Folk singers Rachel and Becky Unthank are also among those to be recognised.
“If you had told our younger selves, who used to come busking on Elvet Bridge, that we would receive an honorary degree from such a prestigious university we wouldn’t have believed you,” they said.
“Thank you, it is such an honour.”
The other recipients are astronaut Dr Rosemary Coogan, who said she had “so many happy memories of my time at Durham,” chemistry professor David Parker, diplomat Jon Wilks, historian Professor Paul Kennedy, Ross Forbes from Redhills Durham Miners Hall and Marni Myers of Durham-based Gray and Sons robemakers.
Professor Karen O’Brien, university vice-chancellor and warden, said the recipients “exemplify exceptional achievement across a remarkable breadth of disciplines”.
“They are an inspiration to our students and graduates, demonstrating the impact of knowledge, creativity and service in the world.”