BIMM University receives performing arts funding boost from OfS

We are delighted to announce that BIMM University has been awarded £1 million in funding from the Office for Students (OfS) in recognition of our specialist curriculum delivery in performing arts.

This funding is designed to improve access and teaching resources for contemporary music, drama and dance courses and will support:

• improved delivery of teaching and learning to students.
• development of partnerships with other higher education providers, nationally and internationally, or relevant industries to improve study and career opportunities for students.
• access to specialist performing arts education for students from underrepresented groups.
• provision of specialist equipment for students, such as musical instruments, costumes, or computing equipment.

The additional funding for performing arts courses is part of a wider pool of £9.6 million being distributed to 15 specialist higher education providers for the academic years 2022-23 to 2026-27.

Susan Lapworth, Chief Executive of the OfS, said:

“The performing arts make a significant economic and cultural contribution to society. They enrich lives and create tens of thousands of jobs across the UK. Students choosing performing arts courses develop diverse skills and have a wide range of career opportunities. The OfS’s investment will ensure that current and future generations of students – whatever their background – are able to succeed during their studies and into their careers. The small size and highly specialised approach of the institutions we are funding play an important role in their educational experience of students, and this funding will ensure they can continue to deliver a high-quality experience.

We continue to invest in alternative routes into higher education to widen the opportunities available to every student. Today’s investment in degree apprenticeships and Level 4 and 5 qualifications will ensure that more can be done to extend the range of training available. We encourage universities and colleges to continue to develop and evaluate these courses to ensure students are equipped with the skills they need for their first or next career.”

Professor Louise Jackson, Academic Director and Provost, said the following about BIMM University being awarded the funding:

“This additional funding for specialist arts provision in higher education is a welcome acknowledgement by the Office for Students that creative subjects are a vital contributor to society and to the economy. We are deeply proud of our graduates who have already impacted on the development of the creative industries after studying with us. The higher education sector is a richer, more vibrant sector by maintaining a specialist performing and creative arts provision and BIMM University is grateful to be considered for additional funding to support an excellent learning and teaching provision for our students.”