What Is an Honorary Doctorate And What It Is Not

Honouring Real-World Impact

In today’s fast-moving world, leadership, innovation and influence are no longer confined to academic lecture halls. Across business, arts, public service and philanthropy, some of the most influential figures have made their mark outside the bounds of traditional education. To recognise such achievements, many institutions, including ours, confer honorary doctorates.But what exactly is an honorary doctorate? And what is it not?

Honorary Doctorate: Not Earned, But Bestowed

An honorary doctorate is not the result of coursework, research or academic examinations. It is not an earned qualification. Rather, it is a symbolic honour given to individuals who have made significant contributions to their field or to society at large.

It is a recognition of excellence, leadership and impact, awarded by universities and executive institutions around the world.

At London Bridge Business School (LBBS), we use honorary degrees to celebrate exceptional leaders, innovators, and changemakers who embody the values we champion: service, integrity, purpose, and global relevance.

A Well-Established Global Tradition

The concept of honorary degrees goes back centuries and continues to be practiced by some of the most respected institutions in the world.

From Harvard to Oxford, countless universities have awarded honorary doctorates to individuals whose work transcends academic boundaries. These include names like:

• Oprah Winfrey – for her influence in media and philanthropy
  
• Bill Gates – for revolutionising technology and addressing global health
  
• Nelson Mandela – for his transformative political leadership
  
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – for her literary brilliance and advocacy
  

These individuals were not recognised for passing exams. They were honoured for changing lives.

The LBBS Approach to Honorary Awards

At LBBS, we are committed to integrity, transparency and excellence in our honorary award process.

While we are not yet a traditional university, we are a UK-registered executive education institution, and our honorary doctorate is a non-academic recognition granted to global leaders who meet clear, measurable criteria.

All nominees go through a formal vetting process by our Board of Recognition and Awards, ensuring that each conferral reflects our values and vision. We do not sell honorary degrees. We honour achievement.

Our aim is simple: to spotlight those who have made a difference, not through popularity or wealth, but through substance and service.

Why This Matters

There is a growing need to celebrate ethical leadership and purposeful influence. Honorary awards, when given with care and integrity, serve as a platform to inspire others and amplify the stories that matter.

They are not academic credentials. They do not replace a PhD or professional doctorate. But they are a meaningful reminder that impact can take many forms — and that those who serve the world deserve to be seen.

Final Word

If you come across someone using “Dr.” before their name because of an honorary doctorate, understand it as a mark of recognition, not a claim to academic training.

At LBBS, we are proud to be part of that tradition — one that celebrates global leaders and changemakers who lead not just in titles, but in action.

Want to nominate someone for an LBBS Honorary Doctorate?
Visit our Nomination Page to learn more about the criteria and submission process.

Learn more about how LBBS is shaping leadership through executive education by exploring our courses and events.