Sir Paul McCartney has been presented with an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Yale University.

The American university paid tribute to the former Beatles' songwriting and said that McCartney had helped to awaken a generation.

The university’s band greeted McCartney with the Beatles hit ‘Hey Jude’ as he collected the honour in Connecticut.

"You have pushed the boundaries of the familiar to create new classics. We admire your musical genius and your generous support of worthy causes,” Yale University President Richard Levin told the star.

McCartney was amongst eight people who received honorary degrees at the ceremony, which also recognised the graduation of current students.

(by Jason Gregory)