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Honorary degrees awarded at the University of Bristol – Friday 22 July

Dr Martin Kiszko

Ben Kane Colin Thomas

Jane Camblin

22 July 2016

The University of Bristol is awarding honorary degrees to Dr Martin Kiszko, Ben Kane and Jane Camblin at degree ceremonies taking place today [22 July] in the Wills Memorial Building.

Composer, writer and poet Dr Martin Kiszko will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.

He has written eight screenplays, directed for ITV and composed many well-known BBC TV signature tunes.

Dr Kiszko has a Postgraduate Certificate in Radio, Film and Television and a PhD from the University of Bristol and was co-founder of the University's MA in Composition of Music for Film and Television, on which he still teaches.

He is the UK’s Green Poet, was Poet in Residence for Bristol 2015 European Green Capital and works with a number of charities.

Ben Kane, a best-selling author of historical fiction, will be awarded a Doctor of Letters accolade.

His passion for history has taken him to 70 countries and all seven continents, and his novels are renowned for their meticulous historical detail informed by extensive research into Roman history.

He's best known for the Forgotten Legion Spartacus and Hannibal book series set in the ancient world.

A former veterinary surgeon, Ben lives in Somerset where he writes full time and is an enthusiastic champion for Classics in local schools.

Jane Camblin, Head of the United Nations International School in New York, will be presented with a Doctor of Laws honorary degree.

She graduated from the University of Bristol in 1973 with a degree in English and Russian, followed by Masters degrees at Sydney and Stanford.

Jane has worked in schools across the world, including Head of the French American International School in San Francisco and elected board member of the Council of International Schools.

She currently serves on the University of Bristol Foundation in the USA and until 2012 held an elected seat on the International Baccalaureate Heads Council.

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. 

Further information

The official photographs and speeches delivered by the public orators at each ceremony are available to the media on request from the University's Press Office. Please email philippa.walker@bristol.ac.uk.

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