BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Technology

Duration

A BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma can be taken full-time over two years.

Introduction

A BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you develop the skills you need to start a career.

It is equivalent to three A levels which means when you have finished the course you can choose whether to get a job straight away or go into higher education.

Content

All students take five core units:

Creating & Marketing a Music Product (double value unit)
Listening Skills for Musicians
Sound Recording Techniques
Planning a Music Recording
The Sound & Music Industry

and twelve specialist units

The Music Freelance World
Music Sequencing
Audio Engineering
Concert Production & Staging
Computer Music Systems
Analogue & Digital Audio Principles
Introduction to Acoustics
Operating Live Sound
Music & Sounds for Multimedia
Music and Society
Music Technology in Performance
Special Subject Investigation

Functional Skills

Functional Skills are a compulsory part of all Sixth Form Centre courses. Students set targets to improve their skills, and gain qualifications, in English, Maths and/or IT. The Functional Skills and levels taken are based on initial assessment and previous GCSE results. There is a particular emphasis on skills required for Music. Students build up a folder of evidence from their vocational work and may be required to sit one or more tests.

Teaching Methods

There are a variety of teaching methods employed from formal lectures/presentations to demonstrations and simulations. Group/team work is developed as are one-to-one skills in a practical environment.

Assessment

All units are assessed and graded and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded. Most assessments are ongoing by assignments set for each unit. There is a balance between practical projects and theoretical/research work.

Qualification Gained

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Technology.

Opportunities for Progression

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas are valued by employers and higher education (universities and colleges). Students can go into careers such as Music Management, Teaching, Performance and Production.

You could work in:

Performance
Music Production
Music Business

If you decide to go to university or college you could take a degree or a BTEC Higher National in subjects such as:

Music
Popular Music
Music Technology
Music Management

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, two of which must be Maths and English Language.
BTEC First Diploma (Merit or Distinction) together with a grade C in Maths and English.
All applicants must have a good reference.

For International Students, Secure English Language Test at B2 level, such as IELTS level 5.5 or equivalent.

24+ ADVANCED LEARNING LOANS

From April 2013, anyone aged 24+ and starting a course on or after 1 August 2013 may apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan. The loans are designed to help you pay your tuition fees and are available to all UK nationals* studying at Level 3 or Level 4 or an Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship. It’s easy to apply, your household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until your income is over £21,000 a year. If your loan is for an Access to Higher Education programme and you progress to complete a Higher Education programme, you will not have to pay back your 24+ loan!

For further information about the new 24+ Adult Learning Loans click here

*Resident in the UK for three years prior to the start of the course. Enquire for further eligibility