Supporting Music in UK Higher Education

Over the past decade, UK university music departments have faced significant challenges, reflecting wider pressures across the arts and humanities. While specialist institutions such as conservatoires continue to navigate their own difficulties, the impact of funding cuts and course closures has been felt most sharply within traditional universities.

These issues are especially pronounced in institutions where music sits within multi-faculty structures, often competing internally for resources and student recruitment. As a result, many departments must continually justify their value in increasingly competitive environments.

Growing Pressures on Music Courses in Higher Education

Leaders within music departments are all too familiar with the ongoing pressures linked to student enrolment, the primary source of income for universities. Declining enrolment can quickly lead to financial instability, putting courses and departments at risk.

In this uncertain climate, confidence in the future of music in UK higher education can feel fragile. However, while concern is understandable, maintaining a proactive and strategic approach is essential for long-term sustainability.

A Practical Toolkit for Music Departments

To help address these challenges, Music Mark and the Musicians’ Union have collaborated to produce a practical HE Toolkit to support departments during periods of uncertainty. Drawing on their extensive experience advising institutions facing closures and staff reductions, the resource provides actionable strategies and guidance.

Bridget Whyte, CEO, Music Mark, adds:

‘Music Mark is proud to have so many Higher and Further Education (HE/FE) institutions within its membership and to be their subject association alongside the work we do to support music education pre-tertiary. We are keen to support them, help them connect with each other and the wider music education ecology and to influence on their behalf. Music education doesn’t start at 5 and finish at 18, and we are committed to championing the study of this amazing subject from their first nursery rhyme to wherever they want to go with their studies. We know that studying music can support so many valued life skills, but we also know there are many, many jobs in the music industry which are better fulfilled through building the foundations of knowledge and understanding, which is provided at tertiary level.

We are delighted to have worked closely with HE/FE professionals and the Musicians’ Union on this important publication. We hope that it will provide useful advice, support and encouragement to our colleagues across the sector in making the important case for music departments to remain a treasured and respected part of the institutions within which they work.’

Chris Walters, National Organiser, Education, Health and Wellbeing, Musicians’ Union, highlights the sector’s importance:

‘University music courses are the lifeblood of the UK’s music industry and culture, inspiring young people to pursue musical lives and a wide range of careers. Many MU members studied music at university and now give back as teachers and lecturers.

We have been saddened at the number of music courses closing in recent years and are keen to support the sector in response. It has been great to work with Music Mark on this new resource, which we hope will provide university colleagues with practical tools and ideas to make a positive case for the invaluable work they do.

Where it is offered, music is the heart of the university community, benefitting all who come into contact with it. We hope this new resource can be part of the fightback.’

Many of the elements outlined in the Toolkit may be things that you and your team are already working on; perhaps some others are things you would like help to better understand, while others may be things to address in the medium-term. Since every department or subject area is unique in its profile and position within its institutional structures and power dynamics, you will know how best to adapt and apply the tips and advice within your unique department and constraints.