Ordering your gown

To make sure you look the part on your graduation day, order your academic dress in plenty of time and pick it up on the day of your ceremony.

If you wish to attend in person you must wear official University of Leeds academic dress which is provided by our supplier Ede and Ravenscroft. Our gowns are specific to our Institution and you will not be allowed entry to the ceremony if you order from a different provider or source an unofficial gown online.

How to hire a gown

When you register to attend your ceremony, we will send you a confirmation email usually within 5 working days. This will include an access code to enter the Ede and Ravenscroft website where you will be able to hire your gown. Unless you’ve ordered a gown before, you’ll need to register for a new Ede and Ravenscroft account.

It is cheaper to order in advance before the gown pre-order deadline. For ceremonies in winter 2024, this deadline is Friday 29 November 2024. If you do not pre-order, on the day orders will be subject to an extra charge.

When you hire your gown on the Ede and Ravenscroft website, you may be asked to enter a delivery address. Regardless of the address you enter, all gowns are delivered to campus for collection on the day of your ceremony. The delivery address is only used for purchased items, such as photography products.

Contact Ede and Ravenscroft

Collecting your gown

For in person ceremonies, please collect your gown from the Parkinson Building. We recommend you arrive 90 minutes before your ceremony start time. You can then return your gown to the same place after the ceremony.

For Relaxed Graduation days, you will collect and return your gown from the check-in area being used on that day. Check your emails for further information on the locations, if you have registered for a Relaxed Graduation.

Caps

Graduates for diplomas, undergraduates and masters degrees don’t, through long established University custom and practice, wear a cap (mortarboard) prescribed as part of full academic dress. We do however make sure caps are available for the official photography studios.

What to wear under your gown

Graduation ceremonies are formal occasions, so please dress smartly. We recommend formal attire such as a dark suit or dress or other formal attire relating to your cultural tradition or national costume.  

Gown hire costs

These prices are set by Ede and Ravenscroft, not the University, and may be subject to change. If you haven’t ordered your gown by the pre-order deadline, you will be able to pay Ede and Ravenscroft on the day at the gown collection area in the Parkinson Building. Remember to collect your ceremony tickets first.

All undergraduate awards (excludes integrated masters)

  • Online order: £46
  • On the day: £56

All postgraduate awards (includes integrated masters)

  • Online order: £52
  • On the day: £61

All doctoral awards

  • Online order: £59
  • On the day: £66