In 2006, he became First Parliamentary Counsel, which meant he was one of the three most senior lawyers in the Civil Service and has worked on many of the bills which have become acts of Parliament over the past few decades.

As the first member of his family to go to University, Sir Stephen is has been a strong supporter of the Access to Bristol project, encouraging school children to consider going to university who might not otherwise have done so.

Human geographer Professor David Harvey is being awarded a Doctor of Science degree for a lifetime of innovative and internationally recognised work.

Professor Harvey published his first book Explanation in Geography while working at the University of Bristol between 1961 and 1968.

He’s described as the most influential human geographer of the late 20th and early 21st century, with work now spanning over 50 years and covering more than 40 disciplines.

An honorary degree is a major accolade, awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement and distinction in a field or activity consonant with the University’s mission.