Course description
You will study the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production which covers a variety of music performance and production techniques; working on practical and theoretical skills that can be transferred into the industry or onto a higher education pathway.
Our courses are highly practical, with classes taking place in our specialist rehearsal rooms and studios.
Performances are held in our in-house stage area with industry-standard, live sound equipment and stage lighting. You will be taught by industry experts who have an extensive background in the music industry, instrumental knowledge, and technical skills.
End-of-year shows take place in local venues such as the O2 Academy and The Bullingdon in Oxford, where students are given the opportunity to showcase their achievements from that year.
Throughout the year, we offer a number of opportunities for students to perform and gain work experience at events, venues and institutes locally.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (A*–C) including English Language and Maths, or a UAL/BTEC Level 2 Diploma with a Merit profile.
All applicants will need to provide evidence of their musical experience, either with recorded examples (MP3, YouTube, Spotify and SoundCloud are all acceptable examples) or an audition.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
On successful completion of this course, many of our students continue their education at university level.
Due to the broad nature of the music course, students opt to specialise in areas such as music performance, production, audio engineering, music business, songwriting, events management, musical theatre, music therapy and live sound.
Other progression routes would include employment and apprenticeships in these fields.
Training Course Content
The focus of the first year is bringing students up to speed with the basic skills and techniques required for both music performance and production. You will work in bands with other musicians where you will undertake the challenge of learning and performing cover songs, as well as being introduced to songwriting and writing original material.
You will be introduced to the basics of music technology and live sound and will be expected to record and produce music using Logic Pro X. Alongside this, you will be critically reflecting on your own progress on the course as well as learning about the music industry, business, history, marketing and music theory through classroom delivery and guest speakers.
You will showcase your work with an end of year performance at The Bullingdon.
Year 2
Throughout the second year, you will be given the opportunity to hone your skills and specialisms in your own project. This will involve writing, recording and performing your own original music as part of a group.
You will delve into detail looking into music marketing and promotion and will undertake research and critical thinking tasks to help develop your own project.
Alongside guest speakers and workshops, there will also be more of a focus on progression and will look into career pathways and university courses.
You will showcase your work with an end of year performance at the O2 Academy.
Course delivery details
Working in specialist facilities, you will take part in regular rehearsals, workshops and internal performances to help develop your musicianship.
Assessment will take place at the end of term through individual and group performance tasks, live performances and coursework.
There is no written examination.
UAL Awarding Body believes in transformative education. They design and award creative qualifications that empower and inspire educators to help students reach their potential.
UAL Awarding Body is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation and currently offers qualifications in Art and Design, Fashion Business and Retail, Creative Media Production and Technology, Music Performance and Production and Performing and Production Arts. They are also the UK's leading provider of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Their qualifications have high retention and achievement rates because they are flexible, responsive and relevant to industry needs, and facilitate student progression.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...