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Performance – Music Performance & Artist Development – Level 4

UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma

two students singing

Availability & Details

Professional Music Performance - UAL Level 4 Diploma SFY-MPPE4D/C01

Venue
South Downs Campus

Type of study
Higher Education

Dates
Academic Year 2025-26 (1 year)

Examination board
University of the Arts London
Fees
Course Fee Advanced Learning Loan 4670.00
Course free for under 19 year olds Standard 0.00

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Overview

This one-year course at HSDC South Downs is an excellent gap year opportunity to extend your existing skills and knowledge in order to prepare you for Higher Education or entry into the performance, composition and creative side of the music industry.You will be working with collaborators creatively and with industry professionals on your journey to becoming a creative music professional.Take the opportunity to become a practising professional on your chosen pathway. The course is accredited by University Arts London (UAL).Cost: FREE (£4,670 if over 19 years old).

To study on this course, you will need a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music, Media or similar qualification to a Merit level, or an A Level programme equivalent. You will also need to display a passion for this field. Mature students can apply with a relevant portfolio of work or audition.

On this one-year course, you will study the following:- Unit 1 – Applied Professional Practice- Unit 2 – Specialist Performance Practice- Unit 3 – Specialist Performance Project.- Units 1 and 2 are graded as Pass only. The overall qualification is graded on Unit 3 and will be finalised as Pass, Merit or DistinctionThe following areas are included in the module delivery but are not exclusive and can be tailored to your needs:- Instrumental Focus- Performance Skills- Touring- Recording and Mixing- Practitioner Study- Professional Standards- Rehearsals and Collaborations

You will attend the South Downs Campus two to three days a week for 32 weeks for lectures and practical work, with some learning taking place remotely via demonstrations/webinars and online lectures.A balance between practical and research/lecture-based learning will help guide you with a well-balanced programme. In most cases, in order to capture the essence of the programme, you will declare yourself as a professional trader.All of your lecturers on the programme are fully qualified and are all continuously working in the industry in their specialist fields.Resources include access to Higher Education-only study areas and a nationally recognised music department with resources including:- 5 x Apple Mac suites running Logic Pro X, Ableton- 2 x industry-standard recording studios (Genelec, AKG, UAD, Native Instruments, PMC, Motu, Rhode, Roland, Mackie, Yamaha, Alesis) – we are always developing partnerships with manufacturers and brands, so great discounts on equipment are always available to you – Podcast rooms- 4 x production hot rooms- 4 x production rehearsal rooms fully kitted out with Backline- 2 x theory rooms,- Acoustically tuneable recital, performance/production room- Technical Team support

You will be continuously assessed through a range of assessments, technical and creative projects and collaborations.Through working as a professional in your chosen specialism, opportunities for learners and assessors are gained to achieve your goals.

Progression can include employment (including self-employment) and/or progression to Higher Education. It is possible to progress directly from this course on to Year 2 of an Arts degree at Solent University, allowing you to save money by not paying the first year university fees.The course has been designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to develop your career as a creative professional. This qualification will provide you with an opportunity to cultivate your employability by developing your creative, performance and instrumental/production skills in your specialist field.Alumni from HSDC Higher Education music courses include Victorious Festival owners and employees, international recording and touring artists and BBC National Radio broadcasters.

All of your lecturers on the programme are fully qualified and are all continuously working in the industry in their specialist fields. We also have a partnership agreement with The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea, for regular student performances. Expect a variety of guest talks and lectures from industry professionals, for example, Jason Cooper from The Cure (drummer).


There are lots of people at the college, each studying a diverse range of courses, people from all different areas come to study here, it creates a sense of community, there is a huge social aspect to college life across all courses.

Lee Backhouse, BTEC student

My experience at the College was great, it’s very different to school, and I think it’s a good step to going to university. The support was amazing, I loved all of my teachers, they helped me through everything. The College is friendly and you will succeed.

Heidi Adamson Brattland, A Level student

“HSDC provided me with the opportunity for autonomous study and the choice of subjects that I wanted to study, which helped me develop relevant knowledge as well as relevant skills for the workplace.”

Lucas Ratcliffe, A Level and CTEC student