Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa to receive honorary doctorate
Doctor Who Star Ncuti Gatwa to Receive Honorary Doctorate
University Honors Diverse Group of Individuals
The University of Glasgow will confer honorary degrees to a range of notable figures later this year, including Ncuti Gatwa, the actor who portrayed the Doctor in the long-running science fiction series, and Stuart Murdoch, lead singer of the Glasgow-based band Belle & Sebastian. These accolades will be awarded during a ceremony on 17 June, coinciding with the institution’s 575th anniversary since its founding in 1451.
Other recipients of the honor include BBC journalist Sarah Smith and her younger sister, Baroness Catherine Smith, who serves as Advocate General for Scotland. The university emphasized that the honorees were chosen for their “profound and positive impact within their professions and wider society.” Additional degrees will be presented to musicians Deacon Blue and Eddi Reader, as well as academics such as Professor Guido Tabellini and Dr Stuart Campbell.
“Commemoration Day offers us a chance to reflect on our remarkable history,” said Prof Andy Schofield, the university’s principal and vice chancellor. “Honorary degrees enable us to recognize individuals whose achievements have significantly influenced their fields and broader communities. Their work reflects values that continue to inspire our collective progress.”
Gatwa, who played the Doctor for two seasons, will be awarded a Doctor of the University. Sarah Smith, the BBC’s North America editor, will also receive the same distinction. Baroness Catherine Smith, who studied history at the university and was appointed Advocate General in 2024, is set to join the honored group. Meanwhile, Stuart Murdoch will be granted a Doctor of Music, acknowledging his longstanding contributions to the music scene.
The ceremony will take place alongside the university’s summer and winter graduation events, celebrating both new graduates and distinguished alumni. This marks a pivotal moment for the institution, as it honors those whose legacies align with its academic and societal mission.