The Music Department at the University of Liverpool is invested in the future of its students. We have put in place several new initiatives to support students in career decisions and helping them find a pathway into the industry.

In the department we now have a range of visuals which celebrate alumni achievements in the industry alongside posters which outline the range of roles the industry has to offer. These are spread throughout the department and rotate on the screens to provide constant inspiration and reminders of possibility.

Employability guidance is also embedded into modules. In first year, the focus is on ​‘exploring’ the industry and starting to consider who everyone is as a musician. In second year, it moves to ​‘connect’ and the importance of networking, while in the final year of undergraduate study the attention shifts to ​‘applying’ for whatever is next. An increased awareness of the industry and range of jobs allows us to guide students in their module choices as they progress through their degrees with career goals in mind. Modules across the music degree programmes contain authentic assessment, reflective of what would be required in the industry, this is particularly the case in performance and technology, as well as the Record Label module.

The support we offer our students goes together with events with industry professionals who come to conduct workshops, host talks, and, in some cases, work alongside students. Our external partnerships are integral to this, particularly the partnership with the Liverpool Philharmonic, which provides opportunities for students to regularly meet musicians. This takes the form of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic musicians performing student compositions, performing with performance students, and offering careers advice. Partnership activities, alongside certain modules, also prepare students for self-employed work; modules, for instance, include writing CVs and cover letters, invoicing and tax returns, as well as self-promotion, teaching practices, and professional conduct.

In addition, there are opportunities for students to take placement modules and work in industry. First, as a part of their degree, students can do a module where they work in industry to gain experience; placements range from working in sound engineering and technology, with composers and performers, to education, arts management and event organisation. Secondly, the music department also has a 3+1 model where, following the completion of their 3‑year degree, students are supported to find and secure a music industries related full-time paid placement; students then graduate after four years, with their certificate showing they’ve gained the year of experience.

The music department is dedicated to supporting students in obtaining employment following their studies. We help students understand the range of possibility for work in the music industry; encouraging them to know the importance of excellence in their craft, but also the need for adaptability, resilience, networking, and collaboration.