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FAQs

FAQs

We've pulled together a list of the most common questions we're asked about WaterBear and our courses. If you can't find the information you are looking for, please get in touch using the form below.

How are the courses delivered?

Our courses are delivered on-site and online. Onsite courses (3-yr BA and 1-yr full-time master’s) feature weekly timetabled classes and activity, all backed up by a virtual learning environment rich with content and information. Fully online courses (2-yr BA and 2-yr part-time master’s) feature weekly webinars and remote tutorial support, with activities happening in the college streamed and available to access online at a time that suits you. 

What is UCAS clearing?

Clearing is part of the undergraduate application cycle for universities. It's an opportunity for you to apply for undergraduate courses that still have places available from July. It’s also a way for anyone who hasn’t applied to study at university by 30th June 2023 to make their application. So, if you haven’t applied to study at WaterBear by this date, you will need to go through Clearing.

There are a number of reasons you might apply through Clearing. These could be:

· You didn't get the grades set by your firm or insurance choice universities.

· You achieved grades that are higher than predicted so you'd like to apply for an alternative course with higher entry requirements.

· You've changed your mind about your preferred choice of university.

· You've applied but don't hold any offers from universities.

· You applied after 30th June which means you automatically get entered into Clearing.

If you find yourself without an offer on results day, don't worry! Clearing is a great opportunity to find the course that's right for you.

UCAS Clearing opens on the 5 July 2023 and runs right up until when the courses start in September, but you’ll have more of a chance of securing your place the earlier you apply.

You don’t need to wait for results day either, you can apply via the Clearing process at any time after this date.

If you’ve already had a 1-1 applicant session at WaterBear but have not yet applied, please call us on 01273 726230 to complete your Clearing Form over the phone.

Any questions? Call us on +44 (0)1273 726230 or email [email protected].

UCAS Clearing

Can I transfer to WaterBear for my second or third year of a BA (Hons)?

If you have changed your mind about your current course/university and considering transferring your music degree to WaterBear for level 5 or 6 entry it may be possible. Please see further details here.

Is there student accommodation at WaterBear?

WaterBear does not provide its own student accommodation, but we work closely with a number of trusted local agencies to help source the best possible accommodation for you. Brighton is a busy student town, so we recommend anyone needing accommodation to get in touch with us as soon as possible and we’ll help you start the search to secure the right place for you to live.

Please find details of accommodation providers and our WaterBear accommodation group for Brighton here and for Sheffield here.

Does WaterBear offer work experience?

Work experience and career development opportunities are central to the WaterBear experience.  We manage our student numbers carefully, in order that we may offer more experience opportunities to more of our students. Opportunities cover a broad range of activity, from festivals, touring, recording, session work, auditions, record labels, TV and radio, tech companies, publishing, PR and marketing, to live event management, musical instrument manufacturers, studio internships, teaching, merchandise, backline tech’ing, games audio, hospitality, and many more.

What's your approach to student wellbeing?

Wellbeing, and the health and happiness of our students is more important than anything. We have a commitment to smaller class sizes, one-to-one mentoring, and ongoing support services to make sure nothing gets in the way of you achieving your goals. We have a variety of different support services and activities designed to offer help and guidance across a range of issues that you may face during your time as a student.  These include:

·       Pastoral support

·       Counselling

·       Wellbeing and mindfulness

·       Physical and mental health and fitness

·       Academic and learning support

·       Study skills

·       Assessment guidance

·       Funding and finance

·       Accommodation

·       Career support and guidance

·       Social events and activities

We also offer a broad range of supporting materials and advice via our virtual learning environment, which is always accessible.  And the team of professional support staff at WaterBear are always on hand to help.  

Can students book the WaterBear Venue for their own shows?

Yes! There are always student shows being put on at our Venue in Brighton and we encourage you to get involved. It doesn’t matter what course you’re studying or even if you’re studying fully online, if you’re interested in putting on your own show, our events team can help. Find out more here. 

Are there other performance opportunities within the college?

Yes. As well as The WaterBear Venue, we’re also work with other local venues and performance spaces in Brighton and Sheffield where we run regular live performance workshops and events. You’ll also be part of a community of like-minded creative individuals, so there will be plenty of opportunities for collaborative work. 

What are the term dates?

