Music (Popular Music) Diploma/Extended Diploma Level 3

The course is designed to give you a solid base for work in the music industry or progression to a higher education course. This is achieved through a balanced programme that includes the study of performance, composition, music technology, music history and music business. Instrumental lessons from teachers of the highest quality are included in the course. The developed skills are applied to the preparation and performance at gigs both in College and at local venues and workshops. The Popular Music Diploma is a course for learners who are committed to making a career in music and appreciate the need for both practical and academic skills to be successful in the music industry.

The emphasis is on practical skills, musicianship and academic work underpinned by classroom tuition and a range of extra­curricular events including workshops and gigs. In addition to your main programme, you will study English and maths. Depending on your grades on entry, you will study either Functional Skills or GCSEs English and maths (one per year).

You will complete the 90 Credit Diploma in your first year and continue to the Extended Diploma in your second year.

Popular Music Level 3 Diploma Units include:

• Composing Music


• Concert Production and Staging


• Improvising Music


• Music Performance Session Styles


• Music Performance Techniques


• Music Theory and Harmony


• Operating Live Sound and Music Sequencing.

Entry Requirements

Minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades A* – C) or Music Diploma Level 2 (Merit/Distinction). All eligible applicants will be auditioned and should have sufficient ability to succeed on the course. Candidates will be expected to perform on one instrument (which can include voice) to a good level of proficiency at equivalent to grade 4/5 Rockschool or ABRSM examination standard or above.

Career Opportunities

A career in music might focus on education work (teaching or working as a performer in education), on composing and arranging, on technology (recording or instrument technology), on management and administration or on a whole range of opportunities in the publishing and retail sectors.

Course Progression

The course prepares students for progression to higher education courses in popular music and music technology, such as the Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) in Popular Music at Colchester Institute.

How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme.
Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible.
You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester
(for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL

Admissions

The College at Braintree

Church Lane

Braintree

CM7 5SN

If you are currently at school, please check with them as some schools will be coordinating applications centrally.
If you have any further questions about the application process, please visit our
Frequently Asked Questions page.

Applying for a Full-Time course

Our term starts the week commencing 5th September 2016,
however you may have different start dates depending on the course.
You will receive the details of your first day over the summer period,
but if you are unsure please call our Course Enquiries line on (01206) 712777.

You will need to complete an application form for our full-time courses,
our full-time application form can be downloaded here:

Download Application Form - Full-Time Courses, Apprenticeships & Access Courses (PDF)

Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email or card within one week of the application being received by our Admissions team,
if you do not receive this you should contact the team on (01206) 712777 to check that your application has been received.

*Are you 19 or over?

If you are 19 or over on the day your course starts, and your course is an approved qualification at level 3 or above, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of your tuition.

Please call (01206) 712777 for more information.