Beautifully designed and illustrated throughout in full colour

A fine souvenir for graduates of the University of Hertfordshire.There are many different variations of academic dress, depending on the academic qualification held by the wearer. This book describes the different degrees and diplomas awarded by the University of Hertfordshire and looks in detail at the gown, cap and hood associated with each award.

Traditionally, academic dress consists of a black gown and square cap. The hood (which is now the distinctive mark of a university-level qualification) is medieval in origin and was originally functional. Modern academic hoods, however, are intended to indicate the wearer's degree and parent institution, rather than keeping their ears warm.

The special costumes prescribed for the Senior Officers of the University are also detailed.

Bruce Christianson is Professor of Informatics at the University of Hertfordshire, where he has taught since 1987. Born in New Zealand, he is a Fellow of the New Zealand Mathematical Society and a foundation Fellow of the Burgon Society, which promotes the study of academic dress. He has published a number of learned articles on obscure aspects of academic dress and was a member of the committee that designed the scheme of academic dress for the University of Hertfordshire.

Published October 2006; paperback

ISBN 978-1-905313-39-6