British singer Ed Sheeran has graduated with an honorary doctorate degree from the University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich. The “Thinking Out Loud” singer was recognised for his “outstanding contribution to music.”

Sheeran travelled from Framlingham to the University on Monday to accept the degree in person, People reported. He told reporters via People that receiving the recognition is a “real privilege.”

Shortly after the ceremony, the singer-songwriter uploaded a photo on Instagram of him smiling while wearing a dark cap, colourful gown and Converse shoes.

“I graduated today, I am now officially Dr. Sheeran,” he captioned.

The “Thinking Out Loud” singer also took it to Twitter to confirm this news on Tuesday. “I wasn't joking, I am actually a doctor now, that's how mad this world is,” he wrote.

In an interview with the Press Association, Sheeran said young kids should be encouraged to “find” whatever they really want to do in life.

“I know that’s weird thing to say. I’m coming to receive a doctorate, but I think there’s a lot of pressure on kids to go to university, and then a lot of them end up in debt with a degree that they didn’t really need to get the job they want,” he explained.

The 24-year-old singer left school at the age of 16 to pursue his music career.

Just this year, Sheeran has been nominated and won several times for his work. In February, he won Best British Male Solo Artist award at the Brit Awards and has been nominated three times at the Grammy Awards.

He also received six nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards for his chart-topping song “Thinking Out Loud” and “Don’t” in August.

Sheeran will appear next to co-host the MTV Europe Music Awards alongside actress Ruby Rose on Oct. 25 in Milan, Italy.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES