Kevin Spacey made Oxford professor

Kevin Spacey has been made a theatre professor at Oxford University, says Reuters.

The 48-year-old Oscar winner, the artistic director of London's Old Vic theatre, has accepted a year-long role as visiting professor of contemporary theatre at the institution.

He said in a statement: "It really is an honour for me to have been invited to follow such illustrious names and take up this role at Oxford.

"The university is steeped in tradition and has a great heritage in the arts, and I look forward to working with the students and staff."

Professor Roger Ainsworth, the college's master, described the actor as "a truly international star" who will "bring an enormous wealth of talent and experience in both film and theatre to bear on the role".

Patrick Stewart, Diana Rigg, Stephen Sondheim and Sir Tim Rice have all occupied the post at Oxford's St. Catherine's College.