Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa to receive honorary doctorate

Doctor Who Star Ncuti Gatwa to Be Honored with Honorary Degree

The University of Glasgow is set to recognize Ncuti Gatwa, a prominent figure from the long-running science fiction series Doctor Who, along with Stuart Murdoch, the lead singer of Belle and Sebastian, through honorary degrees later this year. These awards will take place during a ceremony on June 17, coinciding with the university’s 575th anniversary since its founding in 1451.

Among the recipients are BBC journalist Sarah Smith and her younger sister, Baroness Catherine Smith, who serves as the Advocate General for Scotland. The university highlighted their selection due to their “profound and positive impact within their professions and wider society.” Additional honorees include musicians Deacon Blue and Eddi Reader, whose contributions will be acknowledged at the summer and winter graduation events.

Gatwa, who portrayed the Doctor for two seasons, will receive a Doctor of the University title. Sarah Smith, the BBC’s North America editor, will also be awarded this distinction. Baroness Catherine Smith, who studied history at Glasgow and was appointed in 2024, will share the honor. Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, is also set to be conferred a Doctor of the University.

Stuart Murdoch, the frontman of Belle & Sebastian since the 1990s, will earn a Doctor of Music. Other recipients include Prof Guido Tabellini, a political economics chair at Bocconi University, who will be granted a Doctor of Letters, and Dr Stuart Campbell, an emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at King’s College London, receiving a Doctor of Science.

Prof Andy Schofield, the principal and vice chancellor, stated that the Commemoration Day ceremony offers a chance to “reflect on our remarkable history.” He emphasized that “honorary degrees enable us to honor individuals whose achievements have significantly influenced their fields and broader society. Their work reflects values that continue to inspire our community.” Schofield expressed delight at welcoming the honorary graduates to the university’s fold during this milestone event, alongside the graduating students.