The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
Top reasons to study at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
1. LIPA is for those who perform and make performance possible:
- School of Creative Technologies, Design & Enterprise
- School of Music
- School of Performance
2. 92% of graduates are in work or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey published in 2024).
3. 7,450+ alumni across 79 countries
4. LIPA has been listed as one of Billboard's Top Music Business Schools for a fourth consecutive time (2024).
Image gallery
Overview of the university
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is renowned for our world-leading, university-level training in performing and creative arts. Your time at LIPA is about forging a career and getting paid to do what you love. It's about having the time of your life in one of the world's most creative and dynamic cities. It's about making performance happen.
LIPA was founded by Sir Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty in 1996. We are located in the buildings of the old Liverpool Institute for Boys - where Paul and fellow Beatle George Harrison studied - and the Liverpool College of Art - which John Lennon attended. Paul remains our Lead Patron and continues to support us, mentoring selected songwritng students, joining in with student Q&A's and attending all our graduation ceremonies to date. In his words, we are "one of the best performing arts schools in the world".
LIPA is home to 1,050 students, over 20% of which come from outside the UK and represent over 40 nationalities worldwide. You'll feel a sense of community as soon as you arrive. LIPA is small enough to be united, but our big ambition makes us mighty. And everyone here shares a passion for collaboration, innovation, and the creative industries.
Our buildings are home to over 90 dedicated performance and technical spaces, many featuring industry-leading hardware and software. Each year we stage over 50 performances from dance shows to musicals, from contemporary dramas to music and film festivals. Our staff:student ratio is 1:10. Our staff are practising and experiencced professionals whilev industry leaders take part in regular masterclasses and Q&A's. You'll collaborate with some of the UK's leading writers, directors, designers, producers and choreographers on productions and projects - and towards the end of your time at LIPA they'll help you prepare for your career.
Programs and courses at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
25 courses at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), listed alphabetically:
Videos
Articles and news
Key facts and statistics
Student reviews
“I chose Musical Theatre because theatre has been part of my whole life. I truly believe there is a musical for everyone, and I believe there is a Stephen Sondheim quote for every situation or moment in life. I love every aspect that goes into making a musical and I want to be part of that in any way that I can be. I chose LIPA to help me achieve this because I felt when I first walked into the building that this was a place for artists and creators. LIPA encourages students to explore every aspect of their creative abilities. I also felt that England in general was the best place for me to achieve my goals because of their love for theatre.
When I first applied and got accepted to the BA (Hons) Acting (Musical Theatre) course at LIPA, I hoped that when I graduated that I would have a better understanding of how to intermingle all three elements of Musical Theatre. While I felt I could hold my own in two of those areas, I knew I needed to work in the third. While being at LIPA I feel like I have grown in that aspect already and that helped solidify that I made the right choice.
A typical day at LIPA is filled with training and applying everything you have been given. You will explore methods and theories that go into your art, as well as learning about how the world around you will have an impact on your art form, and how you make art. You’ll have days where you work with people from other courses, you’ll have full rehearsal days, and sometimes you’ll have days where you feel a little unsure about your journey. Just remember, you’re not alone and you were selected for a reason!”
“I’ve always followed my instinct and my instinct told me to choose LIPA. The more time I spend here, the more I realise that this is where I fit in. Create, Create, Create – I think that’s the most valuable part of being here. It’s constantly challenging my creativity, and it’s the most fulfilling feeling to see your creation come to life.”
I was looking for a postgraduate program that would enable me to bridge my academic background and my professional experience – and LIPA has been the perfect place to do that – everything from the small class-sizes, the opportunities for networking and project involvement and the positive and collaborative nature and collaborative environment here. My favourite part is how easy it is to get involved with all sorts of projects and collaborate with other students from different disciplines, both in LIPA and in the broader Liverpool music scene as well.”