Leeds Beckett University is one of the largest HEIs in the UK, with 30,000 students and 3000 staff. It was the first institution to gain accreditation from the music industry recognised Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), the first institution in England to gain Integrated Learning Centre status.
The Leeds School of Arts at Leeds Beckett University is the largest creative school in the Leeds area with over 3000 students spread across almost 50 courses. Our music and sound provision includes disciplines such as Music Technology, Production, Performance, Audio Engineering, Sound Design and composition for Film and Games and includes students engaged in PhD and post-doc research.
Key features of our research strategy include; our programme of PhD bursaries offered to music industry professionals, currently including Phil Harding (SAW), Ray Russell and Steve Lawson; research supervision by academic staff with music industry expertise, including Dr Steve Parker (The Rolling Stones); and the appointment of academic staff from the industry, such as Ken Scott (The Beatles, David Bowie).
Our recent submission to Unit 35 of the REF included outputs assessed as World Leading. Our international music research networks include NIMiMS (Network for the Inclusion of Music in Music Studies), led by our Visiting Professor Phil Tagg. Current research projects include Disrupting Disciplines which investigates the role of the creative freelancer in the music industry.
On a regional level, the School is working with Leeds City Council on developing music industry strategy in the city, bringing together local organisations including LCC, LCoM, ArtForms, Leeds Music Trust, Chapel FM, and AMP Awards and collaborating with national industry partners such as AIM, PRS, PRSF, MU and ACE. This has led to the City’s first music & art festival for teenagers, Under The Owls.
Successful alumni include MOBO, BRIT and MERCURY award winners, Rudimental, and Midem Artist Accelerator winner, Andreya Triana.
