A student who died in a car crash last summer will be awarded a posthumous degree today.

James Briffit had just finished a year in America as part of his four-year course in American studies when he was killed in a road accident in California. He was 22.

His girlfriend Emily Hahn, who was on the same course, will collect James's degree as well as her own at the graduation ceremony.

For Emily, it will be a celebration tinged with sorrow.

She said: "There are no words to describe how special he was and how much we miss him."

Although James had not completed the course, the university's examining board was able to award him a degree based on the three years of study he had completed.

Dr Andrew Crozier, dean of the school of English and American studies, said: "He was an excellent student and the arithmetic added up to award him a degree. In these circumstances there was also a strong case for compassion."

James's life as a Sussex student will also be remembered in other ways. His friends have planted an oak tree on campus in his honour.

Emily said: "He was a big man, 6ft 7in, so an oak tree seemed appropriate."

James was also a keen surfer and friends raised money to buy a bench on Hove seafront. It bears an inscription of his own words: 'Gaze at the ocean and see the souls of men reflected in the water'.

James died on August 4, the day Emily was flying home from her own year in America.

She said: "The last time I saw him he was so excited about his future. He was so happy. That's how we want to remember him."

Emily admitted her grief had made completing her own degree a struggle.

She said: "Everyone in the English and American studies department was great and made it possible for me to finish this year. I was doing it for the two of us."