A university's summer graduations will have a touch of rock 'n' roll when a guitar legend collects a degree.

Jeff Beck has been named as an honorary doctor of music by the University of Sussex.

He is one of six people who will receive honorary degrees during this year's ceremonies which take place from Wednesday to Friday.

Soldier Johnson Beharry, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for “repeated extreme gallantry and unquestioned valour” during a military operation in Iraq in 2004, will also collect one.

This year's graduations will see 2,335 students - a record number - pack Brighton Dome along with their families and friends.

The degrees will be presented by University of Sussex chancellor Sanjeev Bhaskar.

Students who study for a degree in professional musicianship at BIMM (Brighton Institute of Modern Music) have it validated and awarded by the University of Sussex.

Professor Michael Farthing, the University of Sussex's vice-chancellor, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jeff Beck to the University of Sussex as honorary doctor of Music.

“While BIMM students benefit from the academic rigour provided by Sussex in validating their degree studies, they also undoubtedly benefit at BIMM from privileged contact with musicians of high calibre and reputation, such as him.”

Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Bob Allison added: “Johnson Beharry has inspired many with his story of bravery in action.

“What may be less well known is his great support for the university and particularly for our engineering students' Mobil 1 Formula Student team.

“As a patron of the team, giving his time and financial support, he has inspired our students to give of their best.

“Our students have also worked with him to support the Help for Heroes charity. We see this as the beginning of a lasting partnership with Sussex.”

The graduating students will represent 90 countries, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

Around 8,000 students, family members and friends are expected at the graduations and thousands more will watch students collect their degrees on a giant screen in Brighton Dome's Corn Exchange and streamed live across the world on the university website