Point Blank gets degree-awarding powers, 2026–2030

If you’re applying to a creative degree, here’s a quiet change that matters. On 4 February 2026, the Office for Students (OfS) signed an order allowing Point Blank Limited to award its own taught degrees up to and including bachelor’s level. The powers begin on 1 April 2026 and run until 31 March 2030, with the option for Point Blank to authorise other institutions to grant those awards on its behalf.

Let’s clear up the term first. Degree‑awarding powers (often shortened to DAPs) are the legal permission for a provider to issue degrees-rather than asking a university partner to do it. In England, the OfS can grant different levels of DAPs; one of these lets a provider award taught qualifications up to bachelor’s level. That is the type Point Blank now has from April 2026. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

Who are we talking about? The order names Point Blank Limited, UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) 10019178. On the UKRLP, the legal entity “Point Blank Limited” lists “Point Blank Music School” as its trading name, which is the brand you’ll see on prospectuses and open days. (ukrlp.co.uk)

Up to now, many Point Blank degrees have been validated by Middlesex University. Course pages already explained that, if DAPs were granted, future awards could be issued directly by Point Blank rather than by the validating university-without changing the course content. If you’re applying, look closely at the awarding body named on the course page and your offer. (pointblankmusicschool.com)

What subjects are in scope? The order lists performing arts; materials and technology; engineering; creative arts and design; and combined and general studies. If your course sits within these areas, Point Blank will be able to award the qualification itself once the powers come into force.

What about levels? These are ‘taught awards up to and including bachelor’s’. In plain terms, that covers undergraduate degrees and related taught awards but not research degrees. Foundation degrees also sit below bachelor’s level, so they’re covered by “up to” too. Masters and doctorates are not part of this order. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

Timing matters for applicants. The powers start on 1 April 2026, so some 2026 intakes may fall on either side of that switch. Point Blank’s course information has signposted that, if DAPs were secured, your final certificate could be awarded by Point Blank rather than the partner university; always confirm the awarding body named in your offer letter and student contract. (pointblankmusicschool.com)

A practical example for diaries: Point Blank advertises an online Foundation Year with an April 2026 start date. Because the order takes effect on 1 April 2026, that intake could fall under the new powers-subject to how the provider implements them. If you’re on that pathway, ask admissions to confirm who will award your qualification. (pointblankmusicschool.com)

You might spot a line in the order allowing Point Blank to “authorise other institutions to grant such awards” on its behalf. That’s the legal wording for validation arrangements. The OfS can place conditions or restrictions on such partnerships where needed-for example, it has restricted validation activity for other providers when financial risk has been identified-so expect careful oversight. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

How did the OfS decide? Under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, the OfS requests expert advice on quality and standards before making a DAPs decision. The regulator’s own material explains that assessment teams report to its Quality Assessment Committee, which then advises on the final decision. This is why DAPs are often time‑limited at first. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

What this means for you if you’re a student: your course content and teaching team may look the same, but the name on your award could change from a validating university to Point Blank. This doesn’t alter your visa or fee status by itself. Do check how the awarding body is listed on UCAS, the provider’s website, and your contract so there are no surprises later.

What this means for you if you’re a teacher or adviser: build the awarding‑body check into conversations with students choosing 2026 and 2027 entry. Encourage them to read the provider’s small print, and to ask how a mid‑course switch (if any) is handled for transcripts and degree certificates.

A quick funding reminder. Only providers registered with the OfS can access the main package of student finance. Registration and DAPs are related but separate, so applicants should still confirm registration status on the OfS Register if they plan to use student loans. (officeforstudents.org.uk)

The small print. This authorisation is time‑limited: it runs from 1 April 2026 until the end of 31 March 2030. Orders are signed-in this case by Jean Arnold, Interim Director of Quality and Access at the OfS-and can be renewed, varied, or allowed to lapse depending on evidence gathered during the term. For day‑to‑day planning, that means reading your specific offer and staying in touch with admissions if your start date is close to April 2026.