Which Course is Right For Me?
Deciding what to do after completing your GCSEs can be a big decision, and one that you should consider carefully.
The following information, including an overview of the qualifications available, should help ease the decision process.
Music Foundation Programme
The Music Foundation Programme is a one-year foundation course and can be studied through one of two pathways – Performance or Music Technology. The course consists of two parts – a level 1 Foundation Learning course (which includes a Vocational Music Qualification, Personal and Social Development and Functional Skills) followed by a level 2 BTEC Diploma in Music. See the FAQ section for more information.
Students are also able to develop their study skills. Students who complete the course successfully will normally be given the opportunity to progress to one of the BTEC Extended Diploma programmes in their area of specialism.
BTEC Nationals at Level 3
These two-year qualifications are equivalent to 3 A-Levels. We run two BTEC Nationals at level 3 allowing students to study Music Performance or Music Technology with both in great depth and breadth. Many students go on to Higher Education to further their studies. BTEC Nationals carry UCAS/CUKAS tariff points. See the FAQ section for more information.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Music
This performance-based course provides an opportunity to study music for 2 years covering a great range and breadth. Whether your background and interest is in Pop, Classical or Jazz the course provides the best elements of general musicianship plus the opportunity to perform in genre specific ensembles with a specialist tutor. Courses are open to students with a wide range of practical and academic abilities. These courses provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge for a variety of careers and / or course progressions.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology
Our music technology course is suitable for students wishing to study all areas of music technology including sequencing, sound recording, music theory and harmony, production, acoustics and media technology.
Students have access to industry standard equipment in modern, well-resourced studios.
Functional Skills
Functional Skills are additional qualifications that underpin work done on main music programmes – in essence they are the skills needed for life, to enable students to compete in education and ultimately employment. Functional Skills qualifications are available in English, Maths and ICT. Depending on your existing qualifications you may need to undertake some of these.
