May, 55, a founding member of the rock group "Queen" and renowned rock guitarist, was given an honorary science doctorate at the university's campus at Hertford, north of London.
May was once an astronomy student at London's Imperial College and was working on his doctorate when his rock career took off. While he maintained a keen interest in astronomy, he never finished his degree.
May said he was thrilled by the honor, which "completes a great circle in my life."
Prince Faisal, commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, and Sir Robin Auld, a British appeal judge, are among others receiving honorary doctorates from the university this week.