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Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries – Creative Music Production

UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma

students working with music tech equipment

Availability & Details

Professional Music Production - UAL Level 4 Diploma SFY-MUTE4D/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 5421.00
Course free for under 19 year olds Standard 0.00

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Overview

This one-year course 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 technical and production side of the music industry.You will be working with collaborators both creatively and technically. You will work with industry professionals to become a professional yourself.It will give you the opportunity to become a practising professional in your chosen pathway.The course is accredited by University Arts London (UAL).Cost: FREE (£5,421 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 – Establishing Principles of Technical and Production Practice- Unit 2 – Applied Professional Practice- Unit 3 – Professional Development Project- Units 1 and 2 are Pass only. The overall qualification is graded on Unit 3 and is Pass, Merit or Distinction.The following areas are included in the module delivery but are not exclusive and can be tailored to your needs:- Recording skills- Mixing skills- Mastering- Live sound and recording- Audio synthesis- In-the-box electronic music production- Music for film, TV & gaming- Foley and broadcast audio

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 youPodcast 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, technical and production skills in your specialist field.Alumni from HSDC Higher Education music courses include BBC National Radio broadcasters, Victorious Festival owners and employees, Asgard Tour Management, Stevie Wonder Road technicians, to name a few. 

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, Andy Schepps – Producer for Adele and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.


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

I overcame a couple of barriers by working really hard to get the top grades. My experience was really good, with the course and the lecturers, the residentials and activities, together it was all really good. I had really great teaching support, I could always go to the lecturers and speak to them if I needed to.

David Stenning, Public Services student

The teaching and support was really great, the quality was really great, all the teachers really care about your education as well as your wellbeing, they take everything into consideration and they’re great.

Katie Whittingham, A Level student