ListOfUni

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)

England, United Kingdom
Visit School Website
  • Private Type
  • 1,000 Students
  • 8 Faculties
  • 1996Founded
  • ArtSpecialization
  • YesAccept Int. Studs
  • YesDistance learning

About

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is a leading university-level provider of performing and creative arts training, known for its project-based learning approach and focus on collaboration, industry connections, and entrepreneurship. LIPA aims to produce graduates who are skilled, innovative, and empowered to pursue careers in the creative arts. 

Acronym LIPA
Nickname fame school
Motto / Slogan Where performance matters
Founded 1996
Location Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
Address Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Mount Street Liverpool L1 9HF

Mission

The mission of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is to provide exemplary and distinctive vocational creative and performing arts training and education.

Vision

The vision statement for the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is "To be a world leading centre of excellence for creative learning and vocational training." 

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

Objectives

The primary objective of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is to educate and empower future creatives in the performing arts industry, enabling them to secure sustained work.

Main Academic Divisions (Faculties)

  • Acting
  • Applied Theatre
  • Dance
  • Design/Technology
  • Filmmaking
  • Management
  • Music
  • Sound Technology

Reasons to Study at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

  1. Equality and Diversity

    Equity is the driving force behind our ambition to be a world-leading centre of excellence in creative learning and vocational training. Our 2023–2026 Strategic Plan placed equity at the heart of our institutional mission, recognizing that true excellence can only be achieved in an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. That is why equity is one of our six strategic pillars, shaping our aspirations and actions.

  2. Creative Curriculum

    To enhance, innovate and develop continuously: embed equity and inclusion into the curriculum and our teaching and learning practices, in a manner that exemplifies inclusive excellence. Across our three Schools, we have implemented curriculum and pedagogical interventions aligned with our Equity Strategy.


     

  3. Culture and Capability

    To treat everyone with dignity, we make decisions drawing on different perspectives; we involve, listen to, and seek to learn from everyone; we strive to nurture a sense of belonging so everyone can participate.



     

  4. Student Wellbeing

    Our team is staffed by experienced and qualified professionals who are trained to support a wide variety of student support needs. Whether you're experiencing personal challenges, need specific support for a disability, or you are simply seeking advice on your mental health, the team is dedicated to providing guidance tailored to your individual needs.


     

Fees

Undergraduate Tuition

International Students GBP 22,750

Postgraduate Tuition

Indigenous Students GBP 12,750 - GBP 19,750
International Students GBP 21,000 - GBP 22,750

Other Fees

Application Fee: £28.95

Admission

Undergraduate Admission Requirement

UCAS tariff points required from level 3 qualifications

For example:

  • Two A Levels at grade C or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: MPP  
  • BTEC Diploma: MM
  • T level: P (D or E)
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 64 points from Higher Level subjects

You also need 5 GCSEs grade 4/C or above, including English and Maths or Level 2 equivalents.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): if you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

 

International Students:

IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). We also accept other English language examination equivalents. You can find out more about English Language requirements here 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. You can find out more about qualifications from specific countries here

Mature applicants (aged 21+). If you do not hold the academic qualifications but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply.  

Postgraduate Admission Requirments

  • You are expected to have a good degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline or significant practical experience such as professional work.

International Students: 

  • You are expected to have a good degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline or significant practical experience such as professional work.
  •  International students also need to meet our English Language requirements of 5.5 overall score for IELTS, with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).

How To Apply For Admission

UNDERGRADUATE:

  • Apply via UCAS

 

POSTGRAUATE:

  • Apply via online portal

Admission Contacts

Email: [email protected]
Phone : +44(0)1513303084

Apply For Admission

Look Around LPIA

Facilities

  • Classrooms
  • Library
  • Laboratory
  • Accommodation
  • Sports
  • ICT
  • Cafeteria
  • ICT: LIPA's Information, Communications and Technology Department provides the infrastructure and services framework that enable students to exploit the latest information and communication developments. Industry-standard computer resources are running the latest productivity software on high specification workstations in dedicated computer suites. LIPA also has a colour A0 plotter, ideal for floor plans. All PCs are installed with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office & Project as standard. There is also access to a range of additional specialist software installed on selected workstations. These include AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Sibelius, MindManager, WYSIWYG and QuarkXpress.

 

  • Cafeteria: As well as serving food and drink, the bar and canteen are the hub of social activity within LIPA with both spaces licensed for performances. The canteen is the venue for LIPA’s weekly gig night, The 2ube. Most Fridays the 2ube features live performances, showcasing musicians from LIPA and Liverpool’s music scene. The event is a collaboration between Management, Music, Sound Technology and Theatre & Production Technology students.

 

  • Studio: Our recording studios, digital audio labs, live sound facilities and broadcast and mobile equipment mean students can collaborate and work creatively using industry standard equipment. The George Martin Studio (GMS) is LIPA’s flagship recording studio. Featuring a large control room, allowing hands on masterclasses with visiting practitioners to take place, it is built around an SSL Duality console.

