Ed Sheeran set to receive honorary degree for his contribution to music... as he lashes out at critics over new 'weird' tattoo  

By Fehintola Betiku for MailOnline

Published: 14:32 EST, 12 August 2015 | Updated: 16:53 EST, 12 August 2015

It's no secret his decision to quit school aged 16 to focus on his music career has paid off big time.

Already the recipient of some many sought after accolades, Ed Sheeran is set to add another to his mantel piece.

This autumn, the 24-year-old chart-topping singer will be awarded an honorary degree by University Campus Suffolk.

Scroll Down For Video 

'I'm really grateful': Ed Sheeran will be awarded an honorary degree by University Campus Suffolk this autumn

'I'm really grateful': Ed Sheeran will be awarded an honorary degree by University Campus Suffolk this autumn

Sheeran's latest achievement will see him recognised for his outstanding contribution to music.

Speaking about the honor, Ed said: 'I'm really grateful to University Campus Suffolk and I'm honoured to receive this Honorary Degree. 

'I've had an amazing year with my world tour and this makes it even better.'

'Receiving this recognition is a real privilege' The 24-year-old is being awarded for his contribution to music

'Receiving this recognition is a real privilege' The 24-year-old is being awarded for his contribution to music

Raised in Framlingham, Suffolk, Sheeran added that the he would continue to support the university in the future as it has done the same for his career.

He continued: 'Suffolk is very much where I call home and I'm always welcomed back and get so much support. Receiving this recognition is a real privilege.

'UCS is at an exciting point in its development and I look forward to building links with UCS and its students in the months and years to come.'

'All this kerfuffle over a tattoo': Sheeran recently hit out at critics over his new tattoo of a lion

'All this kerfuffle over a tattoo': Sheeran recently hit out at critics over his new tattoo of a lion

Meanwhile on Wednesday Ed hit out at critics over his choice to get a large image of a lion tattooed on his chest.

Taking to Twitter to let off some steam, he wrote: 'All this kerfuffle over a tattoo. If it was black and white saying a clever phrase in a language I can't speak no one would've said anything'.

He added: 'It's not the first weird tattoo I've got and it won't be the last, but I like all of them. I'm also eating a bowl of pasta now so byeziez x'.

Sheeran unveiled the etching, created to commemorate his sell-out Wembley gigs, on Tuesday in an Instagram post he captioned: 'Halfway and ouch'.  

'It won't be the last': The defiant singer added that he has plans to get more permanent etchings in the future

'It won't be the last': The defiant singer added that he has plans to get more permanent etchings in the future

Comments (119)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now