The course provides advanced theoretical and practical skills, knowledge and experience across all the key areas of music production.
This one-year programme follows on directly from our HNC in Music Technology. It will enable you to develop advanced, industry-standard skills in music production, studio and live sound-engineering techniques, mixing & mastering, composition techniques and sound design for interactive media. All students will produce their own professionally mixed and mastered EP or album as a part of this course. In addition to these practical elements you will also complete a research-based dissertation on a topic of your own choice.
Teaching staff all have considerable music industry experience and can guide students, depending on whether they wish to pursue a career as a composer, producer or sound engineer, or further their studies with a top-up degree programme.
You will cover a wide range of music production and technology activities. Developing knowledge of all the major software, access to state of the art studio equipment and experience of live sound, studio recording and computer based music. This is a practical course and includes both tutor and student led sessions, performances and theory-based assignments. Level 3 Music Performance & Production is a practical course including a portfolio of production work and theory based assignments. Practical elements include use of audio production facilities, learning industry standard DAW (digital audio software) including Apple Mac & PC software, keyboard lab & Music theory for Production, workshops in schools and supporting gigs in performance venues (both in house and externally) . This course provides an opportunity to compose music, work with and perform at live gigs and work in the professionally equipped Studios . The College has strong links with the local Music Community, Studio & Producers, the Royal & Derngate and the Roadmender. The method of learning is by a mixture of academic and practical sessions.
** on completion of the course, you will achieve a level 3 UAL Diploma or Extended Diploma in Music, Performance and Production
A combination of practical and theory based activities and assignments. This course covers two pathways under one Level 2 Music study programme:
Music Production: This route is designed for students who want to produce their own music using software and recording studio equipment. Students will learn to produce their own tracks using industry-standard music software and a range of other music technology equipment. They will produce tracks as a part of the course assignments. They will also learn about releasing music and will have access to recording studios. Music technology students will also be expected to take part in events and performances.
Music Performance: This route is designed for students who want to become performing musicians. Students will learn to perform as a part of a band and as a solo artist, taking part in gigs and shows as a part of the course assignments. They will also learn about organising events and participating in multi disciplinary arts projects.
Both groups will also develop critical listening skills to support both performance and production disciplines. Contextual project work will also be encountered, including research based study and practical application. Reference to working in the music industry and an understanding of collaborating with other creative art pathways.
The method of learning is a mixture of written work, discussion sessions and practical work. Practical work will be done both individually and in groups. All units are internally assessed through practical performance and written coursework and they are moderated by an external examiner. The final Unit grade determines the overall grade achieved by the student. The coursework and units up to the final assessment are graded at satisfactory pass, high pass and very high pass, and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded at Pass, Merit or Distinction level.
This is a lively and fun course designed to help you develop skills in the fields of Media Production as well as improving your literacy and numeracy. You will find out what it is like to work in the Creative Arts industry and do project work in photography and video production to gain a realistic idea about career possibilities in the media. Using software such as Photoshop and Adobe Premiere, you will experiment with techniques to get you familiar with the industry standard software that you will be using. For those interested in moving on to higher level Games Design courses, we also spend time with you developing concepts for Games production using software such as Piksel so bring your games to life.
Dedicated tutorial support will encourage you to develop relevant life and work skills, and build your confidence in your abilities and talents. At the end of the course, you will produce a final major project and will show your work to family and friends.
You will also study for qualifications at entry level or level 2 in Mathematics and English depending on your achievement in these subjects when you enrol.
If you gain a pass grade on the Level 1 programme as well as achieve the Mathematics and English qualifications, you can progress to an appropriate Level 2 qualification.
On completion of this course, you will achieve a Level 1 UAL Diploma in Art, Design and Media.
This course covers a wide range of hair and media make-up treatments. The method of learning is a mixture of practical and theory sessions. Your course may include one late night a week.
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core Units:
Specialist Units: Create, dress and fit facial postiche Wig dressing and styling
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
This course is ideal for those who have an interest within the hair and media make-up industry. It is an introductory course where you will learn the fundamental skills and techniques to start your journey within this industry.
This course involves not only the make-up service but will also develop your skills to provide hair services such as style and dress.
Units include:
Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Media make-up offers varied services in the hair and make-up industry and includes a variety of practical and theoretical classes.
You will also take part in trips, visits, seminars, and competitions alongside your course to further develop your understanding and knowledge of the industry which will be dependent upon your attendance and professional conduct.
The VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-up Artistry is a qualification that has been specifically designed to enable you to learn both aspects of basic hair styling and media make-up.
You will be studying a variety of different units such as Body Art, Make up, Hair Styling, Mendhi Application, Nail Art, Face Painting, Colouring Hair and more.
All lessons take place at the main Kingsway campus in Dunstable.
You will learn through a mix of theory and practical sessions, which will take place in our modern salons.
You will be given short tasks to complete each week, which form the basis for your coursework.
The HNC and HND in Technical Theatre is aimed at people who would like to work behind the scenes in the performance industry. It develops skills in a variety of technical roles and offers the opportunity to work at a local theatre to gain skills and experience within the working environment.
Key facts: The course is taught in a highly practical way using workshop style classes in which students work individually and in groups to develop and refine their skills, supported by lecturers with extensive experience in all areas. Work placements at local entertainment venues will be set up at the start of the programme and most learning will take place either on placement or at college supporting in-house performances. After two years you will able to look for work in a theatre or other live performance venue or progress to the third year of a degree to specialise and hone your skills.
Part-time study may be available for this course and these options will be discussed at your interview.
