Academic dress and gowning

Full and appropriate academic dress comprising gown, hood and hat (normally a mortar board) must be worn by graduands. Graduands cannot be presented at the ceremony unless appropriately gowned.

 University of Plymouth awards  

University of Plymouth gowns and hats are a terracotta colour for Research/Doctorate degrees and black for all other awards. Hoods are the university colours of terracotta, dark blue and black.  J Wippell and Company Ltd provides the academic dress for the University of Plymouth awards. 

 Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry awards  

Gowns and hats are purple for Doctorate degrees and black for all other awards.  Hoods are grey, terracotta and blue. J Wippell and Company Ltd provides the academic dress for joint University of Plymouth/University of Exeter awards.

 Tips for gowning  

Buttons, pins and hats
Clothing with buttons down the front is useful when securing the loop on the hood.  The hood should lie at the edge of your shoulder and not be wrapped around your arms like a shawl. You may find it useful to take safety pins to hold your hood in place. Hats are to be worn throughout the ceremony.

Measurements
Prior to ordering, make sure you know your head circumference, chest and height measurements and have your credit/debit card details available.

Ordering time
You are strongly advised to order your academic dress as soon as possible and at least 21 days prior to your ceremony. 

Collection
In order speed up the collection of your gown, print out your order confirmation and take it with you when you collect your robes on the day of your ceremony.

Gowns should be returned to the J Wippell representative on the same day.

Smart attire
The ceremonies are formal occasions and we recommend that candidates should dress smartly. We welcome national dress for international students and military uniforms are also acceptable.  Jeans, T-shirts and other casual attire are not considered appropriate for graduation ceremonies.