By Nick Butler

An honorary degree awarded to Oscar Pistorius by Strathclyde University in 2012 will be revoked ©Getty ImagesThe University of Strathclyde have revoked an honorary degree awarded to Oscar Pistorius following his conviction for culpable homicide, it has been revealed.


The South African six-time Paralympic gold medallist, who also competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games despite being a double amputee, was awarded by the Scottish University in November 2012 in recognition of his sporting success.

It marked an extension of his relationship with the institution, which had previously seen him deliver the keynote speech at Strathclyde's Sporting Prosthetics Conference in 2011. 

But, following the subsequent shooting dead of Pistorius' girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, which eventually saw the sprinter receive a guilty culpable homicide verdict last September, there have been widespread calls for the University to denounce the South African.

A spokesman has now confirmed they have "revoked the honorary degree awarded to Oscar Pistorius following his conviction for culpable homicide".

Oscar Pistorius pictured receiving his honorary degree from Strathclyde University in 2012 ©Getty ImagesOscar Pistorius pictured receiving his honorary degree from Strathclyde University in 2012 ©Getty Images



The highest profile legal case in South African history, Pistorius claimed he shot Steenkamp four times at a locked toilet door because he mistook her for an intruder in their Pretoria house.

Although many claimed this was not the case and claimed his actions were deliberate, the 28-year-old was handed a five year sentence, but he could serve only 10 months in jail before completing the rest of his sentence under house arrest.

But his case will now go to the South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal after Judge Thokozile Masipa permitted the state to appeal the culpable homicide verdict.

This appeal is thought likely to be heard at some point this year.

The revoking of Pistorius' honorary degree follows on from several of the South African's sponsors, including Nike, terminating their contract with him following the verdict.

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December 2014: Judge grants appeal against Pistorius verdict
September 2014: Nike terminates sponsorship of Pistorius after culpable homicide verdict
September 2014: Pistorius found guilty of culpable homicide but released on bail until sentencing next month
November 2012: Pistorius receives Honorary Degree from Strathclyde University