International Study Centre

International Study Centre 2012/2013

University of Leicester Honorary Degrees

Each year the University awards honorary degrees and distinguished fellowships to personalities for distinctive contributions and achievements within their fields.

Here are just some of them.

July 2011 

Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu in his gown at the Leicester graduation ceremony in July 2011Archbishop Desmond Tutu received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his struggle against South African apartheid, and he is the author of many works around reconciliation and unity. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters on Friday 15th July 2011.

In addressing the degree congregation, Tutu said: "I do want to give a very warm tribute to the city of Leicester. You are really an icon of fellowship, comity, different faiths, different ethnicities. You are an example to a world that is hungry for togetherness."

Read more about Tutu's words

Video of the moment in the graduation ceremony when Desmond Tutu was awarded the honorary degree from the University of Leicester (on YouTube)

 

July 2006

Sir David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough is world-renown for his work as a broadcaster and naturalist. His wildlife documentary work at the BBC has become a benchmark for quality in wildlife film-making and has inspired a whole generation of documentary-makers.

In July 2006 he was awarded the Distinguished Honorary Fellow by the University of Leicester.

 

January 2010

Martin Johnson

Martin Johnson is one of England's great rugby heros. He was captain of the England team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2003. He captained the Leicester Tigers and won the league six times. In 2008 became manager of the England team. In January 2010 he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Leicester.