A MUSIC college which started in the city has made the step into higher education by becoming a university.

The British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) was recently granted full university status by the Department for Education.

It is combining with creative colleges in performing arts, as well as film and TV in what will be named BIMM University.

The college was founded in Brighton back in 2001 and has grown to 15 colleges overall across the UK and even to Berlin and Hamburg in Germany.

The Argus: BIMM has been in Brighton for more than two decadesBIMM has been in Brighton for more than two decades

Professor Louise Jackson, academic director and provost at BIMM, said: “It is such a joy to be able to announce to our students, alumni, and colleagues past and present that we have been approved to use university title and become BIMM University.

“To become a university is not a simple act; it is the most significant moment of recognition for an institution of higher education, and it builds upon decades of endeavour.

“The term university is internationally understood, defined by its community of knowledge creators and leaders who transform societies for the better through innovation and rigorous hard work.

“I am immensely proud of the unique contribution our communities make to both the higher education sector and the creative industries, and the way in which our graduates embrace their role in transforming the world around us through their creativity.

The Argus: Students get regular opportunities to perform in the cityStudents get regular opportunities to perform in the city

“More than ever the world needs specialist universities that do not just conserve the past but develop new artistic practices and outputs to help us engage in myriad ways with what it means to be human.

“I cannot describe how thrilled I am that BIMM University, now recognised as an equal to other distinguished seats of learning, will continue to lead the way across all our art forms.”

BIMM has two locations in the city at Brunswick Street in Hove and Rock Place in Brighton.

The journey to gaining university status started in 2019 when BIMM were granted taught degree-awarding powers, which means the college could take control of its course designs, writing and amending courses to follow the industry’s needs.

BIMM University is made up of BIMM Institute, Institute for Contemporary Theatre, Performers College, Northern Ballet School and Screen and Film School.

For more information, visit its website.