Academic dress of the National University of Ireland

The current academic dress of the National University of Ireland was simplified following a review in 1999. It is currently worn during formal occasions such as conferring ceremonies at the constituent universities and recognised colleges, except for University College Dublin, where the traditional academic dress was removed in 2013 in favour of a more simple design.

Faculty Colours

The faculty colours form an important part of the academic dress of the University, and distinguish graduates from different disciplines.

Faculty	Colour	Sample
Arts	White
Music	Coral Pink
Philosophy	Maroon
Celtic Studies	Saffron
Human Sciences, Social Science	Fawn
Science	St Patrick's Blue
Agriculture	Light Green
Commerce	Strawberry
Engineering	Terracotta
Architecture	Gold
Food Science and Technology	Orange
Law	Prune
Medicine and Related Sciences	Scarlet
Dentistry	Silver Grey
Pharmacy	Crimson
Nursing and Midwifery	Lilac
Veterinary Medicine	Celtic Blue

Degree of Doctor

There are two types of Doctoral gowns. The undress gown is used for ordinary occasions and the full dress gown is for formal and ceremonial occasions. The undress gown is as the Master's gown. The specifications below are for full dress.

Higher doctorates

Gown

A scarlet Oxford-style doctorate gown with bell-shaped sleeves, faced down each side and with cuffs of faculty colour.

Hood

University Green full-shaped Cambridge-style hood, lined throughout with the faculty colour.

Cap

Black velvet of the doctoral bonnet shape trimmed with cord and tassel of the faculty colour.

PhD and Specialist Doctorates

Gown

Scarlet Oxford-style gown of the Master’s shape.

Hood

University Green full-shaped Cambridge-style hood, lined Maroon and edged with two inches of faculty colour.

Cap

Black velvet of the doctoral bonnet shape trimmed with cord and tassel of the faculty colour.

Degree of Master

Gown

Black Oxford-style Master’s gown.

Hood

University Green full-shaped Cambridge-style hood, lined White and edged with three inches of faculty colour.

Cap

Black mortar board.

Degree of Bachelor

Gown

Black Oxford-style Bachelor’s gown.

Hood

University Green Oxford-style simple-shaped hood, lined throughout with faculty colour.

Cap

Black mortar board. (Exception: LLB, which has a Master’s gown and hood)

Postgraduate and Higher Diplomas

Gown

As for bachelor's degrees.

Hood

University Green modified NUI Bachelor’s hood, lined in White and edged with faculty colour. Reverse tab faced in faculty colour.

Cap

Black mortar board.

Diplomas

Gown

Black sleeveless gown.

Hood

University Green modified NUI Bachelor’s hood, lined in White and edged with faculty colour. Reverse tab faced in faculty colour.

Cap

Black mortar board.

Certificates

Gown

As for diplomas.

Hood

University Green modified NUI Bachelor’s hood, lined and edged with faculty colour. Reverse tab faced in faculty colour.

Cap

Black mortar board.

Academic Dress of University Officers

Chancellor

The Chancellor wears a traditional court style gown with inverted 'T' sleeve openings.

Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor has a similar gown, without the square collar, so the style of the University's gown for the Degree of Doctor

Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Similar to the Vice-Chancellor's gown.

Registrar

Similar to the Vice-Chancellor's gown, but with smaller and shorter sleeves.

Academic Dress at University College Dublin

The unique scheme for University College Dublin removes the faculty colours and has only one hood, gown and cap for each level of degree. It departs from tradition by having a doctoral gown that is not scarlet.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Gown

St Patrick's blue gown with closed sleeves with Saffron facings and Celtic Blue trim.

Hood

Saffron London full shaped hood and neckband, Celtic Blue lining and St Patrick's Blue trim.

Cap

Black velvet doctoral bonnet with gold cord and tassel.

Masters Degree

Gown

Plain black, full-length gown with closed sleeves.

Hood

St Patrick's Blue London full shaped hood and neckband, Celtic Blue lining and Saffron trim.

Cap

Black mortar board.

Bachelors Degree

Gown

Plain black, full-length gown with bell shaped sleeves.

Hood

St Patrick's Blue CNAA shaped hood, Saffron lining and Celtic Blue trim.

Cap

Black mortar board.