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Honorary Degrees Committee
How to submit a nomination for an Honorary Award from the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ
Please submit your nomination via the online nomination form linked below.
Nominations must be received four weeks ahead of the next Honorary Degrees Committee. Nominations are still welcome after this date, but will be kept on hold until the following Committee meeting and considered for the following Graduation ceremony.
To view the nomination form before submitting your nomination, you can access the Word version here: Honorary Awards Nomination Form March 2024 [DOCX 25.66KB].
Proposers and seconders
All nominations must have a proposer (the individual making the nomination) and a seconder (a senior member of the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ who supports the nomination). Seconders are normally a Dean/Head of a School of Study or a director of a Professional Services division. If you are unsure as to how to secure a seconder for your nomination, please contact Amy Rogerson (A.Rogerson@sussex.ac.uk).
Proposers and seconders are reminded that nominations must be kept confidential.
Honorary awards criteria
Before completing the form, please refer to the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ's Honorary Awards Criteria below.
Terms of Reference
Honorary Degrees Committee [PDF 64.55KB]
Honorary Degrees, Fellowships, Gold Medals: Criteria
1. Honorary Degrees
1.1 Criteria for nominations:
(a) individuals who have achieved academic excellence in their field and who would bring distinction to the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ. Such individuals may either (i) have contributed to the work of the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ or (ii) by association with the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ bring future advocacy or support to the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ;
(b) individuals who have played an important public role contributing to the development, progress or change in society.
(c) individuals who have achieved excellence in their field consonant with the values of the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ, or who have made a major contribution to academic, regional or national life through progress or change in society and who would bring distinction through association, future advocacy or support to the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ.
1.2 Exclusions:
The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:
(a) currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time.
(b) current members of 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ staff simply on the basis of their service to the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ, but they may be considered on the basis of exceptional service at a regional, national or international level.
(c) individuals who are currently closely involved with the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ such as in the role of Visiting or Research Professor
(d) currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.
1.3 Categories of Honorary Degree:
The 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ awards honorary doctorates in these categories: Law, Literature, Music, Science, Medicine and the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ.
2. Fellowships
2.1 Criteria for nominations:
Fellowships of the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ be awarded to individuals who have either:
(a) rendered an exceptional contribution to the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ; or
(b) attained distinction in the arts, literature, science, business or public life.
“Exceptional contribution to the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ” can be either:
a) exceptional service to the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ e.g. outstanding teaching or professional service contribution; or
b) alumni who have made an outstanding contribution via advocacy, teaching, mentoring or other voluntary work on behalf of the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ.
2.2 Exclusions:
The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:
(a) currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time.
(b) currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.
2.3 Categories: None
3. Gold Medals for Philanthropy
3.1 Criteria for nominations
Gold Medals for Philanthropy may be awarded to individuals, foundations or corporations who have a strong association with the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ and have, following due diligence, made an exceptional contribution to the institution through their philanthropic support, either as a one off gift or over a long period of time.
3.2 Exclusions:
None – the evaluation of the suitability of donors is addressed via the due diligence arrangements of the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ’s Donations Policy.
3.3 Categories: None.
4. Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medals
4.1 Criteria for nominations
Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medals may be awarded from time to time to people associated with
the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ who have made a global academic or social impact.
4.2 Exclusions:
The Committee does not normally consider nominations for:
(a) currently serving politicians (British or overseas) or from those who hold responsibility for Higher Education or research funding in the United Kingdom. Members of the House of Lords are not normally excluded as long as they are not holding formal government posts at the time;
(b) currently serving members of Council, except where they have indicated their intention to step down.
4.3 Categories: None
5. Equalities and Diversity
5.1 The Committee will have regard to equality and diversity; ensuring that awards are made without bias in relation to protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act (2010) or any other irrelevant distinction and take account of the international dimension which characterises much of the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ's activity, and shall monitor this on a regular basis.
Updated February 2025
Current Honorary Degree recipients
A searchable listing of current Honorary Degree holders can be found here