Gowns, photography and merchandise

Everything you need to know about booking your gowns and photography, and how to purchase merchandise for the 2024 graduation ceremonies.

 

One of the most special parts of graduation is the wearing of academic dress (cap and gown) in recognition of your qualification. Everyone crossing the stage is required to be wearing the correct academic dress.

Pre-booked gown hire will open on the Graduation portal to those who have registered to attend their graduation, where you will be able to order your gown for collection at the venue on the day. Marston Events will ensure they match you up with the correct gown for your award. 

See below for more information on gowns and on photography and merchandise. 

Regulations and Awarding Bodies

The academic dress (robe) you wear reflects the qualification you are receiving in your graduation ceremony and the institution making the award. Although UCL received awarding powers in 2005, there are still some students who will receive a University of London award.

Clothing on the day

Graduation ceremonies are formal occasions and therefore smart dress is appropriate. Remember that your clothes can be seen under your academic dress (robe).  While Robes are designed to be worn with shirts, students are welcome to wear any smart clothes they are comfortable in and are welcome to wear traditional or national dress.

Please wear appropriate footwear for walking up and down the steps.

Please note that shorts, denim and trainers are not appropriate attire for a graduation ceremony.

Photography

We will have professional photographers on the day who can take your official graduation portraits. This happens immediately before your ceremony starts. You can see which photography packages are available on the Graduation Portal, which will open to those who have registered in 2024.   

Our supplier will also be offering the opportunity to purchase a photo of the all-important moment you walk across the stage, as well as a 15-second video of this. Or if you’d prefer, you can also purchase a full recording of the ceremony.

Graduation merchandise

You can order from our range of UCL-branded clothing, notebooks, scroll holders and Jeremy Beartham graduation bears in advance from the UCL Shop. You can then pick up on your Graduation day.