New creative campus to open in Newcastle
Industry-led degrees in music, film and performance launching in the autumn
A new creative campus is set to open in Newcastle upon Tyne, as LMA announces plans to expand into the North East.
From September 2026, the performing arts, music and creative media institution will welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students to its new St. James Boulevard site - the third LMA campus alongside existing bases in London and Liverpool.
LMA’s training model focuses on practical, industry-led learning, with students working on live projects and collaborating with professionals. The institution has connections across the creative sector, with students gaining insight from industry figures including professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova and Andy Dunlop.
It also holds partnerships with organisations and events such as Glastonbury Festival and Edinburgh Fringe. Earlier this year, LMA dance students appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and are due to take part in the programme’s live semi-finals.
The Newcastle campus is expected to contribute to the region’s creative economy, with a focus on developing skills and supporting pathways into employment across music, performance and screen-based industries.
Richard Wallace, co-founder and CEO of LMA, said: “We believe the future of creative arts education is practical, connected and collaborative.
“LMA has built a national reputation for producing commercially ready, creatively fearless graduates. Now, we’re bringing that same high-performance training to Newcastle - embedding students directly into industry ecosystems from day one.
“Newcastle is a city of culture, resilience and creativity. LMA is here to amplify that and to equip the next generation of artists with the tools to build sustainable careers.
“All of the degrees are designed by industry, for industry and will help students gain the skills, connections and opportunities to progress in their chosen fields.”
Pam Smith, chief executive of Newcastle City Council, said: “We have big ambitions for Newcastle to be the culture capital of the North and have brought global attention to the city through the Mercury Prize and the MOBOs.
“But it has never been about one-off events, it’s about legacy. That comes through investment in grassroots creative organisations and venues, and partnerships like this one with LMA.
“It is an exciting time for culture in Newcastle and this launch is yet more evidence that you don’t need to leave the city to forge a career in the creative sector.”
Deni Chambers, principal at LMA Newcastle, added: “LMA Newcastle arrives at a pivotal moment for the North East, bringing a unique, industry-first model that changes the rules of creative education.
“This isn’t just about opening a new campus; it’s about ensuring the region’s incredible talent no longer has to look elsewhere for opportunity, whilst putting Newcastle on the map for creating a strong talent pipeline.
“LMA is here to unlock creative potential at scale, attract talent to the region and show that creative careers can start right here in Newcastle.”
Applications are now open for the September 2026 intake, with courses including music performance and production, film and TV, acting, dance, digital games art and creative business.