Clarkson vs May in honorary degree

puer2 · November 20th, 2009, 11:15 AM

As I was watching a show today, I was wondering why has Clarkson received an honorary PhD in engineering 2x, while James May who is the more mechanically inclined never received one?

Psirus · November 20th, 2009, 11:28 AM

I don't think Jeremy received it for engineering excellency, rather then getting the public interested in engineering achievements or something along the lines...
And James didn't yet have such an impact, although I think he deserves one as well.

TraumaDoll · November 20th, 2009, 1:07 PM

Think you're right, think it's because TG is "his" show... besides, May has a real degree, he's already done the big graduation thing.

When I worked at a university, I was going to suggest an honorary degree in Journalism for Hammond, but I don't think they'd have gone for it. He can write, though.

flydiscovery · November 20th, 2009, 2:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TraumaDoll

Think you're right, think it's because TG is "his" show... besides, May has a real degree, he's already done the big graduation thing.

When I worked at a university, I was going to suggest an honorary degree in Journalism for Hammond, but I don't think they'd have gone for it. He can write, though.

I'm pretty sure they all have earned degrees, none in a science/engineering field though. May's is in music and Hammond's in art. I'm not positive about Jeremy.

I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing more honors and "buzz" around James over the next 5 years.

WillDAQ · November 20th, 2009, 3:18 PM

Believe it or not, this is on my to do list, because I think he's quite a good candidate.

LindenChase · November 20th, 2009, 3:21 PM

I think the value of honary degrees has declined in the past years. They seem to be handing them out to anyone these days and on occassions I get the feeling it's more to do with the PR effect for the university than the appreciation for the person involved.
I really really like Jeremy a lot, but I don't think he deserved a honary PhD degree at that stage in his career. And neither do James or Richard right now.

darrenmoss · November 20th, 2009, 3:30 PM

I think Jeremy received one from Brunel University (for engineering) for his work on popularising Isembard Kingdom Brunel. He made a whole documentary on him for the "Greatest Briton" awards a few years back. That and he's done loads of work into engineering.

It's only a personal view, but I think the best bits of Jeremy come out when he's making a documentary...

WillDAQ · November 20th, 2009, 3:53 PM

To my mind the time is right for May.

He represents perhaps the only well known TV personality in the UK who actually shows an interest in proper old fashioned engineering. At a time when it's no longer 'cool' to know how things work, he is an everyman figure who still shows a passion for the subject that he doesn't hide when on the TV.

His documentaries about technical subjects don't just cover the material dry, but also consider the social impacts of technology in really quite an intellectual way.

In terms of the value of honorary degrees, many institutions do give them away too freely or as a publicity exercise. However, Bristol (which is also James' home town) has always been merit based rather than interested in the PR aspect, so although it's a long shot I think it would be worth a nomination.

Fiorano · November 20th, 2009, 4:28 PM

I do believe Jeremy's degree was related to how he brought Brunel and his works and engineering in general into the spotlight when he was working on the greatest Briton ever show vote thing a few years back. Good show if I remember correctly.

EDIT - brunel came close to winning but I think shakespeare won.

skylock · November 20th, 2009, 7:14 PM

If anyone hasn't seen Jeremy's show on Brunel, you need to see it. It is available from the FTP's.

Also, I highly suggest you see The Greatest Raid of all time.

Jeremy is good most of the time, but he is outstanding on his documentaries.

jenna42 · November 20th, 2009, 9:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiorano

I do believe Jeremy's degree was related to how he brought Brunel and his works and engineering in general into the spotlight when he was working on the greatest Briton ever show vote thing a few years back. Good show if I remember correctly.

EDIT - brunel came close to winning but I think shakespeare won.

Winston Churchill. Brunel was second.

camelfarmer · November 20th, 2009, 9:36 PM

Honorary degrees are a way for a shit uni to get some publicity, nothing more. What fucking bullshit is it that people get degrees and honors for being good at sports or entertainment

They get medals, money, fame, and they don't deserve half of that sometimes.

iam-nobody · November 20th, 2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flydiscovery

I'm pretty sure they all have earned degrees, none in a science/engineering field though. May's is in music and Hammond's in art. I'm not positive about Jeremy.

I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing more honors and "buzz" around James over the next 5 years.

Hammond does not have a degree he never finished art school and Jeremy degrees are all honorary.

shellygrrl · November 21st, 2009, 1:10 AM

I was gonna say...I didn't think Hamster graduated university.

avusilvia · November 21st, 2009, 3:06 AM

"Not yet" is my vote. All three have done well in their fields and have done a great lot to help bring interest to cars, journalism, and engineering. but i dont think they've done enough yet. thats just my opinion though.