Term dates for the 23/24 academic cycle are as follows:

Study Block 1:

  • Starts Monday 25th September 2023

Study Block 2:

  • Starts Monday 22nd January 2024

Study Block 3:

  • Starts Monday 27th May 2024

Please note – there are no timetabled teaching and learning activities scheduled during Study Block 3 for our 3-yr BA (Hons) courses. If you require any additional information, please contact us on [email protected]

How much do the courses cost?

Course tuition fees are as follows: 

BA (Hons) Courses

BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) 3-yr: £9,250 per year.
BA (Hons) Professional Music (Songwriting) 3-yr: £9,250 per year 
BA (Hons) Professional Music (Production) 3-yr: £9,250 per year 
BA (Hons) Professional Music (Electronic Music) 3-yr: £9,250 per year 
BA (Hons) Professional Music (Business) 3-yr: £9,250 per year 
BA (Hons) Creative Music Production (Online) 2-yr: £9,950 per year 
BA (Hons) Songwriting and Music Performance (Online) 2-yr: £9,950 per year 

Master's Courses

MA Music Business 1-yr full time: £9950.  
MA Music Performance, Production & Business 1-yr full time: £10,750

All courses are designated for UK government tuition fee loans. Maintenance loans are also available for 3-yr BA (Hons) courses. For more information regarding eligibility and availability of student finance visit:

Student finance for undergraduates – GOV.UK 

Funding for postgraduate study – GOV.UK 

More information can be found on Funding and Finance here.

How are my fees spent?

You can find out more about how your fees are spent by viewing this diagram.

How do I apply for a course and what qualifications do I need?

You can start an application for any course at WaterBear by hitting the Apply button above. BA (Hons) course entry requirements are A levels (or combination with AS/EPQ/BTEC/RSL/Cambridge Technical) equivalent to 104 UCAS tariff points (BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma at DMM, RSL Extended Diploma at Merit / Distinction). Note these are guidelines only; anyone not meeting the stated requirements may still be eligible for a place and should book a consultation to discuss individual circumstances. The MA minimum entry requirement is an honours degree, or if you don’t have an honours degree qualification, you can still meet the minimum entry requirements via the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APEL) process. For more information, or to book your 1-to-1 applicant session with one of the WaterBear team, call us on 01273 726230 or email us at [email protected].

How long do WaterBear courses run for?

Our BA (Hons) courses have two options available – the 3-yr on site option and the 2-yr accelerated online (distance learning) option. The MA Music Industry Enterprise course runs as a 1-yr full time option (starts September). The MA Music Performance, Production and Business course runs as a 1-yr full time option, starting in September.

Why is the college called WaterBear?

We’re named after a creature called a Tardigrade (aka Water Bear, Moss Piglet), which is a water-dwelling, eight-legged micro-animal. They have been found everywhere; from mountain tops to the deep sea and in volcanoes, tropical rain forests and even the Antarctic. They are among the most resilient animals known, with individual species able to survive extreme conditions that would be rapidly fatal to nearly all other known life forms. It is this resilience that inspires us in everything we do.

What are your Student Regulations, Policies and Procedures?

Please find details of the policies and procedures at WaterBear including the policies of our partner, Falmouth University here.

Ask Us a Question

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Why We're WaterBear...

- ‘Water bear’ is the common name for a Tardigrade.
- Tardigrades are micro creatures, found everywhere on earth.
- They are the most resilient creatures known.
- They can survive and adapt to their surroundings, even in outer space.
- Their resilience and ability to adapt and survive inspires us in everything we do. We love them.

WaterBear Education Ltd, Hanover House,
118 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG, UK  Map

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 726230

WaterBear Sheffield, Unit 4, Gatecrasher,
49 Eyre Lane, Sheffield S1 4RB, UK

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1143 992720

WaterBear Education Ltd, Hanover House,
118 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG, UK  Map

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 726230

WaterBear Sheffield, Unit 4, Gatecrasher,
49 Eyre Lane, Sheffield S1 4RB, UK

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1143 992720

Why We're WaterBear...

- ‘Water bear’ is the common name for a Tardigrade.
- Tardigrades are micro creatures, found everywhere on earth.
- They are the most resilient creatures known.
- They can survive and adapt to their surroundings, even in outer space.
- Their resilience and ability to adapt and survive inspires us in everything we do. We love them.

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