City of Westminster College (CWC), is delighted to have been named as a Music Academic Partnership (MAP) institution with UK Music, leading the way as the first London-based Further Education provider to be admitted.
The Music Academic Partnership (MAP) is a pioneering initiative – recently having marked a decade since its launch in 2015 – that aims to strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and the UK music industry.
Founded and supported by UK Music, MAP helps educators and industry prepare the next generation of music professionals and supports the vital music education and skills landscape in the UK.
The partnership will offer City of Westminster College’s Music Performance & Production learners access to industry insight and inspiration through a programme of events and opportunities.
The wealth of valuable experiences offered throughout the academic year include direct links into the music industry via guest speakers, exclusive access to careers resources, a programme of bespoke external events such as studio tours, and opportunities to shape education and skills policy ─ offering students vital experiences that will prepare them for careers as music professionals.
CWC alumni will also be eligible to be nominated for the Outstanding MAP Graduate Awards, which recognise exceptional graduates making impactful contributions to music.
The partnership comes as the UK Government earlier this month committed to putting “creative subjects firmly at the centre” of the curriculum review, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarking: “Learning music at school made a huge difference to my life. We will make sure every child has access to those experiences so that creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”
Dr Oliver Morris, Director of Education and Skills at MAP, said: “We are excited to welcome City of Westminster College into the Music Academic Partnership. Encouraging young people to consider the full gamut of potential careers in music as well as supporting them to navigate this journey alongside their tutors is so important.
“The college and staff provide a fantastic environment for their students to learn and grow, and we look forward to supporting their excellent work.”
Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal of United Colleges Group, said: “The opportunities offered through this sector-leading partnership with UK Music will ensure our learners are upskilled and prepared for future-focussed careers in the arts.
“The creative industries are a significant contributor to the UK economy, and our college is committed to training the next generation who will be part of shaping the future of the music industry.”
Earlier this week, the partnership facilitated a trip for the college’s learners to PPL in Central London; the UK music licensing organisation for over 150,000 performers and recording rightsholder members. Students were also given a tour of the iconic Dean Street Studios and enjoyed panel discussions with music industry experts.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
