The Academic Hood

The hood as an academical vestment is distinctly British and is worn by graduates of English speaking universities all over the world.

In its original form it was the upper part of the cowl worn by the Monks and Friars of the Middle Ages. The hood covered the head during inclement weather and in the draughty cloisters when taking exercise. If not needed for this purpose it could be pulled off and allowed to hang behind over the tippet. The tippet was the lower part, a short cape, reaching to the elbow and forming a very welcome article of clothing in the monasteries and hostels which were still unglazed at the end of the 15th century. Indeed, it would appear that glass was not in general use until 1650, for three years later an order was issued to all students at Oxford to "keep his chamber windows in repair after they have once been glazed by the college".

The cowl still forms part of the dress of the religious orders, but the hood, separated from the tippet now denotes a graduate of some British or American University or similar institution while the tippet is worn by certain dignitaries of both the Roman and Anglican church. A smaller type is also used to distinguish Diocesan Readers.

For the purposes of laureation at Queen's University, the design and colour scheme of regalia is as follows: