Insignia
Insignia are symbolic items that are bestowed at the doctoral degree conferment ceremony. At MDU's doctoral degree ceremony, you can choose between a doctoral hat and a laurel wreath. Doctors may also order a doctoral ring.
Doctoral hat
The doctoral hat symbolises freedom and power. It is always made of black, pleated fabric and has a gold-coloured buckle from the University. Below you will find information on how to buy your own doctoral hat or how to book a loan hat. Honorary doctors will receive their hats from the University.
We are shaping a sustainable future – a handy tip is therefore to borrow a doctoral hat from a colleague.
Buying a doctoral hat
You can buy your doctoral hat from Franzéns Hattmakeri no later than 15 November 2025.
A doctoral hat is always unique and is not kept in stock, it is only made to order. The price of the doctoral hat is SEK 9 400. MDU will offer you the hat buckle free of charge.
The entire manufacturing process is a traditional handicraft from start to finish!
Contact details
Franzéns Hattmakeri
Västra Skansgatan 1B
413 02 Gothenburg
Contact person: Lisa Franzén
Telephone: 073-701 43 09
Email: info@franzenshattmakeri.se
Website: Franzéns Hattmakeri External link.
Opening times: Appointments are required for visits to the hat shop.
Borrowing a doctoral hat from MDU
MDU has fifteen doctoral hats in five different sizes which can be borrowed. The lending will be done in the order in which the requests are received. To try out the hats for size and booking, please contact the Student Centre in Västerås.
The doctoral hat is to be collected from Kyrkbacksgården (located adjacent to Västerås Cathedral) prior to the ceremony on 24 April 2026. It must be returned to the same location immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony.
The right size of your doctoral hat
How to measure to get the right size of your doctoral hat External link.
If you have questions regarding the size of your doctoral hat or need assistance with measuring, please contact Franzéns Hattmakeri.
Laurel wreath
The laurel wreath was in ancient times a symbol of victory, but in the university world, it is a reward for academic labours. All wreaths must be ordered from Interflora Amaryllis in Västerås, so that they have a uniform appearance. Make your order no later than 8 April 2026. The price of the wreath is SEK 895.
Contact details
Amaryllis Interflora
Hantverkargatan 9
722 12 Västerås
Contact person: Lucie Ukvitne
Telephone: 021-41 85 60
Email: interflora@amaryllis021.se
Doctoral ring
It is optional for doctoral graduands/new doctors to buy a ring and it has no significance at the Academic Ceremony. Honorary doctors, on the other hand, will receive the ring as a gift from the University during the conferment ceremony.
The doctoral ring is traditionally worn on the left ring finger above the wedding or engagement ring and symbolises the doctor’s loyalty to scholarship.
Buy your doctoral ring, no later than 15 March 2026.
Prices:
Ring in red gold about SEK 17 000.
Ring in white gold about SEK 18 000.
Contact details
Juvelen
Contact person: Calle Norberg
Telephone: 070-314 56 87
Email: callejuvelen@hotmail.com