Ncuti Gatwa, age 33, will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow on June 17, 2026, coinciding with the university’s 575th anniversary. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to the arts, particularly through his acclaimed performances in television.
Gatwa is best known for portraying the Fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running series Doctor Who, a role he held for two seasons. His performance garnered widespread acclaim, contributing to the show’s ongoing legacy.
Before his rise to fame, Gatwa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2013. His acting career began at Dundee Rep theatre, where he honed his craft and developed his unique style.
In addition to his role in Doctor Who, Gatwa gained recognition for his performance in the Netflix series Sex Education, further establishing himself as a versatile actor. He was previously awarded an honorary doctorate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, acknowledging his impact in the field of acting.
Prof. Andy Schofield, a representative from the University of Glasgow, stated, “Honorary degrees give us the opportunity to recognise individuals whose achievements have had a profound and positive impact within their professions and wider society.” This sentiment underscores the importance of Gatwa’s contributions to the arts.
Gatwa reflected on his time in Doctor Who, saying, “I was tired and burnt out at the end of [season 2]. It was exhausting. But it was a magical time, magical.” His passion for the show is evident, though he also expressed a readiness to move on, stating, “I had to wrestle with myself – I fell in love with that show. I’ll miss it, but I was ready to move on.”
The honorary degrees will be awarded during both summer and winter graduation ceremonies, with Gatwa’s recognition marking a significant milestone in the university’s history.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional honorary degree recipients for the upcoming ceremonies, but the anticipation surrounding Gatwa’s award is already generating excitement within the community.