TraumaDoll · November 21st, 2009, 5:38 PM

I seem to recall that Hammond has a HND in visual arts or something similar, which for non-UK posters is something like two-thirds of a degree. If you have a HND, you can do a one-year top-up course and get a BA or BSc.

stiggles · November 24th, 2009, 3:13 PM

May is in the running for an honorary degree from Exeter University, I'll haveyaknow....

That American Girl · November 24th, 2009, 4:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiggles

May is in the running for an honorary degree from Exeter University, I'll haveyaknow....

For what?

stiggles · November 24th, 2009, 4:25 PM

Don't know.
There was an open nomination process over the summer. From the resulting longlist, the student body selected this shortlist:
Michael Palin 25.7%
James May 20.7%
David Bowie 16.3%
Gulam Pinto 14.8% (popular long-time staff member)
General Sir Francis Richard Dannatt 12.0%

ninjacoco · November 24th, 2009, 11:56 PM

Aww, I love Michael Palin AND James. Can this be a tie? Pretty please?

November 20th, 2009, 11:15 AM	#1
puer2 Joined: Nov 2nd, 2008 Last Online: November 20th, 2009 Posts: 2 Car: BMW 525i Rep Power: 0	Clarkson vs May in honorary degree As I was watching a show today, I was wondering why has Clarkson received an honorary PhD in engineering 2x, while James May who is the more mechanically inclined never received one?

November 20th, 2009, 3:21 PM	#6
LindenChase Not A Dude Joined: Nov 28th, 2007 Last Online: 7:21 PM Posts: 1,157 Rep Power: 74	I think the value of honary degrees has declined in the past years. They seem to be handing them out to anyone these days and on occassions I get the feeling it's more to do with the PR effect for the university than the appreciation for the person involved. I really really like Jeremy a lot, but I don't think he deserved a honary PhD degree at that stage in his career. And neither do James or Richard right now. __________________ "I think fast track driving is a little like playing the bagpipes. A gentleman can, but doesn't." James May Last edited by LindenChase; November 20th, 2009 at 3:23 PM.

November 20th, 2009, 4:28 PM	#9
Fiorano Joined: Apr 20th, 2009 Last Online: 4:12 PM Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 147 Car: 1989 Supra Turbo, 2002 BMW M5 Rep Power: 14	I do believe Jeremy's degree was related to how he brought Brunel and his works and engineering in general into the spotlight when he was working on the greatest Briton ever show vote thing a few years back. Good show if I remember correctly. EDIT - brunel came close to winning but I think shakespeare won. __________________

November 20th, 2009, 7:14 PM	#10
skylock Not A Dude Joined: Jun 3rd, 2006 Last Online: December 21st, 2009 Location: USA Posts: 1,401 Car: Honda Civic Rep Power: 88	If anyone hasn't seen Jeremy's show on Brunel, you need to see it. It is available from the FTP's. Also, I highly suggest you see The Greatest Raid of all time. Jeremy is good most of the time, but he is outstanding on his documentaries. __________________ Judy People were crashing cars long before Top Gear existed. James May

November 20th, 2009, 9:36 PM	#12
camelfarmer Banned Joined: Feb 1st, 2007 Last Online: December 6th, 2009 Location: Bristol Posts: 405 Car: Ford focus Rep Power: 0	Honorary degrees are a way for a shit uni to get some publicity, nothing more. What fucking bullshit is it that people get degrees and honors for being good at sports or entertainment They get medals, money, fame, and they don't deserve half of that sometimes. Last edited by camelfarmer; November 20th, 2009 at 9:39 PM.

November 20th, 2009, 11:28 AM	#2
Psirus Joined: Dec 15th, 2008 Last Online: March 18th, 2010 Location: Dresden, Germany Age: 21 Posts: 189 Car: VW Polo Harlekin Rep Power: 15	I don't think Jeremy received it for engineering excellency, rather then getting the public interested in engineering achievements or something along the lines... And James didn't yet have such an impact, although I think he deserves one as well.

November 20th, 2009, 1:07 PM	#3
TraumaDoll Not A Dude Joined: Jul 17th, 2009 Last Online: January 26th, 2010 Location: On a dual carriageway just outside London. Posts: 39 Car: Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.6 Automatic Rep Power: 4	Think you're right, think it's because TG is "his" show... besides, May has a real degree, he's already done the big graduation thing. When I worked at a university, I was going to suggest an honorary degree in Journalism for Hammond, but I don't think they'd have gone for it. He can write, though.

