Multi-award winning singer PJ Harvey will join a gay rights campaigner, architect, cartoonist and poet as the latest honorary degree holders at Goldsmiths.

The New Cross university has named six "creative and visionary" individuals who will be given the honorary degree and felllowships next month.

Polly Jean Harvey is the only artist to have won the Mercury Prize twice and, in addition to her musical career, she paints, draws, sculpts, and writes poetry. 

Her nomination reflects Goldsmiths' strong musical tradition, unleash major stars like Blur, Katy B and critics' darling James Blake, along with recently setting its own record label.

Controversial human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell also makes the list. Mr Tatchell is best known for his work defending lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, most recently spearheading the campaign for gay marriage.

News Shopper: Around 20 people staged a demonstration against the Bahrain grand prix outside the Formula One office in Knightsbridge, central London. Human rights activist Peter Tatchell attended the protest which was organised  by campaign group Justice for Bahrain.

Elsewhere, Dame Zaha Hadid has been recognised for pushing the boundaries of architecture and design with her work, which included the Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics.

Also being honoured is poet, Royal Society of Literature Fellow and Goldsmiths alumnus George Szirtes, who came to England as a refugee when he was eight years old and went on to win awards including the T S Eliot Prize.

Also included on the list are political cartoonist Martin Rowson  and Scottish journalist and writer Neal Ascherson.

Registrar and secretary of Goldsmiths Liz Bromley said: "Our honorands this year are a remarkable group of people. They have changed communities through their inspiring architectural designs. 

"They have pointed out the ridiculous in the news and made us laugh. They have inspired us with their words, their music, and their art. They have fought for our rights. 

"And they have helped us to understand who we are now by looking to the past.

"Today we are celebrating their achievements. We have invited them to join the Goldsmiths family and will be welcoming them into our community. 

"They will now be a part of an institution that prides itself on empowering individuals from all walks of life to become visionaries, just like them." 

Previous Goldsmiths honorands include Sir Michael Caine, local legend Jools Holland and Placebo frontman Brian Molko.