Our Honorary Graduate Community

“I am delighted that this honour should come from my favourite English city, and only a few miles from where I was born in Weston-Super-Mare. The University was founded just as I began my career as a writer, and its psychology department has an outstanding reputation for research and teaching.”

John Cleese, honorary degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology.

Over the last 50 years, we have expanded and enriched our university community by recognising hundreds of remarkable men and women with an honorary degree. From Sir Ian McKellen to Sir Terry Pratchett and Sir David Attenborough, it’s the highest possible recognition we can provide.

John Cleese is one of our recent honorary graduates, receiving his award at our summer graduations in July. He was in good company, joining an impressive list of new hon grads – take a look at the names below.

There’ll be plenty more to come. Over our anniversary year we’ll be welcoming around 50 more at a raft of events and ceremonies. Watch this space for news!

Sir Bobby Charlton CBE – Doctor of Laws

Dr Randal L Newcomb – Doctor of Laws

Lord Foster of Bath – Doctor of Laws

John Cleese – Doctor Clinical Psychology

Stephen Kelly – Doctor of Business Administration

Elizabeth Bingham OBE – Doctor of Laws

Kirit Patel MBE – Doctor of Business Administration

David Medlock – Doctor of Engineering

Dr Fiona Marshall – Doctor of Science

Professor Massimo Banzi – Doctor of Education

Dr Michael Painting – Doctor of Music

Neelie Kroes – Doctor of Laws