Mel B receives ‘life changing’ honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University

International popstar Mel B received an honorary degree at a Leeds Beckett graduation ceremony this week.

Melanie Brown was celebrated for her work as a campaigner and advocate for victims of domestic violence.

She has since described the degree as “life-changing” and “as massive” as performing at Wembley stadium with her fellow Spice Girls.

Mel took to Instagram to share how grateful she is to Leeds Beckett for “allowing [her] to actually become a student- be a student” on the course, adding that she is proud of everyone who graduated with her.

She also shared her gratitude for Chris Bottley at William Northam Robemakers for creating her personalised gown with leopard print lining, in honour of Scary Spice’s signature style.

Mel had moved back to her hometown of Leeds a few years ago after leaving what she described as an abusive marriage.

She explained how she had also been studying on the trauma informed care course, recently passing all of her exams.

Mel said: “Being awarded this honorary degree from Leeds Beckett University has been life-changing.

“I didn’t just want to accept an award. I wanted to be accepted as a student at Leeds Beckett. Not only have I been awarded this degree, but I was also accepted as a student on the trauma informed care course, which has been a huge step for me in so many ways.”

Planning to frame her degree certificate as well as her student card, Mel described how becoming a student was “probably one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done, but it’s changed my life”.

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On Monday a spokesperson from Leeds Beckett shared a “huge congratulations to her” online via an Instagram post. They explained that the “award recognises her role as a campaigner and advocate for domestic abuse victims, as well as her reputation as a globally recognised music icon.”

In her Instagram post, Brown highlights what her main focus is, writing, “This is my mission, this is all about one thing being a survivor – helping survivors, breaking the silence and using my voice to help others”.

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Featured image via Instagram @officialmelb