pointblank is proud to announce that it has been granted Full Degree Awarding Powers (DAPs) by the Office for Students (OfS), marking a major milestone in our evolution and formally recognising our academic excellence, governance and long-term stability.
This achievement is special as it places pointblank among a select group of independent higher education providers in the UK authorised to award their own degrees and to validate degree programmes for other institutions. It means that from 1st April 2026, pointblank is authorised to award its own undergraduate degrees.
The award of DAPs follows a rigorous assessment process – justifiably known as the Scrutiny Period – and reflects pointblank’s consistently high standards in teaching, academic quality and student outcomes. The decision builds on our TEF Gold rating, the highest possible outcome in the Teaching Excellence Framework, which recognises outstanding performance across teaching quality, learning environment and student experience, as well as a set of excellent National Student Survey results in 2025.
With a 30-year history of innovation in music and creative education, pointblank has developed a global reputation for industry-relevant programmes, exceptional teaching staff and strong graduate outcomes at 83% for graduate employability. Full Degree Awarding Powers provide greater academic independence and reinforce the long-term value and credibility of a pointblank degree for students both in the UK and internationally.
Commenting on the announcement, Jules Brookes, Head of Institution said:
“Being awarded Full Degree Awarding Powers with no restrictions is a significant moment for pointblank. It recognises the strength of our academic provision, our commitment to teaching excellence, and the quality of the student experience we deliver. Alongside our TEF Gold rating, this achievement confirms our position as a trusted and established higher education institution and supports our ambition to continue shaping the future of creative education.”
The new status also enables pointblank to validate degree programmes for other institutions, extending our academic influence and supporting innovation across the creative education sector, so we look forward to helping suitable partners with their validation needs.
We are grateful to Middlesex University for our long-standing validation partnership and remain committed to continue closely working with them throughout this period of transition to maintain the high standards that have helped us progress so far.
If you’re interested in studying at pointblank music school, there’s never been a better time. Join our next Open Day and apply for a programme to start your future in music.
