Music Technology BTEC Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma

This course enables students to develop the skills needed to work within the sound/music and broadcasting/film industry plus prepare for university courses in music/music technology related subjects. Initially in year one you will study for a Subsidiary Diploma. Successful students will be invited to study for the Extended Diploma which they will complete in year two of the course. A wide range of music technology related themes will be studied including: music production techniques and audio engineering principles; planning and delivering a music product; music sequencing; sound for the moving image and sound creation and manipulation; the sound and music industry; live sound techniques; acoustics and music technology in performance.

A wide range of music technology related themes will be studied including music production techniques and audio engineering principles, planning and delivering a music product, music sequencing, sound for the moving image, sound creation and manipulation, the sound and music industry, live sound techniques, acoustics and music technology in perforformance. As part of the course students are required to demonstrate specific literacy, numeracy and ICT skills alongside their main subject studies. These Functional Skills will help students with their coursework and also prepare them for life and work.

You are taught by specialist tutors who are all experienced practitioners of their field and are assessed through coursework designed round lessons that incorporate demonstrations, workshops micro-teaching and tutor guided support. Delivery methods will include practical workshop sessions in our recording studios, computer music suites, rehearsal rooms and live performance spaces, classroom-based theory sessions supported by IT and computer-based research, real-world music industry situations (live performances, recording sessions, production company meetings etc) self-directed study using resources on our online VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and educational visits to venues live performances and other music industry-related work places. Some assessment will give you the chance to participate in work related fields within the confines of the college environment.

During the first year of the programme students will work towards a Music Technology BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to 1 A level). Successful students will be able to progress onto the second year of the programme where they will work towards either a Music Technology BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels) or Music Technology BTEC Level 3 Diploma (equivalent to 2 A levels). Throughout the duration of the programme students will develop a portfolio of work, music industry knowledge and the skills to help them to publish their work independently and find employment or support an application for a higher education course. Additional learning and pastoral support is offered through the tutorial support.

Four GCSE grades A* - C including English Language and preferably Maths a Higher Diploma at grade C or above with Functional Skills Level 2, or a BTEC Level 2 Diploma with a Merit profile with Functional Skills Level 2 in literacy and numeracy. All applicants will be interviewed and should bring along a portfolio of recent music technology-related work. A satisfactory reference is required.

You could progress on to a degree Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma in a music technology-related subject or entry to the music industry at a junior level.