Graduands must wear graduation robes (gown and hood for the award) at Congregation.
These can be hired from our long-standing local supplier Gray & Son Robemakers. Gray and Sons will be present during congregation and will have your laundered and pressed gown ready for you to collect. They will ensure you are dressed correctly in your academic dress and if there are any issues on the day with what you have ordered, they will be on hand to rectify this for you. Your robes can be returned to them on the day you hire them.
Order online between 20 October - 17 December 2025.
Hired robes must be returned by 5:30pm on the day of your ceremony
Graduands attending Congregation must wear the correct academic robe (gown and hood) appropriate to the programme of study in accordance with University Regulations. Details on the colour and design of academic dress is described in the University Calendar. Please note artificial fur is used on all hoods. Mortar boards are not part of Durham University's academic dress although some will be available for use at the photography studios.
Graduands are recommended to wear smart clothing beneath robes, either skirts or trousers are acceptable. Clothing with buttons down the front, such as blouses and shirts, are highly recommended to secure the hood which drapes over the shoulders. Graduands are advised to wear appropriate footwear to walk across cobblestones and walk up and down 2 steps at the stage during the ceremony and are advised to dress warmly as they will be outside at certain times of the day and it can be cold inside the Cathedral.
Graduands are advised not to bring large bags and keep personal belongings to a minimum which should be left with your guests prior to the ceremony. Belongings must be A4 size or smaller to be allowed inside the Cathedral.
Large bags or luggage (any items larger than A4 size) are not permitted into the Cathedral and cannot be left unattended. There will be a supervised left luggage area in the Teaching and Learning Centre. Please note, although this is a supervised area, bags are left at the owner's risk.
In the interest of everyone’s safety, bag searches will be carried out.
Graduands wishing to purchase robes are advised to contact Gray & Son Robemakers (Durham) Ltd.
Gray and Son Robemakers (Durham) Ltd.
4 Neville StreetDurhamDH1 4EY
Tel: +44 [0] 191 386 4168
Email: office@graysofdurham.com
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/professional-services/ceremonies-all/congregation/winter-congregation/Winter-Congregation.png)