Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke received a honorary degree from Oxford University - and was toasted for a world beer-drinking record he set there almost 50 years ago.

Mr Hawke, 73, received the degree at the university's Sheldonian Theatre on July 3, as part of the centenary celebrations of the Rhodes Scholarships.

The former leader of the Australian Labour Party was one of four former Rhodes scholars to receive an honorary law degree from the university's newly-elected Chancellor Chris Patten.

Around 300 other former Rhodes scholars gathered at the theatre for the ceremony, which was conducted entirely in Latin.

Mr Hawke, who wore the traditional red gown, was warmly applauded as he stepped up to receive his degree.

The audience were told in Latin that Mr Hawke had introduced policies of "great wisdom" during his time as the Prime Minister and had worked hard for civic harmony and social justice.

They were also reminded that he still held the record time for drinking a sconce pot of beer - a double-handled container holding about two pints - while studying at the university.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Hawke said: "It is the seventh honorary doctorate I have received. I have one from the University of Western Australia, which is where I went to university, and this I must rank up there at the top."

Mr Hawke, who went to Oxford in 1953, said the years he spent as a Rhodes Scholar shaped his career and were instrumental in his decision to go into politics.