WaterBear delivers degree-level education designed by and for musicians, offering flexible, career-focused pathways for those building their future in today’s music industry.
Founded by professional musicians and educators Adam Bushell and Bruce Dickinson in 2018, WaterBear delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses designed for performers, producers, songwriters and music industry professionals. The college operates campuses in Brighton and Sheffield—both cities with strong music traditions—and also offers flexible online learning options for students globally.
WaterBear is a College of Falmouth University and offers BA (Hons) and master's degree programmes in music-related disciplines. Courses can be studied on-site or online, and are structured to support a range of learner needs. Undergraduate programmes are typically aimed at instrumentalists, vocalists, producers, songwriters and those developing careers in music entrepreneurship. Postgraduate cohorts include both recent graduates and experienced professionals seeking to formalise or deepen their careers through higher-level study.
WaterBear champions the portfolio career model and designs its programmes around the realities of working in today’s music industry, with teaching and learning spaces designed to foster creativity. Students are encouraged to develop the skills, mindset and flexibility needed to sustain diverse, self-directed careers in performance, production and related sectors. Its city-wide campus model integrates with the local music infrastructure, providing support to grassroots music venues and helping to sustain and grow the local creative economy.
Adam Bushell, Co-Founder and CEO of WaterBear, said:
“WaterBear is absolutely delighted to become a member of IHE. As a growing alternative provider in an evolving sector, it’s essential that we stay connected, keep innovating and drive positive change—something IHE is at the leading edge of. The excellent team at IHE have been so supportive already, and I’m excited to continue working with them to realise our ambitious aims for WaterBear over the next few years.”
Alex Proudfoot, IHE Chief Executive, added:
“As a college founded and run by professional musicians, WaterBear bring a grounded perspective to music education — one that combines creative freedom with real-world industry insight. Their emphasis on independent artistry and contemporary career pathways reflects the innovation and learner focus found across the independent higher education sector. We are pleased to welcome them into IHE membership and look forward to supporting their continued success.”
It’s essential that we stay connected, keep innovating and drive positive change—something IHE is at the leading edge of.