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Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries – 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 -
Course free for under 19 year olds Standard -

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How to apply

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Overview

This one-year UAL Level 4 Professional Music Production 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 elevant 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

A balance between practical and research/lecture-based learning will help guide you with a well-balanced programme. 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 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 onto 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, AsgardTour Management, Stevie Wonder Road technicians, to name a few.

We 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.


I would say it’s a college that really balances academia with fun, there is lots of extra-curricular stuff that you can get involved in. It has a really good work/life balance.

Laura Hagedorn, A Level student

My time at the college was definitely life changing, I have learnt a lot of new skills, and obviously it’s a completely new experience. The support was great, there was always people there to help and try make it as easy as they can for you. The college is really fantastic, it has helped me on the way to get to what I want to achieve within my career goals.

Erin Morgan, BTEC student

The tutors were really supportive and it was all thanks to them that I have achieved what I have. I’ve also made loads of great friends and really enjoyed my time at the college.

Lizaveta Sinkerich, A Level student