OSCAR-winning screenwriter, actor and director Julian Fellowes heads the list of honorary doctorate recipients at this week's 2006 graduation ceremonies for Bournemouth University.

More than 3,100 students from all the university's academic centres will be receiving their degrees, diplomas and professional qualifications at the Bournemouth International Centre during three days of ceremonies starting on Wednesday Joining them as other honorary doctorates will be former vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Gillian Slater, and former Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Captain Michael Fulford-Dobson.

Among those celebrating tomorrow will be the university's first virtual graduates, including some from the army, who have completed a groundbreaking Foundation Degree in business management entirely via the internet.

Julian Fellowes lives near Dorchester and will be at the BIC on Friday.

He is perhaps best known for playing the role of Lord Kilwillie in the BBC TV series Monarch of the Glen, but it was his script for the film Gosford Park that brought him acclaim as a writer and an Academy Award.

Prof Slater will be recognised for her outstanding contribution during her ten years at the university, while Capt Fulford-Dobson is being honoured for his royal work within Dorset.

Other honorary doctorates are digital animator Bruce Steele who is founder of the UK's leading special effects company Glassworks, and the bailiff of Guernsey, Geoffery Rowland, who is well known for his work with the UN and charitable projects across Europe.

This is the 21st consecutive year that the university is holding its autumn graduation festivities at the BIC, which are expected to attract 14,000 friends, family and other well wishers to the town.

"Bournemouth University congratulates all of this year's graduates," said vice-chancellor, Prof. Paul Curran.

"This is a very special occasion for the graduates as well as the families and friends who have given them so much support during their years of hard work."