edinburgh university phd graduation gown

Postgraduate Life

News and views from the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine's postgraduate community

Recent posts

• A glimpse into my global health research journey at the University of Edinburgh
• Developing community-led global health research priorities
• Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023 results

Graduation day messages of gratitude and celebration

What do hood and gown colours mean at graduation?

• January 2024
• December 2023
• November 2023
• September 2023
• February 2021
• January 2020
• Our programmes
• Student experience
• Testimonial

University life

When University of Edinburgh students graduate, McEwan Hall is awash with a rainbow of bright colours. But what do these gown and hood colours signify?

Twice a year at the University of Edinburgh, we get to celebrate the successes of our students at their graduations. These ceremonies are held in the spectacular surroundings of McEwan Hall in the centre of Edinburgh.

One thing you may notice about these ceremonies is the variety of colours worn by our graduating students. These colours relate to the subject and type of degree students are about to receive.

Academic gowns and hoods

Academic dress at the University of Edinburgh is made up of a gown and a hood. Most of our graduates wear a black ‘masters’ gown.

However, there are different gowns for those receiving some of our doctorates.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) graduates wear a gown with a blue lining and red border. And those receiving a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree wear a scarlet robe.

A ‘masters’ gown (left), a Doctor of Philosophy gown worn by PhD and DClinDent graduates (centre), and a scarlet Doctor robe worn by MD and DDS graduates (right).

These gowns are worn with ceremonial hoods corresponding to the specific award students will be receiving.

Postgraduate certificates and diplomas

Students graduating with a postgraduate certificate (PgCert) or a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) wear a University Blue hood lined with white and bordered with red.

This qualification is usually given to students who have completed one of our shorter online programmes – typically one or two years of part-time study.

Hood worn by students graduating with a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) or a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip).

Read more: What’s the difference between a PgCert, a PgDip and a masters degree?

Masters degrees

Students who have completed a masters programme are awarded one of our masters degrees.

The name of a student’s award depends on the subject they studied. Most masters programmes in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine lead to the award of Master of Science.

But there are some exceptions.

Students graduating with a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice or a Master’s in Conservation Medicine are awarded a Master of Veterinary Science (MVetSci) degree. This hood is lined with light maroon and bordered with the same green as the MSc hood.

And students graduating with many of our surgical masters will receive the degree of Master of Surgery (ChM). The ChM hood is lined with crimson silk without a border.

There is also a separate hood for Masters in Medical Sciences (MMedSci) graduates. This hood is lined with crimson and bordered with green.

Hoods worn by students graduating with Master of Science (MSc), Master of Veterinary Science (MVetSci), Master of Medical Science (MMedSci) and Master of Surgery (ChM) degrees.

Two other masters programmes that lead to their own unique awards are the Family Medicine and Public Health ( online or on campus ), which lead to the awards of Master of Family Medicine (MFM) and Master of Public Health (MPH), respectively.

MFM graduates’ hoods are lined with crimson while those of MPH graduates are lined with saffron yellow; both hoods are bordered with deep turquoise silk.

Hoods worn by students graduating with Master of Family Medicine (MFM) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Taught programmes in dentistry

Students who complete a full time taught programmes in Endodontology, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry or Prosthodontics are awarded a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) award. This hood is lined with crimson and bordered with red silk. As this is a doctoral award, DClinDent graduates wear the PhD robe.

Some of these programmes also allow students to study for a shorter period and receive a Master of Clinical Dentistry (MClinDent) degree. This hood is lined with white and bordered with red silk.

Hoods worn by students graduating with Master of Clinical Dentistry (MClinDent) and Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) degrees.

Research programmes

As well as taught programmes, the University of Edinburgh also offers research degrees.

Those studying one of our Master of Science by Research (MScR) programmes wear the same hood as other MSc graduates.

Most students who complete a doctoral research programme receieve a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) award. They wear a hood lined with blue silk shot with brown and bordered with three inches of red silk.

We also offer a research programme in Medicine. This is a degree undertaken by clinically qualified staff normally during their postgraduate medical training and leads to the qualification of Doctor of Medicine (MD). MD graduates wear the scarlet Doctor robe and a black hood with appended cape, lined and faced with crimson silk.

Another research degree we offer is the part-time Dental Surgery programme, which leads to the award of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). As well as the scarlet Doctor robe, DDS graduates wear a black hood lined with crimson and bordered with white silk.

Hoods worn by students graduating with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees.

Undergraduate programmes

Students graduating from most undergraduate programmes in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine receive a bachelors degree. Hoods for these awards differ by the inclusion of a white artificial fur border.

The typical bachelors degrees awarded by the College are Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S) and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

Hoods worn by students graduating with Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S) and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degrees.

