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.
Please note that hiring your robe is chargeable, prices vary between £41.00 - £51.00 depending on the academic dress required.
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 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
In terms of supporting students with the cost of gown hire, the University are able to do this for students on a case by case basis. Requests are assessed against criteria relating to levels of financial support received throughout the individual’s study. To determine if you are eligible for this support, please complete and submit this form: Gown Hire Support. A member of the Ceremonies Team will then be in touch once your request has been assessed.
Please note requests need to be submitted using your Durham email account by Monday 1 December 2025.
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