Newly launched course accreditation is music to students’ ears

A music course launched just a few months ago has already impressed assessors from an influential industry body.

Accreditation of the University of Northampton Music Production degree by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) confirms the course is relevant and responsive to the demands of the music industry, and gives employers confidence its graduates are work-ready.

In addition to studying an industry-approved degree, the accreditation means students will have direct access to a wide range of industry professionals and will benefit from a series of masterclasses.

Assessors from JAMES visited the University in November, just three months after the course was launched, to run the rule on the effectiveness of teaching and standards of support and facilities.

Students were also singled out by assessors for their energy, focus and enthusiasm. The JAMES report added: “There were many who we feel will go far in their chosen field and succeed. It was refreshing to witness such enthusiasm.”

JAMES co-chair, Phil Harding, said: “JAMES is delighted to award industry accreditation. Our assessors were impressed with the course team, the resources available to the undergraduates and the positive feedback from students during the visit. Our accreditation panel was also especially encouraged to note the tremendous facilities available to students.”

The assessor’s report stated the course “demonstrates a progressive model for how a course of this nature should be structured and implemented. It embraces a forward-thinking approach to preparing students for working in a digital world, whilst still embracing many traditional paradigms learned from the analogue world.”

Programme Leader for Music Production, Mark Thursby, said: “The music team is proud to have secured this recognition of excellence from the JAMES community – the industry seal of approval.

“The insight offered is second to none, and our students on the course are already benefitting from their network of professionals and the industry opportunities provided.”

The news comes just over a year since the University’s Popular Music degree received JAMES accreditation.