Stormzy, an award-winning rapper, has received an honorary degree from the University of Exeter for his “outstanding achievement in the field of higher education, philanthropy and widening participation.”
An honorary degree is the highest degree a university can offer. The degree is given to people because of their achievements or contributions to society, not just because of exams they passed or even attending the university.
He said he felt “extremely blessed and grateful” to have received the degree, and that “[we] should always share and support, uplift and help in whatever capacity we are able to.”
Honorary doctorates dress up in the traditional formal outfit of the university and are asked to give speeches when they accept their award.
Hundreds of celebrities have received an honorary degree, including Stormzy. The first person to receive an honorary degree was Lionel Woodville from the University of Oxford.
Marcus Rashford
There are many other celebrities with honorary degrees, one being Marcus Rashford. He was the youngest person ever to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester in 2020.
Rashford was not only recognized for his incredible football skills but also his campaign against child poverty. He helped raise over £20m worth of financial and food donations during lockdown, helping more than 3.9 million people receive meals during the pandemic. He also led another successful campaign to provide children with free meals during summer break.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is another celebrity who has received an honorary doctorate.
The singer received a fine arts honorary doctorate from New York University as she has released nine original studio albums, won 11 Grammys, and sold more than 100 million albums.
During her acceptance speech Swift told the audience, “Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth.”
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran has also received an honorary doctorate from University Campus Suffolk for his “outstanding contribution to music.”
Sheeran has sold more than 150 million records worldwide. He dropped out of school at age 16 in order to focus on music, and the hard work paid off as he was announced the most played artist of 2021.
In his acceptance speech Sheeran said: “There’s no key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone, so make sure you please yourself.
Sir David Attenburough
Sir David Attenburough, a major contributor to the world of science, has 32 honorary degrees, making him the person with the most honorary degrees in the entire world.
In 2009 at Bangor University, Sir David said in his acceptance speech: “The world needs people skilled in the expertise and research needed to play a crucial part in solving the world’s problems. There is no kind of honor I value more highly than that bestowed by a university.”
Ncuti Gatwa
Ncuti Gatwa, an actor who will be playing Doctor Who, is also studying to become a real doctor. He received an honorary degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He studied acting at the conservatoire when he was younger.
An honorary degree is the highest degree a university can offer. The degree is given to people because of their achievements or contributions to society, not just because of exams they passed or even attending the university.
He said he felt “extremely blessed and grateful” to have received the degree, and that “[we] should always share and support, uplift and help in whatever capacity we are able to.”
Honorary doctorates dress up in the traditional formal outfit of the university and are asked to give speeches when they accept their award.
Hundreds of celebrities have received an honorary degree, including Stormzy. The first person to receive an honorary degree was Lionel Woodville from the University of Oxford.
Marcus Rashford
There are many other celebrities with honorary degrees, one being Marcus Rashford. He was the youngest person ever to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester in 2020.
Rashford was not only recognized for his incredible football skills but also his campaign against child poverty. He helped raise over £20m worth of financial and food donations during lockdown, helping more than 3.9 million people receive meals during the pandemic. He also led another successful campaign to provide children with free meals during summer break.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is another celebrity who has received an honorary doctorate.
The singer received a fine arts honorary doctorate from New York University as she has released nine original studio albums, won 11 Grammys, and sold more than 100 million albums.
During her acceptance speech Swift told the audience, “Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth.”
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran has also received an honorary doctorate from University Campus Suffolk for his “outstanding contribution to music.”
Sheeran has sold more than 150 million records worldwide. He dropped out of school at age 16 in order to focus on music, and the hard work paid off as he was announced the most played artist of 2021.
In his acceptance speech Sheeran said: “There’s no key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone, so make sure you please yourself.
Sir David Attenburough
Sir David Attenburough, a major contributor to the world of science, has 32 honorary degrees, making him the person with the most honorary degrees in the entire world.
In 2009 at Bangor University, Sir David said in his acceptance speech: “The world needs people skilled in the expertise and research needed to play a crucial part in solving the world’s problems. There is no kind of honor I value more highly than that bestowed by a university.”
Ncuti Gatwa
Ncuti Gatwa, an actor who will be playing Doctor Who, is also studying to become a real doctor. He received an honorary degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He studied acting at the conservatoire when he was younger.
