UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Entry Requirements

We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.

An audition or recorded example of a performance to demonstrate that you have the appropriate level of skill required to succeed on the course. We love to see your creativity!

4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above (at merit or above) in a relevant subject.

You will have gained either English and/or maths at GCSE C/4 or above, or a L2 Functional skills in either Engish and/or maths.

We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

Course Content

Music Performance students will take part in a variety of gigs in different venues this will give you the opportunity to develop your technical ability and to build your ensemble skills, improving your communication, analytical, time management and problem-solving skills. There will be a strong emphasis on music theory and on understanding the features and roots of popular music.

The tutors not only bring their unique experiences having worked in the industry themselves but are also incredibly supportive to make sure you are learning all the necessary skills. The balance between being treated like a professional adult and also getting the help and direction that you need in a learning environment that has incredible industry standard studios and equipment available to you.

Our courses focus on practical assignments whilst teaching you about the theories that underpin these industry practices. Whether your path is to HE or a job in the music sector, you will be equipped with the confidence, knowledge and skills to succeed.

As a student on this course you will have access to technician support and state of the art industry standard equipment which includes:

Music Recording Studios running BSS network system and Soundcraft Ghost consoles in our four acoustically treated control rooms.
Focusrite Scarlett interfaces in all studios for 8 channel recording.
Industry standard mastering suite running Native Instruments & UAD plugins as well as Universal Audio Apollo Twin Audio Interface.
Synthesis laboratory with a range of synths and Ableton Suite 10 complete with Ableton Push Controllers
Mac editing suites running Logic Pro X 10.5 and M Audio USB keyboard controllers
Rehearsal suites equipped with PA, Yamaha Stage Custom Drum Kits, guitar and bass amps from Fender, Hartke, Peavey.

Progression Next Steps

Use this course to progress to studying at university level on a degree, HNC or HND. For example at South Thames you could study on the HNC Music at Level 4.

The majority of students completing the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production will progress to undergraduate study in a range of related courses.

The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology is delivered over two years and will enable students to develop a portfolio of work that could support progression into a range of higher education courses.

The qualification attracts 72, 120 and 168 UCAS tariff points for Pass, Merit and Distinction grades respectively.

There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

Course Structure

Assessment Details

Music production students will develop skills in recording, mixing, electronic composition, sampling and live sound. You will be assessed on practical skills, research, performance and evaluation. Through a series of developmental units, you will develop your knowledge and skills, leading up to a final assessment in the summer term. Examples of the core learning themes are:

Principles of music performance and production
Critical listening and music composition
Music industry and professional practice
Critical and contextual awareness for music performance and production
Music production in context
Music performance in context
Preparation for specialist study in music performance and production
Collaborative music performance project
Developing music performance and production skills
Exploration of specialist study in music performance and production
Preparing for progression in music performance and production
Project proposal for extended project in music performance and production
Extended project in music performance and production

Key Facts