News

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance has been granted indefinite Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP) by HM Privy Council. The powers took effect from 2 February 2016.

Up until now, Trinity Laban’s taught degrees have been validated by City University. However Trinity Laban will now be able to award its own degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. 

Lord Lipsey, Chairman of Trinity Laban, commented:“This is a breakthrough moment for Trinity Laban. The TDAP process is a notoriously difficulty one, but we have come through with flying colours. It is a great day not just for TL as an institution but for the TL community – our wonderful students and teachers led by an outstanding management team and a board to die for.”

Professor Anthony Bowne, Principal of Trinity Laban, commented: I’m absolutely thrilled with this news, which enables us to make exciting plans for the future. It is particularly good news for future generations of Trinity Laban students, as we will be able to create and shape our various degree programmes with greater speed and flexibility, enabling us to respond to – and indeed to lead – the fast-changing worlds of music and dance.”

Lewis Raines, President of the Students Union, commented:“I’m sure that students here will be really delighted by this news. We’re very proud to be able to say that we study at Trinity Laban, and on graduation day, it will mean a great deal to have a degree certificate carrying the name of the institution.” 

As part of the application process, Trinity Laban came under close and lengthy scrutiny from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Their report – which will be published on the QAA website – praised the institution on several levels, recognizing the contribution of both full time and part-time staff to its artistic and educational achievements. The report found that: “(Board) Members demonstrate their commitment to the institution in ways which range from attending concerts to providing networking opportunities for students and graduates… The Conservatoire has a strong senior management team (the Principal’s Management Group), and is well led. Both faculties are characterised by strong leadership and engaged and sometimes forceful staff groups… Its Registry is efficient and well managed; its deliberative structure is sound; its management is firm; there is a unified commitment among staff and students.” 

Trinity Laban will now embark on a major consultation with students and staff, and will announce in due course when the first Trinity Laban degrees will be awarded. 

Pictured: Trinity Laban music and dance students holding the letter from the HM Privy Council awarding taught degree awarding powers. Photo by Lidia Crisafulli.