About the course

Develop your raw talent into what you want to achieve. Choose your preferred genre of music whilst exploring a wide selection of relevant and interesting music and music technology related topics. This course is based on the practical skills of creating and performing music, while also gaining knowledge and understanding of the theory, technology, and industry practices in music. The course allows a great deal of freedom in the music you choose to perform and compose. The most employable individuals in this sector are adaptable and have a range of musical skills rather than just one specialism. For example, live music venues may seek live sound engineers that can also work with lighting and have the ability to repair and maintain equipment. Session musicians may be more in-demand if they can play multiple instruments across a range of genres and also have skills in musical direction. The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music reflects these industry demands. It is an individualised qualification that also meets the needs of the music industry by delivering modules in grouped projects and blurring the boundaries between the discreet disciplines. Year 1 is focussed on music skills development (performing as a musical ensemble, creating musical material and using music styles) whilst also understanding the music industry. Year 2 enables students to specialise in their chosen area of music by working on a collaborative music project whilst preparing for higher education and employment by developing a personal music profile.

Start Date/s

02/09/2024, 02/09/2024

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including English Language or Mathematics OR a relevant Level 2 Diploma with a Merit grade and a GCSE at grade 5 in English Language or Mathematics. Music GCSE is desirable. Music theory and grades in a chosen instrument are desirable, however instrumental ability will be assessed through an audition video.

Modules

Throughout the first year you will develop the comprehensive fundamentals of music practitioners through two module areas: 1-Music Skills Development and 2-The Music Industry. Year 2 enables you to culminate your knowledge, skills and experiences across two module areas: 1-Personal Music Project and 2-Collaborative Music Project.

Assessment

There are no exams on this qualification. All work is internally assessed. The content of your assessment will be outlined on an assignment brief; the design of these will be explained during induction. For every assessment there will be a clear deadline by which the work must be submitted to your assessor (course tutor). There is a one submission policy in place for BTEC assignments. However, it is also understood that under certain conditions it might be appropriate to allow a learner an additional opportunity to achieve more through a resubmission. Your assessed work will be a mixture of both practical work aligned with an academic underpinning.

Careers & Progression

During this two-year course, you’ll develop both the academic and creative qualities found in all well-rounded music professionals. The nature of this qualification enables students to specialise in their chosen area of music and progress to higher education or seek employment in this area. This could include performance, live performance support, recording, composing and production. Typically the majority of students progress to university level courses from this qualification. The most frequently applied for universities are Salford, BIMM and University College Burnley. The most common courses are ‘Pop Music and Recording’, ‘Music Production and Performance’, ‘Music Production’, ‘Event Management’, BA (Hons) Music, BMus (Hons) Music, BA (Hons) Music Promotion, BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering, BA (Hons) Music Journalism and BSc (Hons) Music for Film Television and Games in addition to a whole host more. It is worth noting that Music is not considered a ‘soft subject’ by the Russell Group Universities! The majority of employment opportunities in this sector involve freelance work therefore it is crucial that students are prepared for this.

Additional Details