He was presented with the award at Durham Cathedral in recognition of his ministerial achievements and devotion to his parish communities.
Archbishop Justin has spent much time in Durham. He trained for ordination at the University's Cramner Hall and returned to the region as Bishop for a short time before being named Archbishop.
Speaking about the degree, he said: "To receive this unmerited honour is yet another gift from one of the Church of England's main partners and greatest supports in theological education. I am hugely grateful.
"Durham is one of the greatest centres of Christianity, and I have received its riches again and again. From the wonderful teaching and training of my time at Cranmer Hall, through to the extraordinary privilege of being its Bishop, the home of St Cuthbert has been a blessing to me as to so many."
The Archbishop was nominated by Professor Alec Ryrie, head of the University's Department of Theology and Religion, and the Revd Professor Mark McIntosh, former Van Mildert Professor of Divinity at Durham University.