Dirk Maggs

Doctor of Arts (2019)

Image of Dirk Maggs Dirk Maggs

Dirk Maggs is an award-winning writer and director who has transformed the radio drama tradition to create iconic audio entertainment. From his roots in BBC radio comedy, Dirk became a pioneer of the ‘audio movie’ genre.

In the early nineties, he forged a partnership between the BBC and DC Comics, which brought classic American popular culture to the British airwaves.

Later, he was approached by the author Douglas Adams to produce and direct adaptations of ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ novels, bringing them back to their Radio 4 home. Today, Dirk has also become known for his award-winning collaborations with the author Neil Gaiman.

Download Dirk Maggs' citation (pdf 70kb)

Sophie Cook

Doctor of Letters (2019)

Image of Sophie Cook Sophie Cook

Sophie Cook is an RAF veteran, writer, speaker and broadcaster who became the first transgender woman to work in football’s Premier League as club photographer for AFC Bournemouth. Today she draws on her experiences to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion and to campaign for improved mental health care.

Sophie delivers keynote speeches and workshops for schools, universities and major corporations, and has launched the Sophie Cook Foundation to expand the educational focus of her work.

Her autobiography, entitled ‘Not Today: How I Chose Life’ has become a self-help book for people struggling with their mental health and identity.

Download Sophie Cook's citation (pdf 70kb)

Allan Little

Doctor of Letters (2017)

Allan Little is an award-winning broadcast journalist.  As a BBC foreign correspondent he has reported from some of the most significant events and conflicts of the last 30 years.

Allan has won a host of industry awards for his work, including Gold Sony Radio Award for Reporter of the Year and an Amnesty International Reporter of the Year Award.

Kate Kinninmont MBE

Doctor of Arts (2017)

Kate Kinninmont is a well-known television director and producer who has travelled all over the world with her work.  She has been a tireless advocate for women in the media and works hard to celebrate their successes.

She is the Chief Executive of Women in Film & Television and was awarded an MBE in 2014 for services to women in the film and television industry.

Oreoluwa Oduba

Doctor of Arts (2017)

Ore Oduba is a multi-talented television and radio presented, and winner of 2016’s Strictly Come Dancing. 

His career has encompassed children’s television, sports broadcasting – including anchoring the 2016 Rio Olympics for the BBC – and guest slots for shows including This Morning, The One Show and Radio 2’s Steve Wright Show.

Peter Kosminsky

Doctor of Arts (2009)

Peter Kosminsky is an eminent TV drama director and writer.

His critically acclaimed work has for many years dealt with strong social and international issues such as child abuse (No Child of Mine), bullying in schools (Walking on the Moon), the United Nations’ involvement in Bosnia (Warriors) and the death of the government scientist David Kelly (The Government Inspector).

Britz, in 2007, reflected the differing attitudes of second-generation British Muslims to world events through the stories of a young Muslim brother and sister.

Peter Kosminsky is a Visiting Fellow of The Media School at BU.

Download Peter Kosminsky's citation (pdf 18kb)

Martin Clunes

Doctor of Arts (2007)

Martin Clunes is an actor of national renown who has played in a very wide range of film, television and stage productions, and achieved a huge following for his role as Gary in Men Behaving Badly.

His many other successes include the lead role in Doc Martin, the award-winning series produced by Buffalo Pictures, the production company which Martin owns with his wife Philippa Braithwaite, and in feature films such as Shakespeare in Love.

He actively supports charities working for sick or disadvantaged children and young people including the Prince's Trust in Bournemouth.

Download Martin Clune's citation (pdf 21kb)