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Starts

1 Sep 2025

Study mode

Full Time

Campus

Framwellgate Moor Campus

Duration

2 Years

Level

Level 3

Course code

MUSIF3005A01

Fee Information

Standard Fees of £4536.00 for the first year

Advanced Learner Loan Fees of £8583.00

Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see Fees and funding for more information.

Age 16-18

FREE (If meet residency criteria and not enrolled at another educational institution).

If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course will be FREE. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips.

Age 19+

If you are aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course could be free dependant on the level of the course and your eligibility criteria. The rules regarding fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to contact our Advice, Support and Careers Team on 0191 375 4400, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or connect on live chat (bottom right of your screen).

Student Finance

If you are aged 19 or over and not eligible to get your course free, you could apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loans Company to help towards the cost of some, or all, of your fees. If the amount of Advanced Learner Loan available to you is less than the Advanced Learner Loan Fee for your course, you would need to pay the difference. See our Funding Your Study page for more information or visit the Student Loans Company website to find out more.

Course may be subject to change.

This practical music course will prepare you for work in an exciting industry of music creation, production, distribution and performance.

Explore elements of music production, mixing, mastering and performing, and apply the skills and knowledge you have learned to creative projects.

You will work individually and collaboratively, and will use new technology and techniques to help you create music and audio for a range of purposes, including live settings (DJ), Recording (Producer)and sound design (soundtracks).

Entry Criteria

You will hold four GCSEs at grade 4 (or equivalent), including maths and English.

This course is open to all ages if you have the relevant experience and music ability.

Additional Costs

You will have access to essential IT and music creation equipment but may need to provide specialist equipment associated with your chosen pathway.

What are the next steps?

You will be invited to meet the tutor. Please bring evidence of your relevant qualifications.

At this stage, you will need to demonstrate an active interest in music production and technology - for example, this could be a piece of music you have created or a project you have been involved in.

Study Aims

This music production and technology course forms part of a two-year programme that will prepare you for work within the music industry.

You will develop the technical and practical music production skills and undertake a relevant work placement.

The course will provide you with opportunities to engage in live performances and will make sure you gain essential and valuable performance skills.

You will develop an awareness of the influences across a range of genres and ages, and will experiment to fine tune your own style of recording, mixing and performance.

Studying the first and second year of this course will also prepare you for progression to study a degree level course at New College Durham's University Centre or at university.

Modules Studied

This music course focuses on production skills, using hardware and software for recording, music creation, mixing, performing and distribution.

The first year of the course will cover the following Foundation Diploma modules:

A1: Performing as an ensemble A2: Creating musical material A3: Using musical styles C7: Planning a career in the music industry

The second year of the course will cover the following Extended Diploma modules:

D8: Using development plans to refine skills D9: Producing a personal project D10: Using material for self-promotion and networking E11: Defined technical role E12/13: Collaborative Music Project

Teaching and Assessment

Assessment is carried out on a continuous basis and the course is delivered through a series of practical projects and assignments, including public performances.

The assignments will be both practical and theoretical throughout the year and you will be expected to set targets and make a record of this. Performance-based modules will be assessed through live performances in professional music venues, such as the Gala Theatre and the College's Drama Studio. Aural perception skills will focus on skills tests in pitch and rhythm.

Industry Links

Our strong industry links will provide you with an excellent range of guest speakers and workshops with industry professionals. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips throughout the year.Your tutors will be practicing professionals who have links with professional venues, studios and producers.

Placement

This music production course includes a mandatory work placement which will help you to gain practical experience working in a relevant area. Previous music students have successfully secured placements in local radio stations, live music venues, recording and rehearsal studios, and shadowing music teachers in either a classroom or stage school setting.

Where can it take me?

Musicians £42,120 Potential salary

More info