At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a creative degree programme in music performance, songwriting, or electronic production.
- Company: dBs Institute, a collaborative and innovative academic environment.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and strong institutional support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team across multiple campuses with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' creative journeys and industry readiness.
- Qualifications: Experience in music composition or production, with teaching or leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
Salary: £38,000–£42,000 (0.6–1.0 FTE depending on specialism and teaching load)
Hours: Minimum 3 days per week, with potential to increase to full time
Reports To: Quality Lead
Key Relationships: Module Leaders; Head of Campus; other Course Leaders; Student Support; Academic Services; Executive Head of Student Experience and Campus Life
External Relationships: Falmouth University; industry partners; students; professional bodies
About the role
We are looking for a Course Leader with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Music Performance & Songwriting, Music and Sound for Film/Game, or Electronic Music Production. This is a key academic leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering a high-quality, industry-relevant student experience across a full degree programme. You will ensure students experience a coherent, well-structured course that supports progression, achievement, and professional development. The role combines academic leadership, curriculum oversight, student support, and teaching. You will act as the main academic point of contact for students on the course and work closely with Module Leaders to ensure consistency, quality, and progression across all levels. We are flexible on specialism and workload, with a minimum commitment of 3 days per week and the option to increase to full time depending on course needs, specialism, and teaching allocation.
What you will do
- Lead and coordinate the student journey across all years of the course
- Act as the primary academic contact for students, supporting progression, module choices, and academic development
- Manage and support Module Leaders to ensure consistent delivery and standards
- Oversee timetabling, delivery planning, and day-to-day academic coordination
- Monitor student progression, retention, and engagement, and intervene where needed
- Lead course review, monitoring, and enhancement activity, including action planning
- Ensure curriculum and assessment remain current, industry-aligned, and academically robust
- Contribute to assessment design, moderation, and standardisation processes
- Teach within your specialist area and maintain active industry relevance
- Support student employability through industry engagement and live projects
- Work collaboratively across campuses to ensure consistency of standards and experience
- Contribute to recruitment, interviews, open days, and outreach activity
About dBs
dBs Institute operates across three campuses in Bristol, Manchester, and Plymouth as a single faculty. Academic quality, curriculum, and student experience are developed collaboratively across all sites to ensure consistency and excellence. You will work within a structured academic framework, supported by a Quality Lead, cross-campus Course Leaders, and institutional governance systems. This ensures you are supported in maintaining high standards without working in isolation.
What we are looking for
You will bring strong experience in music composition, performance, or production, supported by either a postgraduate qualification or significant industry experience at a senior level. You will likely have experience in higher education teaching, course coordination, or academic leadership, alongside a clear understanding of what excellent student experience looks like in a creative discipline. We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong professional credibility in their specialist area
- Understands or is willing to quickly develop knowledge of UK HE standards and quality frameworks
- Can lead, support, and develop academic teams effectively
- Communicates clearly and builds strong working relationships with staff and students
- Is committed to inclusive, industry-connected teaching and learning
- Has a proactive, solution-focused approach to course leadership
A teaching qualification (PGCert HE, FHEA or equivalent) is desirable, with support available to achieve this if not already held.
What we offer
- A flexible fractional or full-time role (minimum 3 days per week)
- The opportunity to shape and lead a flagship creative degree programme
- Strong institutional support and a collaborative cross-campus academic network
- A creative, industry-facing environment with real student impact
- Opportunities for professional development and academic progression
How to apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your experience and relevant specialism. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Course allocation will be confirmed at offer stage based on institutional needs and expertise.
Course Leader in Manchester employer: Accesssport
dBs Institute is an exceptional employer located in Manchester, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment for those passionate about music education. With a strong focus on academic leadership and student experience, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to shape innovative degree programmes in a creative, industry-connected setting. The supportive cross-campus network ensures that you are never isolated in your role, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Course Leader in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Course Leader in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Accesssport, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Accesssport and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Accesssport
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Accesssport might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Accesssport.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
