Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa to receive honorary doctorate

Doctor Who Star and Musician to Receive Honorary Degrees from University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow is set to honor several notable figures with honorary doctorates in the coming months. Among them will be Ncuti Gatwa, who gained fame for his role as the Doctor in the long-running sci-fi series *Doctor Who*, and Stuart Murdoch, the frontman of the Scottish band Belle & Sebastian. The ceremonies will take place in June, coinciding with a special Commemoration Day event to commemorate the university’s 575th anniversary, established in 1451.

Other Honorees and Their Contributions

In addition to Gatwa and Murdoch, BBC journalist Sarah Smith and her sister, Baroness Catherine Smith, will be recognized. The latter, a history graduate from Glasgow, was recently appointed Advocate General for Scotland. The university also plans to award honorary degrees to Jacqueline McLaren, Glasgow’s Lord Provost, and musicians Deacon Blue and Eddi Reader.

For the first time this year, the university will bestow honorary degrees during its Commemoration Day ceremony on Wednesday, 17 June. This event will serve as a celebration of the institution’s historical legacy, as well as an opportunity to highlight individuals whose work has shaped their fields and society.

“Honorary degrees give us the chance to acknowledge those whose achievements have left a lasting mark on their professions and the broader community,” said Prof Andy Schofield, the university’s principal and vice chancellor. “Their contributions reflect values that continue to inspire our students and staff. It is a privilege to welcome these graduates into our fold at such a meaningful milestone.”

Gatwa, who portrayed the Doctor for two seasons, will receive a Doctor of the University honor. Sarah Smith, BBC’s North America editor, will also be awarded the same title. Baroness Catherine Smith and McLaren will follow suit. Murdoch, who has led Belle & Sebastian since the 1990s, will be granted a Doctor of Music. Other recipients include Prof Guido Tabellini, a political economics expert from Bocconi University, and Dr Stuart Campbell, an emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at King’s College London.