Music careers

LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
1 Mount Street
Liverpool
L 1 9HF
Tel: 0151 330 3000
E: p.fulwell@lipa.ac.uk
www.lipa.ac.uk

LIPA Diploma in Popular Music and Sound Technology
LIPA is also known as the ‘Paul McCartney fame school’. This course is geared towards musicians who would like to learn more about the technology behind music production whilst also improving their music skills. It serves as a foundation level for those who may wish to subsequently embark upon a degree in music or sound technology.
Duration: 1 Year Full -Time
Entry: Usually educated to A-Level standard or equivalent. Experience, interdisciplinary experience/interest, communication skills and enterprise also taken into account.

BA (Hons) Music
The focus of study here is on creation, production, performance, the music business and context. The aim is to help students develop the necessary skills to be able to enjoy a long-term career in the contemporary and popular music field. This is done by encouraging a wide range of abilities. Contemporary, popular and commercial music are the key focus.
Duration: 3 Years Full -Time
Entry: Five GCSE passes at a minimum grade of 'C' and to achieve 260 UCAS tariff points or above at GCE A-Level and/or AVCE in three subjects (equivalent to BCC), excluding General Studies. Factors such as experience also taken into account.
 
BA (Hons) Arts, Music and Entertainment Management
Managers within the Arts, Music and Entertainment fields are a unique breed able deals with stress, make the right decisions under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances. This course “equips you with a toolbox of pertinent and dynamic skills enabling you to take your place at the forefront of the managerial evolution.”
Duration: 3 Years Full -Time
Entry: They state they are “looking for potential entrepreneurs and those who want to reach the managerial peaks in their chosen field. We take five factors into account when assessing applicants. These are education, experience, interdisciplinary experience/interest, communication skills and enterprise.”

ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC
124 Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9RD
T: 0161 273 6283 / 0161 907 5200
E: info@rncm.ac.uk
www.rncm.ac.uk
 
BMus(Hons)
Validated by The University of Manchester, this course aims to develop students’ performance and composition abilities to a level required by the music profession. There is also a significant amount of academic content too, as well as features designed to help students meet the rigours of the industry from a career perspective.
Duration: 3 Years full -time
Entry: Competitive audition and interview, plus passes at GCE A level in a minimum of two subjects, normally including music, and passes in three different subjects at GCSE level (Grades A, B or C) or acceptable qualification equivalents.

Master of Music (MMus) in Conducting
A Masters level course which includes individual tuition from Clark Rundell, Director of Contemporary Music and Head of Conducting, as well as classes from Baldur Brönnimann, Mark Shanahan and other visiting and guest tutors (including Mark Elder CBE). The course promises a range of podium opportunities.
Duration: 1 year Full-Time
Entry: First degree (or equivalent professional standing)

M.A.N.C.A.T
65 Lever Street
Manchester
M 1 1LF
Tel: 0161 236 3711
E: anne.bourner@mancat.ac.uk
www.mancat.ac.uk

Music Technology BTEC National Diploma
Practical and theory workshops as well as technical work at gigs and festivals form part of this course. Students are also given the opportunity to gain Rockschool grades in keyboard, vocals, guitar, bass and drums as well as Associated Board grades in music theory. It is squarely aimed at those who want a career in the music industry.
Duration: 2 years full-time
Entry: Five GCSEs at grade C or four at grade B, including Maths and English.

Music Technology BTEC First Diploma
This is a work-related qualification in music technology. As well as studying Music Technology, students are also given the opportunity to gain Rockschool grades in keyboard, vocals, guitar, bass and drums as well as Associated Board grades in music theory. It is squarely aimed at those who want a career in the music industry as well as those who want to progress onto another college course. Duration: 1 year full-time
Duration: 1 year
Entry: Two GCSEs at grade C/D or above, plus a positive Record of Achievement/Progress File.

Popular Music BTEC National Diploma
Ideal for those interested in pop music and wanting a career in related areas. Students learn about performance, reading music, music technology, health and safety issues at venues and much more. Students are also given the opportunity to gain Rockschool grades in keyboard, vocals, guitar, bass and drums as well as Associated Board grades in music theory.
Duration: 2 years full-time
Entry: Five GCSEs at grade C or four at grade B, including Maths and English. Competence in playing and performing with an instrument or voice is also necessary.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
University of Central Lancashire
Flyde Road
Preston
PR1 2HE
T: 01772 201201
E: Via form on contact page of website
www.uclan.ac.uk

Foundation Degree in Music
This is a practical work focussed course, which aims to “realize your creative potential in the classroom, in the studio and on stage.” The Foundation Degree in Music has been designed to exploit work-based learning opportunities, so that you can realize your creative potential in the classroom, in the studio and on stage. Students study contemporary popular and commercial music, the codes and conventions of the professional practitioner, and how to produce their own audio works.
Duration: 2 years full-time
Entry: Level 3 qualifications, such as a National Diploma or A Levels, as well as being able to demonstrate involvement in music that goes beyond school or college based activities.

BA(Hons) Music and Multimedia Arts
For those who want to work in areas where multimedia, music, video, sound design and technology overlap. This is a vocational course that encourages creative potential through assignments and projects. Students also have the freedom to direct their study into areas of personal interest and professional relevance.
Duration: 3 years full-time
Entry: Either Two A2 level subjects, or one A2 level subject plus one VCE Advanced level, or one double award VCE Advanced level, or two single award VCE Advanced levels

BA(Hons) Music Practice
This course focuses on the performance and composition utilising music technology, voice and electric or acoustic instruments. They welcome innovative musicians and those from a diverse range of musical backgrounds. Relevant aspects of the music business are also covered.
Duration: 3 years full-time
Entry: Either Two A2 level subjects, or one A2 level subject plus one VCE Advanced level, or one double award VCE Advanced level, or two single award VCE Advanced levels

OLDHAM COLLEGE 
Union Street West
Oldham
OL8 1XU
T: 0161 287 8000
E: david.mcmurrugh@oldham.ac.uk
www.oldham.ac.uk

Music / BTEC First Diploma
Compulsory areas include Production Project, The Music Business. Optional areas: Understanding Music, Performing Music, Composing, Recording, Sequencing and DJ technology. Specialisms are offered in both Music Practice and Music Technology. This course prepares students for National Level courses.
Duration: 1 year full-time
Entry: 16 points on the scoring system.

Music Technology / BTEC National Diploma
Students learn about current Music Technology practice including sequencing, and recording and editing using digital tape based and computer based technology. Music skills such as notation, aural skills and keyboard skills are also taught.
Duration: 2 years full-time
Entry: 24 points on the scoring system.

Music Practice / BTEC National Diploma
This is for those who want to combine both traditional and popular music skills. Students learn to read music, compose, and play in groups and record using the latest technology. There is an Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade 3 Theory exam in the second year.
Duration: 2 years full-time
Entry: 24 points on the scoring system.

back to Study music

send this story to a friend