Doctor Who Star Ncuti Gatwa to Receive Honorary Doctorate

The University of Glasgow will honor Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role as the Doctor in the BBC sci-fi series, along with Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian, with honorary degrees later this year. These awards will occur during a ceremony on 17 June, commemorating the institution’s 575th anniversary since its founding in 1451.

Other notable recipients include Sarah Smith, BBC’s North America editor, and her sister, Baroness Catherine Smith, who serves as Scotland’s Advocate General. The university highlighted that these individuals were chosen for their “profound and positive impact within their professions and wider society.” Gatwa, who portrayed the Doctor for two seasons, will be awarded a Doctor of the University, as will Sarah Smith.

Baroness Catherine Smith, a history graduate from Glasgow, will also receive the same honor. Meanwhile, Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, will be granted a Doctor of the University. Stuart Murdoch, the frontman of Belle & Sebastian since the 1990s, will be honored with a Doctor of Music. Additional honorees include Professor Guido Tabellini, who will earn a Doctor of Letters, and Dr. Stuart Campbell, an emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at King’s College London, who will receive a Doctor of Science.

“Commemoration Day allows us to reflect on our remarkable history,” said Prof Andy Schofield, the university’s principal and vice chancellor. “Honorary degrees give us the chance to recognize individuals whose achievements have left a lasting, positive mark in their fields and beyond. Their work represents values that continue to inspire our community. I am pleased to welcome these honorary graduates into the Glasgow community at this significant milestone and to celebrate them alongside our graduating students.”