One of Royal Holloway’s better known alumni and a critically acclaimed composer were awarded honorary degrees last Wednesday during the university’s annual graduation ceremonies.

Popular musician KT Tunstall and celebrated classical composer Mark-Anthony Turnage were both recognised for achievements within their respective fields, Tunstall’s environmental work also contributing to her prize.

The singer, who graduated from Royal Holloway with a degree in Drama and Music in 1996, has famously worked to offset her carbon footprint, planting trees in the Scottish Borders to compensate for any polluting effect that her musical production may have had. She is also a supporter of Live Earth and World Environment Day.

Turnage has also enjoyed a successful musical career, holding the post of resident composer at several institutions including Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The English National Opera and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His works, such as Three Screaming Popes and Scherzoid, have won international acclaim.