What about caps?

Unlike many other universities, Edinburgh graduates don’t wear the square academic caps or mortarboards typically associated with graduations.

But as part of the graduation ceremony, the Principal doffs the head of each student with a cap called the Geneva Bonnet. According to university legend, this cap was made using material from the breeches of the Scottish religious reformer John Knox.

Which qualification are you graduating with?

Let us know what you will be graduating with, along with a photo of your colourful hood, on our social media channels.

Remember to use the hashtag #EdinburghGrad or tag one of our channels!

• Instagram: @edinburghmedicalschool and @thedickvet
• X/Twitter: @EdinUniMedicine and @TheDickVet
• Facebook: Edinburgh Medical School and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
• LinkedIn: Edinburgh Medical School and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Posted by CMVM Postgraduate

22 November 2023

Previous post

What’s the difference between a PgCert, a PgDip and a master’s degree?

Leave a reply

Your comment *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Report this page

To report inappropriate content on this page, please use the form below. Upon receiving your report, we will be in touch as per the Take Down Policy of the service.

Please note that personal data collected through this form is used and stored for the purposes of processing this report and communication with you.

If you are unable to report a concern about content via this form please contact the Service Owner .

93 CHANCERY LANE, LONDON WC2A 1DU CONTACT US

• Formal Dress
• Casual Wear
• Accessories
• Store finder
• Delivery & Returns
• Personal Tailoring
• Bespoke Service
• This week's look
• Hire or purchase academic dress
• Purchase non-ceremony academic dress

Academic dress FAQ

• Order Graduate Photography
• Order Graduate frames
• Graduate Photography FAQ
• Group & Award
• Online gallery
• Graduate memorabilia
• Order university memorabilia
• Cancelled Ceremonies
• Customer Services
• Photographic Services
• Memorabilia
• Royal Warrants
• Royal Coronations
• Other Royal Robes
• About Orders of Chivalry
• The Six British Orders of Chivalry
• About Peers' Robes
• Peers' Coronation Dress
• Peers' Parliamentary Robes
• Parliamentary Robes
• Municipal Robes
• Court Dress & High Sheriffs
• Livery Robes
• Ceremonial Dress
• Legal Dress
• Graduation Services

Academic Dress

Overview of academic dress.

The origins of today’s academic dress including the robe, hood and classical cap trace back to the first universities in medieval times. Students wore long, sober clothing reflecting their status in society and identifying them as scholars.Whilst fashions changed, the sense of purpose and propriety evoked by formal academic dress along with practicalities of marking students out in a crowd ensured that the traditional garments were kept.

Many Oxbridge colleges, schools and some ecclesiastical services still use the gown and hood, however it is more commonly seen at degree ceremonies.

“Ede & Ravenscroft continues to supply academic dress to institutions around the world combining an attention to historical detail with a modern touch.”

Please book your graduation outfit at least 21 days before your Ceremony.

PLACING YOUR ORDER

Q. I'm not sure what degree I am on. A. Unfortunately, we are unable to tell you what you have been studying for, please ask your course tutor or the university or college registry.

Q. How can I confirm that my order has been placed? A. You can see if your order has been placed by accessing the Review / Amend order screen which can be entered from the home page drop down menu.

Q. I am unable to print my confirmation e-mail - can I collect my gown without it? A. It is not imperative that you have the printed copy, but take a note of the number - which can be found on the Review / Amend order screen, as it does speed things up at the ceremony, in any event, our representatives will have detailed lists on the day of your ceremony.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept? A. Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard  Debit cards: Visa Debit, Maestro and Electron

Q. Can I go into my nearest shop to place my order in person? A.  In order for us to process the orders efficiently, orders should be placed via the website or the Call Centre.

Q. Can I go into my nearest shop to have my measurements taken for my outfit? A.  Sorry we do not provide this service in our shops.

“We will help you put your graduation outfit on, and ensure that you are wearing it correctly.”

ABOUT YOUR GRADUATION OUTFIT

Q. What does 'Height' mean? A. Your height means the measurement from the top of your head to the ground. This can be in metres or feet and inches.

Q. What does full outfit mean? A. Full outfit means all the required items for the award that you are receiving and is usually a gown, hood and hat although this varies according to the institution.

Q. How will I know how to wear the outfit? A. We will help you put it on and ensure you are wearing it correctly.  

WHEN TO PLACE YOUR ORDER

Q. How much notice is required before I book my graduation outfit? A. Please book early to be sure of your order as we cannot always guarantee an order if you leave your booking later than 21 days before your Ceremony (being the date agreed for the Hire outfit to be available). Please check the website to see if the ceremony date option is still available or contact the Call Centre to establish if it is still open to book.

