Nominations

Nominations

Nominations

Nominations

Nominations for Honorary Graduates are now closed, and will reopen in Spring 2025.

Honorary degrees are often awarded to individuals with a connection to our University and the wider community of Exeter, who can provide an inspiring example to our graduating students.

Each year we seek to honour inspiring people in this way, providing a basis for the development of a lasting relationship with the University. Some return to offer guest lectures, while others support the University in different ways. All our honorary graduates share our passion for education and research, and exemplify our values. They will play an important role as ambassadors of our University, and their influence supports our collective mission, to make the exceptional happen.

Our honorary graduates receive their awards at one of our summer or winter graduation ceremonies, becoming part of the Exeter community and sharing in our success going forward.

Do you know someone who has made a major contribution to the world of academia, made an impact on our region, or made a significant national or international contribution within their field?

If your nomination is chosen and accepted, you will be invited to attend the graduation lunch with members of UEB and our honorary graduates, with an opportunity to meet your nominee. You can make your nomination now - who will you choose?

How do I make a nomination?

Nominations are now closed, and will reopen in Spring 2025 to nominate Honorary Graduates for 2026

Criteria for the award of an Honorary Degree:

1. All nominations must be for candidates who have demonstrated the very highest national or international distinction in their chosen field.
2. Nominations are welcomed for individuals who reflect the diversity of our community and our ambition to be a global, diverse and inclusive institution.
3. Nominations will be welcomed for individuals who have made a significant contribution to: leading meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis; making key breakthroughs to transform human health and wellbeing or; leading progress towards creating a fair, socially just and inclusive society.
4. Individuals who have given exceptional service to the University over an extended period of time will also be considered.
5. Nominations are welcomed for individuals who are based in or who have made an impact on our region. It is important to the University’s mission to make awards to individuals from the region who are able to actively engage with the institution.
6. As a world-class institution with a global reach, nominations for international Honorary Graduates are also encouraged.
7. There should be clear potential for a lasting relationship with the University.
8. The achievements of the Honorary Graduate must relate in some way to the University, its values, disciplines, or have directly inspired our University community.

Retired staff from the University are eligible for nomination providing they meet the above criteria. Serving members of the University Council or people holding party political office in the UK or overseas, will only be awarded in exceptional circumstances.

To help your decision, you can read all about our previous honorary graduates.

Honorary Graduates 2023

Last year, the University honoured some of its alumni, notable individuals from the South West area and key figures who have made a significant contribution within their field and to society, nationally and internationally.

You can read more about our 2023 Honorary Graduates on our home page.