Course Leader , Song Writing. Vocal

Course Leader - Performance, Song Writing, Vocal Artistry

dBs Institute | Academic Leadership

Location: Bristol
Salary: £38,000–£42,000 (FTE)
Hours: 22.5 hours per week

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

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.

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.

• 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

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.

• A postgraduate degree in songwriting, performance, vocals, or a closely related discipline; or substantial professional experience at a senior level in the music or creative arts industries which is demonstrably equivalent to postgraduate study.
• A higher education teaching qualification or professional recognition (e.g. PGCert HE, FHEA or equivalent), or a commitment to achieving this within an agreed timeframe supported by the institution.
• Experience of teaching, lecturing, training, or mentoring in a higher education, further education, or professional development context.
• Demonstrable professional expertise in songwriting, performance or vocals, with a record of relevant industry practice at professional level.
• Experience of engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, colleagues, industry partners, and community representatives.
• Knowledge of regulations, ethical standards, and quality frameworks governing higher education in the UK, including familiarity with awarding body requirements and academic regulations.
• Knowledge of strategies to enhance…