Q. What can I do if I am too late to order my outfit on-line? A. You may be able to place a late order. Go to the enquiry desk in the robing area early on the day of your ceremony and our staff will do their best to help you. We are usually only able to accept cash or cheques at the ceremony. Please note we cannot guarantee we will be able to provide robes for late orders.

DELIVERY, COLLECTION AND RETURNS

Q. When will my purchased outfit arrive? A. This will depend on the type of outfit you have ordered. The dispatch time will be stated on your shopping basket when placing your order on the internet. Please make a note of this.

Q. Where do I collect my outfit from? A. Your university or college has set aside a special area for you to collect your outfit and put it on. Details are normally given to you in your handout regarding ceremony arrangements. Please confirm with your registry.

Q. Will I receive my purchased accessories with my hire outfit? A. Hire orders will be delivered direct to your graduation ceremony. All purchased orders will be delivered to your specified delivery address (not your institution).

Q. When can I collect my outfit? A. Details will have been given to you by your university or college, however as a general rule Ede and Ravenscroft will normally be available to robe you at least two hours before the ceremony.

Q. What does Extra Time mean? A. The normal hire fee is usually for the ceremony day (or evening if it is just an evening ceremony). This enables you to wear the outfit for your graduation ceremony and have private and official photos taken if you want. If you opt for Extra 7 days hire you can take the robes away from where you had your graduation ceremony and keep them for one week, returning them to us in the postage paid bag provided. Instructions regarding the use of this bag are listed inside the bag. You must obtain proof of posting. You are not allowed to take your outfit out of the United Kingdom.

Q. Can I return my outfit to my nearest Ede & Ravenscroft shop? A.  Please return all postal items as requested to the address as stated in the back of your gown.

Our Services

• Terms & Conditions
• Terms of use
• Privacy Policy
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Modern Slavery Statement
• Gender Pay Gap Report
• Cancellation Form
• Environmental Policy
• Accessibility

• Caps & Gowns Sets
• Cap & Gown Sets
• Mortarboards and Caps
• Doctoral Hoods
• Academic Hoods
• Honour Cords
• Diploma Covers
• Caps & Mortarboards
• Custom Quote
• Create account

Proudly Servicing Schools & University’s Nationwide - FAST Shipping Available!

University of Edinburgh 11 Results

School level.

University of Edinburgh Graduation Fitted Mortarboard

List price: £14.95 As low as: £8.97

University of Edinburgh Graduation Cap & Tassel

List price: £9.95 As low as: £5.97

University of Edinburgh Doctoral Tudor Bonnet

List price: £39.95 As low as: £23.97

University of Edinburgh Bachelors Academic Graduation Hood

List price: £29.99 As low as: £17.99

University of Edinburgh Graduation Masters Cap & Gown

Regular price: £64.95 £29.95

University of Edinburgh Doctoral Gown & Hood Package

List price: £199.95 As low as: £119.97

University of Edinburgh Graduation Certificate/Diploma Holder

University of Edinburgh Masters Academic Graduation Hood

List price: £34.99 As low as: £20.99

University of Edinburgh Masters Mortarboard & Gown

List price: £36.95 As low as: £22.17

University of Edinburgh Bachelors Graduation Mortarboard & Gown

University of Edinburgh Bachelors Graduation Cap & Gown

Regular price: £55.95 £34.95

• Skip to content
• Accessibility help

Hire your gown

Hiring your gown and hood from ede & ravenscroft.

Graduands attending a graduation ceremony must hire an academic gown and hood. These should be ordered from Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd.  Wearing a gown/hood is a requirement if you wish to attend the ceremony. 

All gown hire arrangements and payments must be made directly with Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd. You can access the  Ede & Ravenscroft website  to make your order.  If you have questions, please submit it via the Ede & Ravenscroft contact form .

Note : All gowns must be returned to Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd on the day of the ceremony.

Please note that the University is not responsible for the hiring of gowns or the return of gowns after the ceremonies. If the weather is wet, graduates are requested not to wear hoods in the rain.

Selecting the appropriate gown and hood

Graduands should hire/purchase the gown and hood appropriate to the Degree, Diploma or Certificate awarded (see tables below).

Gown for all Taught Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates:

• Black with long closed sleeves

Colour of Hood for all Schools/Institutions

Gowns for postgraduate research degrees:.

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Magenta with open sleeves
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD): Magenta with open sleeves
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Magenta with open sleeves
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil): Black with long closed sleeves

Colour of Hood for Postgraduate Research Degrees

Mortar boards.

Mortar boards are not part of the academic dress for Heriot-Watt University and will not be permitted during the ceremony. However, you may wish to hire a mortar board for photographic purposes only.

