The School of Advanced Study is entitled to nominate persons for conferment of a University of London honorary degree. Titles of degrees may be conferred honoris causa to persons of conspicuous merit, who are outstanding in their field, or who have given exceptional service to the University. Nominations made by the School are considered by the University Collegiate Council.

The following individuals have been awarded honorary degrees on the proposal of the School, the degree being conferred at the School’s annual Presentation of Graduates:

  • BonnieGreer2
    Bonnie Greer, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2021.
  • Professor Roger Chartier, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2019.
  • Gay McDougall, awarded Doctor of Laws honoris causa in December 2018
  • Sir Alan Wilson, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2017
  • Shami Chakrabarti CBE, awarded Doctor of Laws honoris causa in December 2016 (pictured, right, with colleagues from the Human Rights Consortium)
  • Sir Nicholas Penny, awarded Doctorate of Literature honoris causa in December 2015 
  • Patrick Hughes, awarded Doctor of Science honoris causa in December 2014
  • Sir Stephen Laws, awarded Doctor of Laws honoris causa in December 2014
  • Heston Blumenthal, awarded Doctor of Science honoris causa in December 2013
  • Dame Lynne Brindley, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2012
  • Rt Hon Professor Martin Rees, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2011
  • Louise Arbour, awarded Doctor of Laws honoris causa in December 2010
  • Professor Sir Brian Vickers, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2009
  • Professor Peter Marshall, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2008
  • Sir Geoffrey Bowman, awarded Doctor of Laws honoris causa in December 2007
  • Mrs Sarah Tyacke, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2006
  • Professor Robin Alston, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2005
  • Judge Baltasar Garzón Real, awarded Doctor of Laws honoris causa in December 2004
  • Professor Luce Irigaray, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2003
  • Sir Anthony Kenny, awarded Doctor of Literature honoris causa in December 2002.