Pearson BTEC HND in Music

This course has been designed to meet the growing demand for expertise in the areas of music and music technology and can lead to careers in the music industry.

Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10625
Campus: Bangor
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Music

Alternative Years

You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

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Course Structure

The course will be delivered in the new, purpose made building at the Bangor campus of the college and includes facilities such as state of the art recording studios and music rehearsal rooms as well as bespoke performance spaces and high-end computer labs.  

You will take several mandatory modules in each year of the programme along with pathway modules depending on your chosen pathway: music performance or music production. 

In addition to expert tuition from staff, key industry figures will offer advice both on campus and site specific, for example at a recording studio. 

You will undertake several projects during your studies to give experiences of delivering industry realistic situations and equip you with employable skills.

Some of them are: concert production events, musical theatre, pantomime, site specific experimental composition and original music album. 

MANDATORY MODULES

Mandatory modules will include:

  • Marketing and Promotion for Musicians
  • Media Composition
  • The Music Industry
  • Music Event Management
  • Professional Development
  • Creative Portfolio
  • Creative Research Project

OPTIONAL PATHWAY MODULES

Performance Pathway:

  • Fundamentals of Composition
  • Creative Software Techniques
  • Performance
  • Advanced Composition Techniques
  • Advanced Performance Skills
  • Experimental Composition
  • Live Performance Skills
  • Musical Direction in Practice

Production Pathway:

  • Applied Sound Principles
  • Mixing and Mastering
  • Recording Technology
  • Advanced Composition using Technology
  • Advanced Music Production
  • Advanced Sound Engineering
  • Live Sound Techniques
  • Music Systems Programming 

GCSE

  • A minimum of 4 GCSEs Grade C or above (or Level 2 Essential Skills)

GCSE English

  • GCSE English Language Grade C or above OR Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy

UCAS

A minimum of 32 UCAS points which can be made up of

  • A levels OR
  • Level 3 Diploma in a related area equivalent to 32 UCAS points OR
  • A Level Music at Grade C or above (32 UCAS points)

Access Diploma

  • Access Diploma in Foundation Studies with an overall average of 58%+

International requirements

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
  • PTE 51
  • IELTS 6.0; (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • Or equivalent (Examples of equivalent qualifications would be a GCSE in English, Level 3 Programmes, Essential Skills in Literacy – Level 2, ESOL Level 2 or another qualifications gained at an Institution within the UK).

Admissions

  • All applicants will undergo an Interview, online/multiple choice test and ability test. Performance pathway applicants will be asked to play a piece to display their instrument skills (2-3 mins),  Production pathway applicants will be asked to provide a recording portfolio and/or electronic music composition.  The outcomes of which, along with the required grades, will determine the successful entry to this programme.

APEL

  • Provide evidence of ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Further details on APEL can be found in the admissions section

Additional Skills

  • Desirable qualities should include good performance/production skills and/or experience

Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

    Progression to Work

    Previous students on this course have gained employment as live sound engineers and successful songwriters as well as establishing their own businesses.

    Progression to Degree

    This course has partnerships with Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology whereby access to year two of music performance or music technology can be gained with appropriate grades in particular subjects.

    The course also has work placement that provides learners with the opportunity to experience the music industry first hand and help establish themselves in a chosen area. This will be facilitated by college with the student choosing the placement provider.

     

    • Gaining a vocational qualification demonstrating your technical competence
    • Gaining a Personal Development qualification demonstrating your employability skills (communication, teamwork, critical thinking)
    • Gaining hands on experience through Industry Projects
    • Getting involved in activities such as the SERC Volunteer Programme and SERC Student Companies
    • This course will help you succeed in a highly competitive job market by developing the skills and knowledge which employers need you to have. 

    While all major equipment is provided, you will need to provide your own instrument.

    The course is provided and regulated by Pearson.

    Alternative Years

    You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

    View 2025/26 Course

    Enquiries Information

    For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

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    UCAS Information

    You can apply directly to SERC for this course using the Apply Now buttons.

    If you apply directly to SERC we will process a UCAS application on your behalf in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018/ UK GDPR.

    Applications to our full-time undergraduate Higher Education courses can also be made through UCAS.

    View SERC on UCAS

    Available Sessions

    Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

    For more information or help with this course please complete an enquiry form.

    Alternative Years

    You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

    View 2025/26 Course

    Customer Enquiries

    Need more information or have a question about this course? Send us a message below and we will get in touch.

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    Terms & Conditions

    Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

    We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

    Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

    Higher Education

    Higher Education

    If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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