Course Leader (Production, Performance & Songwriting or Electronic Music Production)

dBs Institute | Academic Leadership

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

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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.

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What you will do

You will take ownership of the academic coherence and delivery of a degree programme, ensuring students receive a joined-up and supportive learning experience from start to finish.

You will:

• 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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.