Sir Philip, who also serves as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, competed at five Paralympic Games between 1972 and 1988 in wheelchair basketball and swimming.

The 60-year-old from Bolton became IPC President in December 2001 after succeeding Canadian Robert Steadward and has been widely credited as being the driving force behind taking the Paralympic Movement to where it is today.

Sir Philip has also previously held positions as the first president of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation and chairman of the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association.

Sir Philip will be made a doctor of the university at the graduation ceremony Friday November 26.

Around 570 students will also be present celebrating the completion of their own degrees.

Sir Philip will be joined as a doctor of the university by Keenan Smart, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to wildlife film-making through his lengthy career with the BBC and the National Geographic, and John Gilbert, for his contribution to preserving Scottish architecture and promoting sustainable housing.

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