Honorary degrees, Medals of Honour and national honours

Each year the University recognises remarkable individuals that have made outstanding contributions to society that embody our values, improve the lives of people in local communities or have created significant impact in their field of work and often far beyond.

Honorary degrees and Medals of Honour are the University’s highest awards, and nominations come from current University students, alumni, staff and members of the Board of Governors or General Assembly for these awards.

Nominations are now closed for the 2025 awards – thank you to those who submitted. 

Nominations for the 2026 awards will open in November. In the meantime, if you have any questions please reach out to Deborah Black.

What happens next?

A shortlist of nominations will be agreed by the Awards and Honours Group in February 2025 – it will meet in in late spring to determine who will be recommended. These names will then be reviewed by the Senate and Board of Governors.

The names of individuals that will be awarded honorary degrees or the University Medals of Honour will be made public only when the offers have been accepted. You are asked to note that this can take some considerable time (up to two years and sometimes longer).