A FAMOUS Hampshire-based actress and a former Saints academy coach are among those set to receive honorary degrees from a Southampton university.

Sarah Parish, star of ITV drama Broadchurch, is to be made a Doctor of Arts during Southampton Solent University’s graduation week, which begins today.

Former Saints academy coach, Huw Jennings, now with Fulham, will also be honoured, by being made a Doctor of Sport.

The graduation week is set to take place across this week at the O2 Guildhall.

Graduates are set to be throwing hats in the air at the ten ceremonies that will take place from July 8 until July 12.

Graduates in subjects ranging from art design and fashion, sport, health and social sciences, media technology, business and law and maritime science and engineering will be in attendance.

Vice-Chancellor at Solent University, Professor Graham Baldwin says: “Graduation Week is the highlight of our academic year and is a huge event for our students, who have spent the past few years working hard so that they can follow their dreams.

“When you study at university, you make friends for life and I am delighted that our students can look forward to a memorable celebration of their achievements with their friends, family and tutors.”

Solent University Chancellor, Theo Paphitis, and Pro Chancellor, Phil Cotton, will preside over the University’s graduation ceremonies.

The ceremonies will be livestreamed on YouTube.

This year’s recipients of honourary degrees are:

Oliver Ballhatchet MBE – Doctor of Laws

· Luke Carlson – Doctor of Science

· David Elsey - Doctor of Design

· Ty Francis MBE – Doctor of Business

· Paul Franklin – Doctor of Arts

· Michael Grant – Doctor of Technology

· Alison Howell - Master of Business Administration

· Dahlia Jamil – Doctor of Arts

· Huw Jennings – Doctor of Sport

· Don John – Doctor of Arts

· Ram ‘Kelly’ Kalyan – Doctor of Arts

· Ana Matronic – Doctor of Music

· Sarah Parish – Doctor of Arts

· Dr David Pointer and Mrs Jan Pointer - Honorary Fellowes

· James Roy HonD - Doctor of Engineering

· Darren Styles OBE – Doctor of Business

· The Late Lisa Wilson – Honorary Master of Business Administration