OUTSTANDING achievements in medicine, science, law and education are to be celebrated by Southampton University when it awards honorary degrees.

Thirteen men and women will receive the honours at graduation ceremonies taking place during six days at the Nuffield Theatre and Turner Sims Concert Hall on the university's Highfield campus.

They will join some of the 6,500 undergraduates and postgraduates who are graduating from Thursday.

The honorary graduates include Stephen Payne, the man who helped to design Queen Mary 2 and oversee her construction, who will become a Doctor of Science.

Southampton Solent University's Vice Chancellor Professor Roger Brown is to be made a Doctor of the University for his contribution to higher education.

Computer game designer and former Southampton University student Peter Molyneux is to be made a Doctor of Science for his ground breaking games.

Lord Ashburton, who worked in merchant banking and is now the Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire and High Steward of Winchester Cathedral, is to be made a Doctor of the university too.

Professor Dame Carol Black, awarded a CBE for her work in the field of rheumatology and connective tissue disorders, is to be made a Doctor of Science along with Professor Sir David Fox for his contribution to the field of statistics. Director General of research and development for the Department of Health Professor Sally C Davies is to be made a Doctor of Medicine.

Karate instructor Stephen Hope, who has introduced generations of Southampton students to the sport during the past 30 years, is to be given a Master of Arts in recognition of his voluntary coaching and leadership skills.

Mans Jacobsson, who as director of the international oil pollution compensation fund has helped to protect the marine environment, is to be made a Doctor of Laws.

Other honorary degrees will be awarded to Peter Jones, director of Biffa Waste Services Ltd, who will be made a Doctor of the University, former science minister Lord Sainsbury of Turville who will be made a Doctor of Science, and information commissioner, Richard Thomas, a former Southampton University student who will made a Doctor of Laws.

Dr Roger Urwin, former group chief executive of the National Grid, will be made a Doctor of Science.