AMONG the bright young things picking up degrees in the hallowed surrounds of Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre was a familiar face.

Comedienne Ruby Wax yesterday graduated from Oxford University’s Kellogg College in Banbury Road, with a master’s degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, with 161 other graduates.

Speaking exclusively to the Oxford Mail, she described it as “an out of body experience” and said: “Outside of having kids, this was the most exciting day of my life ever and it won’t be topped.”

The American comic, who has battled with depression for most of her life, got into contact with course leader Prof Mark Williams, director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, to learn of the technique that uses meditation therapy.

She studied part-time at the university for two years, throwing herself into student life, citing Starbucks in Summertown, the Chiang Mai Kitchen in Oxford High Street and the King’s Arms in Broad Street as favourite haunts.

She said: “I never thought in my life I would be graduating with a degree from Oxford University. It means more than anything.”

Most students sitting the course completed a practical to accompany their thesis — Ms Wax did hers in the form of a play.

She has developed a show, called Sane New World, based in part on techniques she learnt in the course.

Ms Wax, of London, has also narrated an animated video created by Oxford University which offers viewers a tour of the human brain.

She said: “They just asked me to do the animation and I said yes. What a brilliant cartoon that is for kids to understand.”