Gowns
We believe that if you're going to do something, you may as well do it properly. So that's why we encourage everyone to wear 'academic dress' (gown, hood and hat) at their graduation ceremony. And no, it's not compulsory, but most graduates make an effort on the day.
The type of gown, hood and hat depends on the qualification you're being awarded. To see which nifty little number you'll be swishing about in, see our illustrated guide.
Ordering your gown
Northams is the company that supplies all Kingston University's academic dress. To order yours go to www.wmnorthams.co.uk and choose ‘My Graduation' from the menu. You'll need to supply the following information:
- Award level
- Height
- Head circumference
- Chest size
You can also call Northams on +44 (0)870 240 1852 (national rate).
Ordering your gown in advance will save you money. But there's a deadline:
- Ceremonies in March 2012: Wednesday 14 March 2012
Prices
| Type of gown | Cost of advance hire |
|---|---|
| BTEC | £30.00 |
| Bachelors | £39.00 |
| Diploma | £38.00 |
| Foundation degree | £38.00 |
| Masters | £43.00 |
| PhD | £48.00 |
| Postgraduate | £39.00 |
And don't panic if you've left it too late. You'll be able to hire a gown at Northams on the day, although it'll cost more and they can't guarantee to have your size.
What to wear (underneath)
Graduations are friendly rather than formal but, as it's a special occasion, most people go smartly dressed.
From a practical point of view, it's best to wear a shirt or blouse so that your hood can be fastened on a button. If you're not a shirt or blouse type of person, bring a safety pin.
Collecting your gown
Ceremonies on 28 March 2012: Details of the location for gowns and photography services will be published on this website soon. Nearer the date of the ceremonies, you will also be able to download a graduation day information booklet which will contain details of relevant venues and timings.
Cancellation and refunds
If you can't attend your graduation, Northams will refund the gown hire cost as long as they receive your refund claim at least seven days before the ceremony. You can cancel your order at www.wmnorthams.co.uk using the 'Amend/Review/Cancel' option in the 'My Account' section.
For full terms and conditions, go to the Northams website.
Check our FAQs to make sure you know everything you need to about the graduation ceremonies.
Can't make it?
If you can't make it to your ceremony, you should ask for your certificate and transcript to be sent to you.
Ready to graduate?
Have you…
- Checked your ceremony date and time?
- Applied for your graduate and guest tickets?
- Received an email confirming your tickets have been purchased?
- Hired your gown?
- Downloaded and printed your ceremony information leaflet (coming soon)?
- Informed the Graduations Team of any special requirements you or your guests have?
- Cleared any outstanding debt with the University?
