BIMM announces new streamlined undergraduate course offering for 2026 entry
BIMM Music Institute has announced a new and streamlined undergraduate course portfolio, launching for 2026 entry, designed to meet the needs of both students and the music industry.
From September 2026, we will offer eight undergraduate degree courses across our campuses – a refined offering that focuses on core subject areas and provides the depth, flexibility, and professional readiness that students need to thrive in today’s creative industries.
This strategic evolution follows extensive consultation with our Industry Advisory Panel and input from over 230 industry experts. We have worked closely with partners including DIY Magazine, Dolby, VoiceSwap, DAACI, Ticketmaster, and Rocksteady, ensuring that every course reflects the skills, knowledge, and creative agility that the music industry demands.
Responding to industry needs
The music industry is evolving faster than ever. New technologies, new platforms, and new ways of connecting with audiences are reshaping the landscape for artists, producers, managers, and entrepreneurs alike.
BIMM Music Institute has long been committed to preparing graduates who are ready to step confidently into that fast-moving environment. We’ve refined our courses to take this commitment even further.
By engaging directly with industry professionals – from global organisations and household names to cutting-edge innovators – we’ve shaped courses that align precisely with emerging trends, professional opportunities, and creative possibilities.
Whether it’s understanding the role of AI in music production, navigating the business of live events, mastering immersive audio, or building a sustainable creative career, the new courses are designed to give students the tools they need to succeed from day one.
Built in partnership with industry
This new portfolio is the product of genuine collaboration. Our Industry Advisory Panel includes senior representatives from Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Spotify and other Industry leaders, alongside professionals from independent labels, live events, digital platforms, and artist services.
Working together, we have mapped the skills, knowledge areas, and professional behaviours that graduates need to make their mark in the industry. Those insights have directly informed our course content, assessment methods, and opportunities for hands-on experience.
Our partners are more than advisors – they are collaborators, mentors, and project partners. Students will benefit from real-world briefs, industry-set challenges, masterclasses, and networking opportunities with the organisations that are shaping the future of music.
Listening to student voices
It’s not just industry feedback that has shaped our new offer. Applicant feedback has been a driving force too.
Prospective students told us they wanted clarity, simplicity, and the ability to see exactly where each course could take them. They also wanted flexibility to explore different aspects of the music industry before committing to a specialism.
We’ve listened. The new portfolio reduces the total number of undergraduate courses from 17 to 8, making it easier for applicants to navigate their options and find the right fit.
A strong foundation for every student
A key development in the new offering is the introduction of a foundational first year for all courses.
This first year is designed to give every student a comprehensive grounding in essential creative and professional skills related to their chosen field – including collaboration, project management, industry literacy, and technical proficiency.
By building a strong skill base early, students are free to explore their interests and gain confidence before specialising in the later stages of their degree. This approach ensures that all graduates leave BIMM Music Institute with a balanced blend of creativity, technical ability, and professional awareness – no matter which course they choose.
The new undergraduate offering
The 2026 undergraduate portfolio will cover the core disciplines of music performance, songwriting, music production, and the wider music industry – as well as joint honours combinations that allow students to build cross-disciplinary expertise.
From BA (Hons) Music, which combines performance, songwriting, production, and business skills, to BA (Hons) Music Production, which focuses on crafting professional sound across genres and platforms, each course offers depth, industry relevance, and clear career pathways.
Our BA (Hons) Music Business, Events & Marketing degree blends creativity with business acumen, preparing students to run live events, manage artists, and build brands in the digital age.
Students from all courses will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers in other disciplines, mirroring the cross-functional teamwork of the professional music world.
Here’s a quick look at the eight undergraduate courses that form our focused and industry-led degree programme for 2026:
- BA (Hons) Music
- BA (Hons) Music Production
- BA (Hons) Music Business, Events and Media
- BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance
- BMus (Hons) Songwriting
- BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Music Production
- BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Production
- BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Songwriting
Confidently preparing graduates for success
The result of this work is a set of courses that students want, the industry wants, and that equip graduates with the skills, creativity, and confidence to make their mark.
As Alex Searle, Dean of Music, explains:
“We’ve taken the time to listen to what the industry is telling us it needs, and to what our applicants are telling us they want. This portfolio is the result of those conversations – a carefully considered, future-focused set of courses that put students in the best possible position to succeed.”
By streamlining our offering, grounding all learning in a strong first year, and embedding industry collaboration into every stage of study, we are making sure that BIMM Music Institute remains at the forefront of music education – and that our graduates are at the forefront of the music industry.
Your future in music starts here
We’ve spent 40 years transforming musical talent into success. We know better than anyone how the industry works, and our courses reflect that. So, if you’re passionate about music and want to make a career out of it, BIMM is the place to do it.
Whether you want to perform, produce, write hit songs, or lead the industry from behind the scenes, you’ll find a course that aligns with your goals. Get ready to make your mark.
Browse our courses and learn more about how BIMM can help you launch your career in music.