 

  • Teaching and Practice Rooms: Lecture theatres, workshop spaces and seminar rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art presentation equipment and free wi-fi. Practice rooms and other larger rehearsal spaces and studios can be booked by students outside of timetabled teaching sessions.

 

  • Accommodation: Finding the right place to live while you’re studying is important. It may be your first experience of living away from home, so we understand that you will want somewhere where you feel comfortable, secure and happy. As a student-friendly city, Liverpool has plenty of student accommodation options. That’s why we have never needed to build our own halls of residence. We have carefully researched and vetted the nearby accommodation options. Listed in this guide are all the accommodation providers that are most popular with our students, to help all new UK, EU and international students to find what is right for them.
     

School Contact

Address

Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Mount Street Liverpool L1 9HF

Email Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

+44 (0)151 330 3000

Website Address

https://lipa.ac.uk/

Accreditations

The Investors in People

Vice Chancellor

Professor Sean McNamara

Sean joined LIPA in 2021 as Principal and CEO, succeeding co-founder Mark Featherstone-Witty. Since then, he has successfully overseen a complete revalidation of the Institute’s curriculum, the launch of the 2023-26 Strategic Plan, including the creation of LIPA’s six Strategic Pillars: Excellence, Equity, Environment, Empowerment, Employability and Entrepreneurship and is the driving force be... read more
hind LIPA’s move to gain New Degree Awarding Powers (NDAPs).

Before joining LIPA, Sean was Head of Guildford School of Acting (GSA) and has extensive leadership, management, teaching and curriculum design experience. Joining GSA in 2010, Sean’s roles included Director of Learning & Teaching and Head of Undergraduate Studies before he was appointed Head in 2016. Sean trained in Musical Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting and has an MA in Actor Training from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

Sean is chair of the UK’s professional body for conservatoire training, The Federation of Drama Schools (FDS), chair of trustees for the LIPA Multi Academy Trust, an executive board member of GuildHE, a founding member of the Alliance of Musical Theatre Conservatoires (AMTC) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Academic Staff

  • Gillian Knox

    Lecturer Gillian is a highly experienced devised performance maker and artist, having worked in the sector for over 15 years. She is a founder member of the critically acclaimed Pigeon Theatre, which specializ... read more
    es in experimental, site-specific and interactive works and was an associate artist at Manchester’s Greenroom Theatre. Gillian’s current research is practice-led and focuses on applying documentary and verbatim techniques to creating fictive performances. Gillian believes that the best way to learn is through actually making work, enhanced by a firm understanding of critical theory and current practice and consolidated by critical reflection.
  • Kay Hilton

    Lecturer Kay originally came from a dance performance background, moving into choreography in the days of Stock, Aitken and Waterman and then into show production for UK and International theatre, film and tel... read more
    evision. She produced and choreographed corporate fashion and trade shows for companies such as Clarks, Adidas, All Sports, Warrior Sports, Asian Sound Radio, Argos, Flannels, House of Fraser and Manchester Fashion Week. Kay is a founding director of KMC Agencies (London and Manchester) and has placed dancers with artistes such as Kylie, Cher and 50 Cent tour and also in UK and International (Hollywood) blockbuster films.
  • Dr Steve Davies

    Head of Filmmaking and Creative Technologies Steve is a filmmaker with nearly 20 years’ worth of industry experience, working on documentaries and network dramas. He’s the creative director of his own production company, Filmcafe, which has ... read more
    worked with clients such as the BBC, NHS, and McDonalds, including unique immersive imaging systems for both ultra-high resolution markets and mobile platforms. His PhD is in virtual reality video, concentrating on user-centered approaches to media creation and consumption by exploring interactions with media in virtual environments.

    Before joining LIPA, he worked in universities across Wales, lecturing in television, filmmaking, cinematography and digital media.

View More Staff

Notable Alumni

View More Alumni

History

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts was established in 1996 by Founder Mark Featherstone-Witty and Founding Patron Paul McCartney. It is based on the site of Paul and fellow Beatle George Harrison’s old school, The Liverpool Institute for Boys. A third Beatle, John Lennon attended the Liverpool College of Art. Its buildings are also part of LIPA’s campus.

Based on the site of the Liverpool Institute for Boys, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts opened its doors to its first intake of students in 1996. Its conception dates back to 1991, when Mark Featherstone-Witty - who helped set up The Brit School – started formulating plans for his next project, a university le... read more

vel performing arts institution. 

Meanwhile, during preparations for his Liverpool Oratorio in 1992, Paul McCartney visited his old school, The Liverpool Institute for Boys. Seeing the building’s state of disrepair – the school had closed in 1985 – Paul vows to save it. A mutual friend, George Martin, introduces Mark to Paul. Together they start to draw up plans for the creation of The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, based in Paul’s old school.