You work hard…then your uni gives love rat Ryan Giggs an honorary degree
OK, it wasn’t your uni, it was Bolton
Yet again there’s a batch of celebs who turned up at graduation ceremonies this year, and they didn’t have to do anything time-consuming like set up their own club night or write a bibliography.
Here’s the latest round of famous honorary graduates. Get ready.
Dr Sir Ian McKellen
He’s played a wizard, an X-Man, and now Sir Ian McKellen takes a new role as a Doctor of Letters, awarded to him by his former Cambridge College, St Catherine’s. Magical.
Harry Hill (Dr Matthew Hall)
Comedian and trained Neurosurgeon Harry Hill last week collected an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Kent for his contribution to television and the arts. But first, they let him take a selfie.
Simon Fuller
The man behind the massive Pop Idol franchise, and manager to the likes of S Club 7 and the Spice Girls, has been honoured with a Doctorate of Letters by Brighton Uni for his “contribution to business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.”
Considering the groups he managed this is hardly music to my ears.
Deborah Meaden
Bath Spa University are to hand an Honorary Doctorate to the Dragon’s Den star entrepreneur for her services to the business world. And for being the scariest woman on TV.
Gary Neville
The England coach and Salford FC owner is now also a Doctor of Science after he picked up this honorary accolade from Salford University for his work promoting sustainability in the sports and property development industries…whatever that means.
Love rat Ryan Giggs
A second Manchester United player picked up an honorary Doctorate this season, this time by Bolton University. Love rat Giggs was rewarded for his “outstanding contribution to sport.”
Katie Melua
Singer/Songwriter Melua has been honoured as a Doctor of Letters from Queen’s University in Belfast her services to music. This is closest thing to crazy since she claimed there were 9 million bicycles in Beijing.
Lord Bilimoria
Birmingham Chancellor and Cobra Beer founder Lord Bilimoria now has a whopping seven honorary doctorates to his name. This one comes from Exeter University for his “contribution to British enterprise and public life.” Not to mention student life.
Mike Leigh
Renowned writer and director Mike Leigh has also been honoured by Exeter for his achievements in the creative industries. And he looks great in a scarf.
Charlie Higson
UEA have named The Fast Show star and alumnus Charlie Higson as an honorary Doctor of Letters for his successful career as the author of the Young Bond novels, and comedian, writer and producer.
Julian Clary
The University of East Anglia have award an honorary doctorate in Civil Law to the entertainer and Celebrity Big Brother winner. Well, it is only UEA.
Sarah Beeny
Property entrepreneur and TV presenter Sarah Beeny now carries the impressive title of “Doctor of Design” after collecting the honorary degree from Middlesex University, recognising her “contribution to the property industry.”
Next year’s contenders include Kirstie Aslopp and Phil Spencer.
Sheridan Smith
The Linconshire lass has been recognised by the University of Hull for her successful acting career, both on stage and screen. And they say acting isn’t a real degree…
Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers, Liverpool FC manager and Irishman, has been made a Doctor of Science by the University of Ulster for his “contribution to sport.”
Brian Johnson
Northumbria University honoured the AC/DC legend with a honorary doctorate in Science during their recent graduation ceremonies for his contribution to the music industry. We’ll allow this one.
Nick Hewer
Sir Alan’s Apprentice aide was also made a Doctor of Science by the University of Ulster (DSc) for his “outstanding contribution to business development”.
Alun Wyn Jones
Swansea University graduate and Welsh international Rugby player Jones is now an honorary Doctor thanks to his former uni for his “outstanding achievements as a rugby player” after leading the British and Irish Lions squad to victory last year.
Translates to getting doctorate for being a total alpha male.