The Academy of Live Technology (ALT), based at Production Park in Wakefield, has been granted New Degree Awarding Powers (NDAPs) by the Office for Students (OfS), marking a major milestone for specialist higher education, skills and the creative industries in West Yorkshire.
From 1 July 2026, ALT will be able to award degrees in its own name, becoming the only higher education provider with degree-awarding powers based in the Wakefield district and one of a relatively small number of independent providers in England with the authority to award UK degrees independently.
The decision strengthens Wakefield’s reputation as a centre for creative industries, production and technical innovation, while expanding local access to higher education opportunities.
The award follows a rigorous assessment process by the national regulator, including scrutiny of ALT’s academic governance, teaching quality, student support, assessment frameworks and graduate outcomes.
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Degree awarding powers are granted only to institutions able to demonstrate strong academic standards and long-term sustainability.
Rachel Nicholson, head of institution at the Academy of Live Technology, said: “This is a hugely important milestone for ALT, for our students and staff, and for Wakefield as a growing centre for creative education and industry.
“Becoming the only higher education provider in the Wakefield district with degree awarding powers is something we are incredibly proud of. It reflects both the quality of the institution we have built and the growing importance of the creative industries to the region’s economy.
“Our focus has always been on delivering a real-world, industry-embedded learning experience, where students train alongside the professionals, productions and technologies shaping the sector.
“Degree awarding powers allow us to build on that model and strengthen the opportunities available here in West Yorkshire, developing courses that respond directly to employer demand while supporting the long-term skills pipeline for the creative industries.”
Founded in 2009, ALT specialises in degree programmes and technical training for careers in live events, entertainment production and creative technologies. More than 1,000 graduates have studied at the institution, with alumni now working across the UK and internationally in touring, theatre, broadcast, festivals, immersive media and production technology.
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The institution also plays an increasingly important role in widening local access to higher education and creative careers, with 35% of ALT students coming from West Yorkshire and almost a quarter (24%) from the Wakefield district.
In 2023, ALT expanded internationally with the launch of ALT at Rock Lititz in Pennsylvania, USA – one of the world’s leading live production campuses.
Founder, ALT & Production Park, Adrian Brooks, said: “ALT was established here in Wakefield with a clear ambition – to connect education directly to industry and create opportunities for young people to train within real production environments, all the way through to degree level. From the outset, I also hoped that one day this journey could help bring a specialist university to Wakefield, and the news that we have now been awarded New Degree Awarding Powers brings that ambition significantly closer.
“This recognition reflects how far ALT has come and the strength of the creative and technical ecosystem we’ve built here in West Yorkshire. We’re incredibly proud of the team, our students and the industry partners who have supported ALT’s journey.”
ALT delivers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, short courses and professional training across disciplines including live sound, lighting, stage and production management, live visuals, immersive technologies and technical production.
Students benefit from direct access to industry professionals, work placements and employment opportunities through Production Park’s network of studios, rehearsal spaces and production companies.
The announcement comes shortly after plans were unveiled to expand the Production Park site further, supporting continued growth across the region’s creative industries supply chain.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “This is fantastic news for West Yorkshire, where we’re building a region of learning and creativity to equip people with the skills they need to thrive. The Academy of Live Technology is a real asset, providing opportunities for young people to get into exciting, well-paid jobs in our region’s booming creative sector.”
