Book your academic dress
Last updated: 16/06/2026 15:46
Graduates are required to dress smart and wear academic dress on their Graduation Day.
What to wear at Graduation
The colours of your gown and hood depend on the degree you have studied and are automatically assigned to you based on your award (as detailed in your first Graduation invitation email in March).
Your gown, hood and hat must be worn throughout your Graduation.
Read Marston's guidance on what to wear under your gown.
Collection times
You can collect your academic dress:
- Between 16:00 and 19:00 the day before your Graduation, if your ceremony time is 9:30 the next day
- From 07:30 on the day of your Graduation.
Attend gowning without your guests. This helps to manage footfall and avoid long queues at the Centre for Student Life.
Allow plenty of time for collection and travelling to your ceremony or School reception, whichever is first.
Return times
Academic dress must be returned to the Centre for Student Life on the day of your Graduation ceremony:
- For a 09:30 ceremony, return by 16:00
- For a 12:30 ceremony, return by 17:30
- For a 15:30 ceremony, return by 19:00.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips are used in all items to monitor their return.
Extended hire and purchase options are available to keep your gown longer.
*Students can use third-party providers if they wish, provided these meet the University’s standards.
Contact us
Contact Marston Events if you have any questions about booking academic dress.
Relive the experience of your graduation day through professional photos.