Academic Dress

• ENSA - Edinburgh Napier Students' Association

• My Timetable
• Applying to graduate
• Guest tickets
• Academic dress
• Graduation for TNE students
• Graduation FAQs
• Improve your Academic & Study Skills
• Study Abroad
• Academic Issues
• Student Records and Personal Information
• Check In to Class
• Regulations, Conduct & Safety
• Postgraduate Studies & Research Degrees
• Your Induction
• Your Personal Development Tutor - PDT
• Thinking of changing course
• Student Engagement Reporting
• myUniversity
• Student Voice
• Your Studies

Graduation is a formal occasion and graduands are expected to dress appropriately.

All graduands must wear the appropriate gown and hood for their award to be conferred. Please arrange to hire the appropriate gown and hood or you will not be permitted to cross the stage at the Usher Hall. Your gown and hood can be ordered with Ede & Ravenscroft and there is a separate charge for this service.

Religious, national or military dress and headwear may be worn. You can wear a mortarboard hat if you wish, but other hats and fascinators are not permitted.

Official photography

Photography services are available from Ede & Ravenscroft on the days of graduation at the Sheraton Hotel (across the road from the Usher Hall). We recommend that you order your photography package in advance as the queues for the photography sales desk on the day can be quite long. You can order this online as part of your gown hire order.

You can have your photographs taken before your ceremony and afterwards. The graduation photography will take place in the One Space at  Sheraton Grand Hotel , which is opposite the Usher Hall. Please follow the signposting on the day.

Award photography

In addition to the official graduation photography, each graduate will have their photograph taken while crossing the stage to receive their award. Ede & Ravenscroft can supply information on how these photographs can be purchased.

Express shipping: order by 3pm Mon-Fri for delivery next working day

Select Your University

University-specific graduation regalia

Graduation regalia varies by university, faculty and degree. We manufacture the highest quality hoods, felt mortarboards and eco-friendly gowns specific to your university requirements, and offer the best value package anywhere in the UK.

Aberdeen University

Abertay University

Anglia Ruskin University

Arts University Bournemouth

Bath University

Bath Spa University

Bangor University

Bedfordshire University

Birkbeck, University of London

Birmingham City University

Bolton University

Boston College

Bournemouth University

Bradford University

Bristol University

Buckinghamshire New University

Camberwell College of Arts

Cambridge University

Canterbury Christ Church University

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff University

CECOS College

Central Saint Martin's

Chelsea College of Arts

Chester University

City University, London

Courtauld Institute of Art

Cumbria University

Derby University

Dundee University

Durham University

Edge Hill University

Edinburgh University

Edinburgh Napier University

Emil Dale Academy

Essex University

Exeter University

Falmouth University

Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow University

Gloucestershire University

Goldsmiths, University of London

Grimsby Institute of Higher Education

Harper Adams University

Heriot Watt University

Hertfordshire University

Highlands & Islands University

Huddersfield University

Hull University

Imperial College London

Institute of Cancer Research

Keele University

Lancaster University

Leeds Beckett University

Leicester University

Lincoln University

Liverpool University

London College of Communication

London College of Fashion

London Metropolitan University

London School of Economics

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Loughborough University

Manchester University

Marjon University

Middlesex University

Newcastle University

Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham University

Open University

Oxford Brookes University

Oxford University

Pen Green Research Base

Plymouth Marjon University

Plymouth University

Portsmouth University

Presbyterian Church of East Africa

Queen Mary, University of London

Reading University

Regent College London

Roehampton University

Royal Holloway, University of London

Royal Veterinary College

Salford University

Sheffield Hallam University

SMB College Group

Southampton Solent University

Staffordshire University

Stirling University

Strathclyde University

Sunderland University

Swansea University

Teesside University

Ulster University

University College London

University for the Creative Arts

University of London

University of the Arts London

University of the West of England

Urdang Academy

Warwick University

Westminster University

West London University

Wimbledon College of Arts

Wolverhampton University

Worcester University

Wrexham University

Choose Your Uni

Choose Your Package

Choose Your Degree

Choose Your Sizes

• Schools & departments

Depending on the field of study you are interested in, you may be able to apply for a pre-defined PhD project, or you may need to develop your own research idea.

Research in the fields of medicine, science and engineering tend to require you to:

• apply for a project that already has specific, pre-defined aims
• compete for a place on a partially or fully funded programme (often with competitive application processes).

Research in the fields of arts, humanities and social sciences tend to require you to:

• develop your own research idea (be prepared to adapt your original idea)
• source your own funding, although some funded projects may be available.

PhD research projects

Doctoral training centres and partnerships, developing your own research idea, professional doctorates.