Academic and higher education leader honoured by RGU
Published: 3 July 2026
Professor Murray Pittock, one of Scotland’s leading historians and a senior figure in the higher education sector, has been awarded an Honorary Degree from Robert Gordon University (RGU).
Professor Murray Pittock, one of Scotland’s leading historians and a senior figure in the higher education sector, has been awarded an Honorary Degree from Robert Gordon University (RGU).
He grew up in the Granite City and, after completing his early education at Aberdeen Grammar School, went on to study at the University of Glasgow. After securing the Snell Exhibitor scholarship, he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy at Balliol College, Oxford.
In 1989, he was appointed as a lecturer at Edinburgh University, becoming Reader five years later. Between 1996 and 2003, he held the chair of literature at the University of Strathclyde, before moving to Manchester, where he was Professor of Scottish and Romantic Literature. He returned to the University of Glasgow in 2007, where he has served as Dean, Vice-Principal and Pro Vice-Principal.
Speaking to the class of 2026, Professor Pittock left them with three important pieces of advice as they take the next steps on their respective journeys. He said: “First, find out what gives you an edge: it could be talent, experience or perspective, and lean into it with every job you seek or are in; second, networking always counts for more than documentation, build networks that count and which test your horizons, and make friends there too; and third, stay positive and find that edge I mentioned even in the difficulties you face: it is often there.”
Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at Robert Gordon University, said: “Professor Pittock is a preeminent scholar, and he is recognised as Scotland’s leading cultural historian. He is also one of the most respected and leading figures in higher education.
“Having spent his childhood in Aberdeen, Professor Pittock already has strong links with our city, and I am immensely proud to ensure he has another North East connection with RGU.”
With more than 30 books published to his name, Professor Pittock is an academic heavyweight with titles including Culloden, Enlightenment in a smart city and, more recently, Scotland: the global history.
Professor Pittock has a long, broad, and distinguished record of public service outside academia, particularly in the cultural heritage spheres. He serves on the board of the National Trust for Scotland, the board of the European Alliance for Social Science and Humanities, and is a former chair of the Scottish Council on Global Affairs. He has been an advisor to the National Museums and National Galleries of Scotland, and to the Scottish Government and Parliament on the Constitution, Culture, External Affairs, Research and Virtual Reality.
He was recognised with a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) award at P&J Live, Aberdeen, on Friday 3 July.
First published: 3 July 2026