Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry (Production)

Course Code

Music Production

Course Type

Course Duration

2 years

Location

Central Campus

Start Date

1 September, 2025
Music student producing Sandwell College

Are you interested by how music is made behind the scenes? Do you enjoy mixing tracks, recording artists, or producing epic soundscapes for games, film, or live shows? This two-year, full-time course is designed for creative 16–18-year-olds who want to master the technical and artistic side of music production.

Whether you’re aiming to be a producer, sound engineer, or studio audio technician, this course gives you the tools, experience, and confidence to make your mark in the music and audio industry.

Students on this course will:

  • Creative music using keyboards and DAWs
  • Record live sound
  • Mix like a pro
  • Run live sound
  • Explore sound for media
  • Understand music business essentials
  • Collaborate on real world projects

You will need four GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, and/or a Level 2 Music qualification. Experience is also taken into account.

Modules:

  • Development of Music Technology
  • Using a Keyboard with a DAW
  • Recording Live Sound
  • Studio Sound Mixing
  • Using EQ
  • Using Dynamic Processors
  • Using Effects
  • Music In context
  • Composing music styles
  • Understanding Recording Techniques
  • Digital Recording and Production
  • Recording Studio Sound
  • Studio Audio Mastering
  • Practical Sound Reinforcement
  • Live sound Engineering
  • Music Publishing
  • Digital Distribution
  • Copyright and Music

 

Facilities:

Students on our Music courses benefit from a whole range of facilities including:

  • On-site recording Studio
  • Dedicated Rehearsal Spaces
  • Music Technology suites (equipped with DAW software, MIDI keyboards and controllers, audio interfaces and headphones, software instruments and effects plugins.)
  • Performance spaces (stage, PA system with speakers, mixing desk, and microphones, lighting equipment and seating for an audience.
  • Instrument practice rooms (smaller, soundproofed rooms for individual instrumental practice. These may or may not have instruments provided)

This course offers some exciting trips such as:

  • Behind the scenes at 02
  • Download Festival
  • Talks from professionals
  • Weekly Open Mic nights
  • Perform in gigs at external venues
  • Participate in the annual Festival of Arts

 

When you’re not studying, there’s a wide range of enrichment activities to get involved in – perfect for making new friends, building confidence, and gaining experiences that will boost your CV or university application.

Through the Student Union and college committees, you can take part in everything from sports teams, enterprise and volunteering projects to fundraising campaigns and even the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

There’s something for everyone – from joining a debating society, to attending inclusive cultural events and festivals, or enjoying one of our regular film nights and theatre trips.

Students are assessed by:

  • course work
  • practical work
  • performances.

Learners must complete all units to a pass grade or higher to achieve the full qualification.

Most students have university or drama school as a target at the end of their studies, and past students have gone on to join degree-level courses across the country, including some of the best colleges of music and performing arts in the UK.

Some students choose to go straight into industry in a number of roles. Industry roles could include:

  • Studio Assistant/Runner

  • Live Sound Technician

  • Music Teacher/Tutor

  • Arts Administrator

  • Marketing/Promotions Assistant

  • Home Studio Owner

  • Private Music Tutor

  • Roles in arts venues, festivals, and music organisations handling event planning, logistics, finance, and operations

Course Details

Qualification

Exam Board

Study Mode

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