At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a creative degree programme in music performance or production.
- Company: dBs Institute, a collaborative and innovative academic environment.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive network across multiple campuses for career growth.
- 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 background 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: Bs Music Group
dBs Institute is an exceptional employer located in Manchester, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment for Course Leaders in the creative disciplines of Music Performance, Songwriting, and Electronic Music Production. With a strong focus on academic quality and student experience, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to shape industry-relevant programmes that make a real impact on students' lives. The supportive cross-campus network ensures that you are never isolated in your role, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Course Leader in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with fellow professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Course Leader role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching dBs Institute and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and the specific needs of the course you're applying for.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teaching style! If you get the chance, demonstrate your approach during the interview. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you engage students and enhance their learning journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Course Leader in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Course Leader role. Highlight your experience in music composition, performance, or production, and don’t forget to mention any teaching qualifications or industry experience that aligns with what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about leading a creative degree programme and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to connect your experiences to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Course Leader, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. In your application, share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in an academic or creative context. We want to see your proactive approach!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at dBs Institute. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bs Music Group
✨Know Your Specialism Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of your area of expertise, whether it's Music Performance & Songwriting or Electronic Music Production. Be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the course's goals, as well as any industry trends that could impact the curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Course Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and support academic teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past, focusing on your communication style and how you foster collaboration among staff and students.
✨Engage with the Student Experience
Think about how you can enhance the student journey. Be prepared to discuss strategies for supporting student progression and engagement, and share any innovative ideas you have for creating a cohesive learning environment that promotes achievement and professional development.
✨Familiarise Yourself with UK HE Standards
Understanding the UK higher education landscape is crucial. Brush up on the relevant quality frameworks and standards, and be ready to discuss how you would ensure the curriculum remains current and aligned with industry needs while maintaining academic rigor.