November 20th, 2009, 3:18 PM	#5
WillDAQ Joined: Oct 23rd, 2007 Last Online: 7:09 PM Posts: 1,217 Car: Smart Roadster Coupe Rep Power: 69	Believe it or not, this is on my to do list, because I think he's quite a good candidate.

November 20th, 2009, 3:30 PM	#7
darrenmoss Joined: Jul 27th, 2009 Last Online: January 9th, 2010 Posts: 23 Car: ford fiesta Rep Power: 0	I think Jeremy received one from Brunel University (for engineering) for his work on popularising Isembard Kingdom Brunel. He made a whole documentary on him for the "Greatest Briton" awards a few years back. That and he's done loads of work into engineering. It's only a personal view, but I think the best bits of Jeremy come out when he's making a documentary...

November 20th, 2009, 3:53 PM	#8
WillDAQ Joined: Oct 23rd, 2007 Last Online: 7:09 PM Posts: 1,217 Car: Smart Roadster Coupe Rep Power: 69	To my mind the time is right for May. He represents perhaps the only well known TV personality in the UK who actually shows an interest in proper old fashioned engineering. At a time when it's no longer 'cool' to know how things work, he is an everyman figure who still shows a passion for the subject that he doesn't hide when on the TV. His documentaries about technical subjects don't just cover the material dry, but also consider the social impacts of technology in really quite an intellectual way. In terms of the value of honorary degrees, many institutions do give them away too freely or as a publicity exercise. However, Bristol (which is also James' home town) has always been merit based rather than interested in the PR aspect, so although it's a long shot I think it would be worth a nomination.

November 21st, 2009, 1:10 AM	#14
shellygrrl Not A Dude Joined: Nov 29th, 2008 Last Online: 2:20 AM Location: Maine Posts: 1,601 Rep Power: 178	I was gonna say...I didn't think Hamster graduated university. __________________ "Unlike James May, I will only run on television." ~ Jeremy Clarkson "This is where we'll see the advantage of the optional sport pack." ~ James May "Oversteer is best, because you don't see the tree that kills you." ~ Richard Hammond "James is NOT gorgeous. He’s hairy, churlish and has curious personal habits." ~ Oz Clarke "ALL TV programmes have a script (and/or storyboard), otherwise as other posters have said it would be chaos, and TG would look like a Youtube video from someone's backyard." ~ ozgirl

November 21st, 2009, 3:06 AM	#15
avusilvia Joined: Jul 27th, 2009 Last Online: February 2nd, 2010 Location: Saint Petersburg/Orlando FL USA Age: 19 Posts: 97 Car: 1996 Nissan 200sx se Rep Power: 5	"Not yet" is my vote. All three have done well in their fields and have done a great lot to help bring interest to cars, journalism, and engineering. but i dont think they've done enough yet. thats just my opinion though.

November 21st, 2009, 5:38 PM	#16
TraumaDoll Not A Dude Joined: Jul 17th, 2009 Last Online: January 26th, 2010 Location: On a dual carriageway just outside London. Posts: 39 Car: Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.6 Automatic Rep Power: 4	I seem to recall that Hammond has a HND in visual arts or something similar, which for non-UK posters is something like two-thirds of a degree. If you have a HND, you can do a one-year top-up course and get a BA or BSc.

November 24th, 2009, 3:13 PM	#17
stiggles Joined: May 28th, 2007 Last Online: 5:13 PM Location: Exeter, United Kingdom Age: 20 Posts: 895 Rep Power: 92	May is in the running for an honorary degree from Exeter University, I'll haveyaknow.... __________________ My Flickr 'It wasn't funny three series' ago and it's not funny now.'

November 24th, 2009, 4:25 PM	#19
stiggles Joined: May 28th, 2007 Last Online: 5:13 PM Location: Exeter, United Kingdom Age: 20 Posts: 895 Rep Power: 92	Don't know. There was an open nomination process over the summer. From the resulting longlist, the student body selected this shortlist: Michael Palin 25.7% James May 20.7% David Bowie 16.3% Gulam Pinto 14.8% (popular long-time staff member) General Sir Francis Richard Dannatt 12.0% __________________ My Flickr 'It wasn't funny three series' ago and it's not funny now.'

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November 24th, 2009, 11:56 PM	#20
ninjacoco Not A Dude Joined: Aug 21st, 2009 Last Online: 10:00 AM Location: Wacko Age: 23 Posts: 2,099 Car: '02 Nissan Failtima Rep Power: 230	Aww, I love Michael Palin AND James. Can this be a tie? Pretty please? __________________ .. / ..-. .- .-. - / .. -. / -.-- --- ..- .-. / --. . -. . .-. .- .-.. / -.. .. .-. . -.-. - .. --- -. -.-.--

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