Hoods
Durham has two types of hoods for its degrees: Oxford simple shape, consisting of just a cowl and liripipe, and full shape, consisting of a cowl and cape. Of the full hoods, there are three variants: the BA shape with a large semi-circular cape and long thin liripipe; the BCL shape with a shorter cape with rounded corners and a broad liripipe and rounded corners to the cape; the doctors' shape is similar to the BCL but the cowl edge is cut at 80 degrees to the cape and the liripipe sticks out in a 45 degree angle. Hoods may be made of silk or stuff (material other than silk - normally cotton) The shape in which the hood is made is governed only by tradition, but the materials and colours used are laid down in the University regulations. Many of the hoods feature palatinate - a particular shade of purple that is associated with the University.
Read more about this topic: Academic Dress Of Durham University