Sound Engineering (Music Technology) Level 3 Diploma
BackCourse Information
What does the course involve?
The Extended Certificate in Music Technology (Sound Engineering) allows students to build the skills necessary to successful work in a recording studio environment.
The course focuses on recording, mixing and mastering music, allowing students to utilise the college’s industry standard recording facilities.
In addition to this, students will also learn about the physics of sound and how acoustics can be controlled to build the best possible studio environment.
Students studying this course can progress on to degrees in Sound Technology, Music Technology or other courses related to digital media.
For further course information please click here
Entry Requirements
At least 5 9 to 4 grades at GCSE, including GCSE English Language. A Level 2 vocational qualification will be regarded as the equivalent of one of the 5 required 9 to 4 GCSE grades.
Grade 4 in GCSE Music or Merit in BTEC Music, grade 4 in GCSE English Language, grade 4 in GCSE Additional Science or Physics and grade 4/5 in GCSE Mathematics.
Grade 5 in Mathematics is preferred, but grade 4 will be considered based on the applicant's grade profile across all relevant subjects.
If you haven’t studied Music at school then you must demonstrate experience and enthusiasm for playing music and using professional DAW software. It is beneficial to have some music theory knowledge and basic keyboard skills.
Can I take additional qualifications?
The Level 3 Extended Certificate in Music Technology (Sound Engineering) is equivalent to a single A Level and can be studied alongside two other A Level courses, or one Extended Diploma course.
How will I be assessed?
The course is comprised of five units. Four of these units are internally assessed:
- Sound Recording Techniques
- Mixing and Mastering Techniques
- Studio Design and Acoustics
- Working and Developing as a Production Team
At the end of the two-year course, students will complete the externally assessed unit which takes the form of a fifteen-hour music production exam. This exam will take place over three days, with students completing five hours of assessment each day. The exam is worth 33% of the course.
What are the costs?
Students are encouraged to provide their own monitor quality headphones and will have the opportunity to participate in various visits to support their studies.
What is the duration?
This is a two year course.
What is the UCAS points tariff for this course?
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma
| Grade | UCAS Points |
| D* | 56 |
| D | 48 |
| M | 32 |
| P | 16 |
Mejedi Owusu, A Level Music, BTEC Ext Cert Sound Engineering, BTEC Ext Cert Music Performance
Not one to blow his own trumpet, Mejedi talks humbly about his passion for music and his dedication to becoming a live performer.
Caitlin Millman, A Level Maths, BTEC Ext Cert Sound Engineering, BTEC Ext Cert Music Performance
Rock out with Caitlin and discover why her mix of technical and creative courses will help her pursue a career as a guitarist or a sound engineer.
