Black gowns introduced for students at St Andrews

The iconic sight of St Andrews students wearing red undergraduate gowns in the mediaeval town has become an international symbol for the university.

But now postgraduate students will get the chance to join in with the tradition as a new dedicated gown has been introduced.

The black gowns have been created in the Cambridge MA style, the most frequently used in the UK, with the crest of St Leonard’s Postgraduate College.

Ten have been created and are available for hire at the Students’ Association shop for special events.

Previously postgraduate students would wear the gown and hood of their highest degree during special occasions.

They were not entitled to wear the red gown as the college does not have any undergraduates enrolled.

However, with a large international cohort enrolled in the University’s increasingly expanding postgraduate college, many didn’t graduate in a gown or have access to it in the UK.

It is hoped the new scheme will allow postgraduate students to feel a part of the special gown tradition at St Andrews.

Holly Patrick, Postgraduate President, said: “We are extremely encouraged by the opportunity to re-ignite a gown tradition for postgraduates at St Andrews.

“Fostering collegiality at the postgraduate level must be a key priority for St Leonards College as the university moves into its seventh century.

“The college gowns, proposed, developed and partly funded by the student body themselves, represent a tangible move forward in making postgraduates a more visible and recognisable community at St Andrews.”

Patrick O’Hare, Students’ Association President said: “The Students’ Association is extremely happy to support such an initiative which involves postgraduate students in one of St Andrews’ most beloved traditions.

“This was something that postgraduates wanted for events such as debates, pier-walks and formal academic functions. The gowns look absolutely smashing!”

The undergraduate red gown was first introduced in 1672 to distinguish students from locals. Allegedly one of the intentions was to deter publicans from serving the students, who were often young teenagers, from drinking alcohol in between lectures.

The red gown tradition died out but was reintroduced latterly as a valuable tradition and has since become a world-recognised symbol of St Andrews.

It was thought the 600th anniversary of the University was a particularly appropriate time to introduce the new gowns.

Professor Dina Iordanova, Provost of St Leonard’s College said: “’Postgraduates in St Andrews are members of St Leonards college, our graduate school.

“They will now have the chance to be visibly distinct from their undergraduate peers.”

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Holly Patrick is available for comment at [email protected].

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews

Contact Fiona MacLeod on 01334 462108 / 0771 414 0559.
Ref: (gowns 02/03/12)
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