Stormzy and other celebs who have an honorary degree

Stormzy is being recognised for his charity work as well as his music

Stormzy has been announced as one of eight people to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Cambridge.

He's being recognised for donating millions of pounds to help tackle racial inequality and empower young black people in the UK through projects like his university scholarship scheme.

This helps two young black people go to Cambridge by helping with the cost.

Stormzy, who's real name is Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, also set up the #Merky Foundation in 2020, which aims to fight racial inequality.

Cambridge said Stormzy is receiving the doctorate of law for his philanthropic work, which means donating money to good causes.

They said it's also to highlight his impact on education, music, sport and literature.

Cambridge said the 'Stormzy Effect' has led more black students to apply to the university from across the country.

Stormzy has supported dozens of black students through further education

This isn't the first time the rapper has been honoured in this way, though.

Stormzy also received an honorary degree from the University of Exeter in the summer of 2022.

The award-winning musician was given the degree for his: "outstanding achievement in the field of higher education, philanthropy and widening participation".

What is an honorary degree?

The award is the highest honour a university can give, and an honorary doctorate is given, not because the person has studied and passed exams, or even gone to university, but because of their contributions to society or lifetime achievement in a certain area.

Honorary doctorates receive their degree at a graduation ceremony, and are often asked to give a speech and wear the traditional formal outfit of the university - colourful capes or robes, and even a fancy bonnet hat - when they accept it.

The first honorary degree was awarded to Lionel Woodville in the late 1470s by the University of Oxford.

Now, hundreds of honorary degrees or fellowships are awarded each year in the UK, and some are even given to celebrities - like Stormzy.

Which other celebs have an honorary degree?

Footballer Marcus Rashford became the youngest ever person to receive an honorary doctorate from The University of Manchester in 2020.

He earned his doctorate not just for his amazing football skills, but because of his campaign work tackling child poverty.

He helped to raise more than £20m worth of financial and food donations during the Covid-19 pandemic, through his chosen poverty and food waste charity, which led to 3.9 million meals being distributed to vulnerable people every week at that time.

Rashford also helped lead a successful campaign to convince the government to provide free meals for children over the summer holidays.

He said at the time: "We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country but receiving recognition from your city means we are heading in the right direction and that means a lot.

"Thank you to The University of Manchester."

Taylor Swift

The superstar singer received an honorary doctorate of fine arts from New York University in May 2022, for her achievements in the music industry.

Taylor Swift has released 11 original studio albums, won 14 Grammys, and sold more than 100 million albums.

"Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth," she said in her acceptance speech.

She continued: "I hope you know how proud I am to share this day with you... We're doing this together so let's just keep on dancing like we're the class of 22."

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran returned to his home county to receive an honorary doctorate from University Campus Suffolk

Singer Ed Sheeran picked up an honorary degree in 2015 from the University Campus Suffolk - which is based in Ed's home county - for his "outstanding contribution to music".

Ed dropped out of school when he was 16 to focus on his music, and since then he has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, and was announced as the most played artist of 2021 and 2023.

In his acceptance speech Ed said: "There's no key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone, so make sure you please yourself.

"Choose something you love and work hard at it and you'll be surprised how far you can get."

Sir David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough collecting his honorary degree at the University of Leicester in 2006

Did you know you can hold an honorary degree from more than one university?

The person with the most honorary degrees from universities in the UK is Sir David Attenborough, who has a whopping 32 honorary degrees for his services to science and broadcasting.

Speaking at his graduation ceremony in 2009 at Bangor University, Sir David said: "The world needs people skilled in the expertise and research needed to play a crucial part in solving the world's problems. There is no kind of honour I value more highly than that bestowed by a university.

He continued: "I think universities are the most important institutions in our society.

"They are the one place where truth has no reference to commerce or politics, and such kinds of institutions are rare and should be cherished.

"If one of them gives you an honour it should be an honour to be treasured."