Stephen Fry donned a cap and gown as he joined graduating students yesterday.

The writer and comedian collected an honorary degree from the University of Sussex in recognition of his contributions to campaigns relating to people living with bipolarity and mental health issues, AIDS and HIV.

Mr Fry, whose roles include hosting the BBC quiz show QI, was made Doctor of the University alongside students graduating at the university’s winter ceremony at Brighton Dome.

The degree was presented at the ceremony by fellow campaigner and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe, who is chairman of the council, the university’s governing body.

Professor David Clary, chief scientific adviser to the Commonwealth Office, was also made Doctor of Science.

Nearly 1,000 students attended the day’s two ceremonies, with most receiving postgraduate qualifications such as masters degrees, doctorates and Postgraduate Certificates of Education (PGCE).

They were joined by their families and friends and more than 120 countries were represented, including Afghanistan, Mongolia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Peru and Vietnam, as well as India, China and the United States.

During the ceremonies the audience heard from the university’s chancellor Sanjeev Bhaskar and vice chancellor Professor Michael Farthing.