In 1984 Robert Mugabe was honoured by Edinburgh University "for services to education in Africa".
The formal process to withdraw the degree will now begin. Mr Mugabe will be contacted in writing and given the opportunity to respond.
University secretary Melvyn Cornish said that much more evidence about Mr Mugabe's regime has come to light since the degree was conferred.
Announcing the Senate's decision, he said: "The university has been acutely aware of ongoing developments in Zimbabwe and of recent representations made by the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) with regards to Robert Mugabe's honorary degree.
"It has responded to those representations by taking this unprecedented decision to revoke the degree."
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