy blue or very dark grey lounge suit. These must be dark enough not to contrast obviously with a black gown. Freshly polished black shoes of a sober style (no sandals, boots or trainers; and no buckles, ornamental stitching or other embellishments) and plain black socks, white shirt with white bow-tie and academic bands. No cummerbands.
Or:
Option 2
A black, very dark grey or very dark navy, dress, suit or skirt (below the knee), or formal full-length trousers with a white or black blouse or white blouse and black cardigan. These must be dark enough not to contrast obviously with a black gown. Freshly polished black shoes of a sober style (not sandals, open toe shoes,boots or trainers; and no buckles, ornamental stitching or other embellishments); plain black or flesh coloured tights or stockings (no fishnet or patterned; legs must not be bare). Dresses may have a white collar. The dress, jacket, blouse or cardigan must have long sleeves (i.e. fore-arms must not be bare).
Gown and Hood
General Admission
- For the BA Degree: Undergraduate gown and BA hood
- For the MEng/MSci/MMath/BTh degrees: Undergraduate gown & MEng/MSci/MMath/BTh hood, as applicable.
MA Congregation
- A candidate for the MA degree must wear the gown and hood of the highest degree previously received from the University of Cambridge.
- For many, the highest degree received will be the BA, so a BA hood (black, with white fur) and a BA gown should be worn.
- If another degree from the University of Cambridge has been received , each has its own hood and gown. All Masters’ & doctoral degrees (as well as the MB, BChir, VetMB & MusB) rank above the BA. Holders of these degrees should dress accordingly.
The MA is senior to all BA and most MPhil degrees. Therefore, candidates must not wear undergraduate gowns. The MA gown and hood are only worn after graduating.
Ordinary Congregations
- Those already holding a Cambridge degree should wear the gown and hood of that degree (in most cases BA gown and BA hood)
- If another degree from the University of Cambridge has been received, each has its own hood and gown. All Masters’ & doctoral degrees (as well as the MB, BChir, VetMB & MusB) rank above the BA. Holders of these degrees should dress accordingly.
- If you are a graduate from another University, aged 24 or over, you must wear an M.A. status gown. If you are under 24 you must wear a B.A. status gown.
- If you are a graduate from another University, you should wear the hood of the degree you are due to receive.
Ede & Ravenscroft on-line booking service
Other Dress Regulations
These are not permitted, except that national dress (e.g., a kilt) might be allowed, but only with special authorisation from the Proctors, which must be sought through the Praelector well in advance and at least a month before the congregation. Without this special authorisation, national dress is not permitted. Clerical dress (a black cassock) may be worn instead of a suit by those suitably qualified. A graduand wearing a cassock must also wear a white collar, bow tie and bands, or clerical equivalent. If in doubt about a particular costume, please consult the Praelector well before the date of the congregation.
Notes:
I. The term "black" extends to very dark grey or very dark blue, but not to ordinary greys or blues, nor brown of any shade. Obvious pin-stripes are not permitted.
II. Heavy jewellery may not be worn. No coloured or pendant earrings or bracelets. Facial jewellery through piercings (other than earrings) should be removed.
III. Obtrusively unconventional hair styles are not permitted.
IV. No head-dress other than a square (academic cap) is permitted, except for religious reasons. The square is entirely optional, and must be carried and not worn during the ceremony.
For more information on academic dress please refer to the University website and to the Student Union's page: https://www.cambridgesu.co.uk/aboutus/services/gowns/gownguide/.