Musician Peter Hook has swapped his bass guitar for a scroll when he received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

The world-renowned performer, who was a founder member of the bands New Order and Joy Division, accepted his Honorary Fellowship today, Wednesday, at Preston’s Guild Hall.

Peter has received his award to acknowledge his contribution to the development of popular music as a musician, author and record producer. He watched hundreds of students, from UCLan’s School of Art, Design and Performance, graduate and then took to the stage to address a packed arena.

He said: “If my teachers could see me now! I left school at 16 and had no real ambition. I then saw the Sex Pistols perform and it changed my life forever.”

On receiving his award Peter, who has been a musician for 36 years, added: “I find it quite humbling yet it’s also nice because when your life as a musician has been stressful and hectic it’s great that people recognise what I’ve done and what being an artist is all about.

“The congratulations I’ve received off people have been fantastic. Being in the music industry for so long means nothing fazes me but this really has been something quite special and a great compliment.”

The bassist is highly respected in the music world. During his career he has performed to millions across the globe with both New Order and Joy Division. He was also co-owner of the legendary Hacienda Club which became the epicentre of the ‘Madchester’ music scene.

In recent years he has become an author, his first book on his Hacienda experiences was critically acclaimed and his second “Unknown Pleasures – Inside Joy Division" is published in October 2012. His also is currently touring the world with his new band The Light.

Last month UCLan and Peter joined forces to create theUK’s first Masters Degree in Music Industry Management and Promotion in partnership with Factory Manchester.

The course, which is run in association with Factory251, will allow students to spend time with Peter Hook, Aaron Mellor and Tony Rigg, as well as other important figures from the British music industry.

It is the first of its kind in the UK to fuse industry with academia offering mentoring from leading industry players and providing experience of working on public domain activities in a highly successful Clubbing & Live Music Space.

The course will provide students with knowledge required in the music industry today and skills to develop music related projects to their full creative and commercial potential.

Peter added: “The great thing about education is you get to give people the very best of your life experience and that’s what I’m hoping to do with my association with UCLan and the MA course.”

To find out more about the new MA visithttp://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/courses/music_industry_management_promotion.php