Frequently Asked Questions about Further Education

This page contains some Frequently Asked Questions regarding all aspects of Further Education at Leeds College of Music.

If your question is not answered here – or you simply wanted more information about the College – details of FE Open Evenings can be found here.

At the Open Evening, academic and business support staff will be available for an informal Q&A session.

Would my son/daughter be putting all their 'eggs in one basket' by specialising in one subject?

Whilst it is true that, by studying one of the BTEC qualifications here at Leeds College of Music, your son/daughter will specialise in a music / music technology related subject, they will end up with officially recognised qualifications which have equivalence to GCSE or GCE ‘A’ Level, depending on level studied, and therefore they have scope for progression to many courses. BTEC qualifications also give students many transferable skills such as critical evaluation, team working, project management, research  and critical evaluation.

BTEC qualifications are vocational – does that mean everything is practical? What about written work?

BTEC qualifications allow for a range of assessment types. Whilst the focus of the qualification is in developing practical, work  based skills we are also aware that learners need to develop a range of skills – both for the workplace and for progression to HE. Assessments are designed so that students can present evidence in a way that is most appropriate for them. However, we  are keen to develop learners’ academic skills so that they are equipped for the challenges they face after their studies at FE. So,whilst there will be plenty of opportunities for performance and/or studio production work, learners will be asked to develop a  critical understanding of the processes involved in their work and present these findings appropriately.

What is a BTEC worth?

It depends on which BTEC qualification. The chart below shows you the range of BTEC qualifications offered at Leeds College of Music and their equivalency.

Can my son/daughter progress to Higher Education with a BTECNational qualification?

Yes. All BTEC National qualifications qualify for UCAS/CUKAS tariff points. At the end of the course successful learners are  awarded an overall grade e.g. MMM. This grade is then awarded UCAS/CUKAS tariff points. The chart shows the points  available for BTEC Nationals.

P = Pass
M = Merit
D = Distinction

Will you tell me how my son/daughter is getting on?

Yes. We run two parents evenings each year for all students under 18. Attendance overviews and reports of grades given so far are also given. Each student will have a designated group tutor who you can contact for additional information on your son/daughter’s progress. A dedicated absence monitoring officer will also contact you should there be any concerns over  attendance.

Will my son/daughter get a job after studying Music/Music Technology Leeds College of Music?

A career in music is maybe not the most straightforward career option, but neither is it as difficult and mysterious as some people think to make a living from music / music technology skills. Built into all the BTEC qualifications are Music Industry units which  encourage learners to explore all aspects of employment opportunities within the industry. In addition learners have access to  music industry professionals who can inspire and educate them about the employment opportunities and the skills needed for these jobs.

Previous students have gone on to employment in a variety of areas e.g. teaching (private tuition and school/college), arts  management, promotion,
live sound (theatre, live bands, conferences, concert venues), performing (cover bands, original bands, classical ensembles,  professional theatre work, cabaret, dancing, session work, DJ), the armed forces bands, sound engineer, producer, TV / radio, retail, and production companies.