Graduates must pre-order their academic dress through Ede and Ravenscroft, the official university supplier, before the 30 June 2026 deadline to ensure availability and secure the correct regalia style for their specific degree level and ceremony.
- What are the standard academic dress regulations at Manchester Metropolitan University?
- What should I wear underneath my graduation gown?
- How do I properly wear my graduation cap and gown?
- What is the process for returning graduation regalia after the ceremony?
- FAQs About Manchester Metropolitan University Graduation Gown
The booking process for Manchester Metropolitan University regalia is integrated into the university’s graduation portal. When students log into the system, they provide their height, head circumference for the cap, and chest measurements. The system then automatically assigns the appropriate gown, hood, and mortarboard based on the student’s qualification. Early booking is essential because the university cannot guarantee size availability for those who wait until the last minute. While on-the-day hire is available at The Midland Hotel, it incurs higher costs and carries the risk of limited stock. Students should verify their ceremony time and date in the official graduation schedule before finalizing their order to prevent scheduling conflicts.
What are the standard academic dress regulations at Manchester Metropolitan University?
Manchester Metropolitan University academic dress follows traditional designs, with Bachelor and Master graduates wearing specific black gowns, while PhD candidates wear specialized regalia, all of which are based on historical 12th-century academic and monastic clothing traditions.
Tim Green
The academic regalia for Manchester Metropolitan University is designed to symbolize intellectual achievement and scholarly status. Bachelor students typically wear a standard black gown, while Master graduates wear a version with longer sleeves to distinguish their level of study. The traditional mortarboard, often referred to as a square cap, features a flat board on a skullcap with a black tassel. For PhD and doctoral graduates, the regalia includes a distinct velvet Tudor bonnet lined with satin and a tassel suspended from a cord. These items must strictly adhere to the university’s approved design specifications. Students are responsible for ensuring that any rented or purchased regalia matches these formal requirements to gain entry into the ceremony.
What should I wear underneath my graduation gown?
The university expects graduates to maintain a formal and professional appearance during the ceremony, as their attire remains visible beneath the open-fronted gown, meaning smart clothing options like suits, dresses, or formal trousers are recommended for all attendees.
While the gown is the primary focus of the academic dress, the layers beneath it contribute to the overall presentation and comfort of the graduate. For those opting for suits, classic colors such as black, navy, or charcoal are standard choices that pair well with white shirts and formal ties. Footwear should prioritize both style and comfort, as graduates will spend significant time standing, walking to the stage, and posing for photographs throughout the day. It is advisable to break in any new shoes before the event to prevent discomfort. Since Manchester weather can be unpredictable, graduates should prepare for various conditions by considering lightweight, breathable fabrics during summer ceremonies or bringing a compact umbrella as a practical accessory.
How do I properly wear my graduation cap and gown?
Properly wearing the academic set involves draping the gown over the shoulders, centering the mortarboard on the head, and ensuring the hood is correctly positioned and secured to the gown to maintain a neat, formal appearance throughout the event.
To wear the master or bachelor regalia effectively, students should ensure the gown sleeves sit naturally at their arms. The hood, which represents the specific degree earned, should be placed over the head and draped down the back. A small loop on the front of the hood is typically fastened to a button inside the gown to keep it from slipping. The mortarboard is designed to sit level on the head, with the front point facing forward. The tassel is traditionally worn on the right side before graduation and shifted to the left side once the degree is officially conferred. If assistance is needed, staff members are present in the robing rooms to ensure that all elements of the regalia are correctly fastened and positioned.
What is the process for returning graduation regalia after the ceremony?
Graduates are required to return all hired items, including the gown, hood, and mortarboard, to the designated collection point on campus by the designated time, typically by 9pm on the day of the ceremony, to avoid penalty fees.
The return process is straightforward, as designated robing areas are set up on campus for both collection and return. Students should plan their day to include enough time for a post-ceremony return before leaving the vicinity of the university. If a student loses or damages any piece of the academic dress, they may be liable for replacement costs as specified in the hiring agreement with Ede and Ravenscroft. It is recommended that graduates keep their return confirmation or receipt until they are certain the process is complete. By adhering to these return guidelines, graduates help ensure that the university’s inventory is ready for the next group of students participating in upcoming graduation events.
FAQs About Manchester Metropolitan University Graduation Gown
Can I buy my own graduation gown instead of hiring it?
Yes, you may purchase graduation regalia rather than hiring it. If you choose this route, you must ensure the items exactly match the specific style, color, and design requirements set by Manchester Metropolitan University to ensure you are permitted to wear it.
What happens if I forget to pre-order my gown before the deadline?
If you miss the pre-order deadline, you can hire a gown on the day of the ceremony at The Midland Hotel. However, this option is more expensive, and the university cannot guarantee that your specific size or required gown style will be available.
Is it acceptable to wear sneakers or casual shoes with my academic dress?
While the dress code is formal, smart, clean, and understated trainers can sometimes be acceptable if they are not overtly sporty or worn out. However, most graduates prefer traditional formal shoes like Oxford brogues or loafers to maintain a professional look.
Can I throw my mortarboard in the air for photos?
No, the official supplier, Ede and Ravenscroft, specifically requests that graduates do not throw their mortarboards. These items are the property of the supplier and can be easily damaged or cause injury to others, so they should be kept on your head.
