HOW WILL I LEARN?
You’ll learn through a dynamic mix of pre-recorded and live sessions, guided by tutors who are active industry professionals. You’ll explore the music industry on your own terms, through your own projects with a curriculum that evolves alongside your growth.
This is a structured and supportive learning environment designed to spark creativity, encourage collaboration, and offer flexibility.
From the moment you join, you’ll have access to your personal online space – the Virtual Campus. This is where you’ll:
- Watch and rewatch core and specialist lessons
- Access modules across performance, songwriting, production, and digital skills
- Book one-to-one sessions with tutors and mentors
- Join online masterclasses and workshops
- Discover performance and work experience opportunities
You’ll also be able to explore lessons from across WaterBear so if you’re a songwriter wanting to level up your guitar chops, or a producer diving into vocal technique, it’s all there.
Each term, you’ll be offered a timetable of live sessions, including core classes, elective workshops, and special events with industry guests. Whether you want to deepen your technical skills or explore the wider world of the music business, there’s something for you.
Join live or catch up anytime. We know real life doesn’t always stick to a schedule.
Examples include:
- Industry Q&As with label founders and touring musicians
- Creative clinics in production, songwriting, and content creation
- Interactive sessions focused on wellbeing, resilience, and growth
Online doesn’t mean alone. Our virtual campus includes community channels, live socials, songwriting camps, feedback circles, and collaborative projects.
You can:
- Join the Saturday Social Study Club
- Take part in Genre Roulette
- Create your own groups, challenges, or showcases
- Build peer support through buddying, co-writing, and networking events
We’re serious about creative connection and we’ll help you find your people.
As an online student, you’re invited to join in-person events across the academic year. These include:
- Freshers Week meetups and welcome events
- Development Weeks with workshops, gigs, and industry panels
- Graduation ceremonies held at iconic venues like Brighton Dome
These moments offer a powerful chance to meet tutors, peers, and the wider WaterBear community in the real world.
HOW WILL I BE SUPPORTED?
Support at WaterBear isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, responsive, and designed to meet you wherever you’re at.
By the end of your course, you’ll have more than a qualification. You’ll have a body of work you’re proud of and the confidence to move forward with purpose.
Our Music Industries team is made up of experienced professionals, artists, and producers. They’ll help you develop your career, shape your brand, and craft a sustainable path in music with real-world strategies, tools, and opportunities along the way.
Online students have access to the same career support, gigs, and industry connections as those on-site.
You’ll be paired with a mentor who understands your craft and your ambitions. Mentoring is personalised, one-to-one, and fully integrated with your learning. Whether you’re refining your sound, building your practice, or navigating your next creative step, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Need support with writing, research, or assessment prep? You’ll have access to one-to-one academic sessions tailored to the written and theoretical parts of your course. These are designed to help you feel confident and capable in every area of your learning.
We’ve got your back. Our Student Services team offers confidential guidance across learning, wellbeing, finances, and more. If you ever need support from practical advice to pastoral care we’re here.
“There is so much additional content that you can develop yourself in. I’ve taken additional modules so you can build the degree and create it around your specific interests.”
“I studied the master’s degree online and what sets it apart from other places is the focus on your career and progression. You can shape it around your skillset and your life which has been brilliant.”
“My favourite part about studying at WaterBear was putting on an event at the WaterBear Venue, it is pretty high up there, I wouldn’t even call that study really, I’d call that a party.”
Online Opportunities and Experiences
Music Industries
At WaterBear, our Music Industries Team provide direct access to the industry through exclusive career opportunities and experiences.
