Do you want to go to university or switch a career? If yes, then our Access to Higher Education Level 3 course could unlock your future and fulfil your dreams.
The Music Technology, Production and Recording course can lead to a degree and career in many different professions. In one year, you could be well on your way to a new job or university study such as:
- sound engineer
- producer
- media composer
- sound recordist
- music performer
- recording artist
- acoustic engineer
- mixing or mastering engineer
- sound designer
The qualification gives you all the academic knowledge and creative skills you need for higher education study. It also provides the opportunity to develop study skills that help you to succeed at HE or in the industry sector.
This Access to HE course has also provided learners with the ability to change their career direction without going to university too. Many learners use the Access course to develop their knowledge and gain a credible qualification to enter a new area of employment. The course is taught by highly skilled tutors who are experts in their specialist areas, they are supportive, non-judgemental and allow learning at your own pace.
What will I study?
The course explores various areas of the industry and in particular those that are career based and can be studied at a higher level. Subject specialist units delivered are:
- Acoustics in Music Production and Recording
- Music Composition and Theory
- MIDI and Audio Sequencing
- Sound and Music for Visual Media
- Music Technology in Performance
- Studio Production and Recording
- Sampling and Synthesis
- Final Major Project (Produce a music related product)
You will learn to use industry-standard software and hardware equipment in the classroom, recording studio and live room environments that emulate real-world scenarios and working practices.
Study skills are essential for progression onto a degree, on the course we deliver the following academic units that prepare students for their journey beyond AHE:
- Academic Writing Skills
- Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Higher Education
- Independent Study
- ICT - Skills and Uses for Higher Education
Course Assessment
The course and hours are designed to fit around your work, life and family commitments. Assessment is portfolio based. It will take the form of practical coursework, presentations or in class assessments depending on the units you are studying.
Where and when
This course is available at the Falmouth Adult Education Centre, Tregenver Road. The classes are delivered from 9.15am to 2.45pm, 3 days a week.
Entry requirements
Access to HE courses are for students aged 18+. You MUST hold either a GCSE / Level 2 in mathematics or English at grade C (4) or above to be accepted onto our courses. It is also advised that you gain both qualifications if you are planning to progress onto HE (a Higher Education degree), applicants can gain the qualification they may be lacking before or alongside their Access studies if their commitments allow.
Please note: Applicants MUST check these requirements before applying.
Course cost
£4,835.00
If you are aged 18 on 31 August 2023, you may be eligible for full fee remission.
If you are aged 19-23 on the first day of learning without a full level 3 qualification you may be eligible for fee remission.
If you do not qualify for full funding, most learners will be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loans Company. Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it. The higher education course must be eligible for student finance. Should you not go on and complete an eligible higher education course you will be required to pay back the loan, you’ll only start making repayments when your income is over £524 a week, £2,274 a month or £27,295 a year. (before tax and other deductions). For more information visit: www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.
Those aged 19+, who are not eligible for any fee remission and decide not to take an Advanced Learner Loan, may pay the course fees in instalments.
Additional support
We understand that for some learners, the only way they will be able to take part in Adult Education is if they receive financial help and support, for example a contribution towards the costs of tuition, exam fees, travel expenses, books or childcare. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the funding agency for Advanced Learning Loans have allocated some money to help us provide this support to eligible learners on applicable courses. Information and advice about eligibility and how to apply can be supplied upon request.
We also support students through the university application process (UCAS) with personal tutorials and academic units focussed on HE progression. These are designed to offer guidance and support throughout the learning process. We do however recommend checking the entry requirements for a chosen course at your preferred university. For more information on the awarding body visit the Ascentis website.
What if I have specific requirements that might affect how I access this course?
Cornwall Adult Education is committed to providing the best possible learning opportunities for all our students. We want all learners to achieve their full potential and to enjoy their learning. When you enrol, please let us know if you have any specific requirements, including a physical disability or learning difficulty. You can note this on your enrolment form or contact your local centre directly. This information will only be used to support you in your learning.
What University - HEI Progression
The Access to HE Diploma Level 3 qualification enables students to acquire enough UCAS points for many music and sound-based degrees in Cornwall, Plymouth and other parts of the country; it is also a highly recognised qualification in a professional workplace.
Some university courses include:
- Music Production and Recording
- Composing for Media
- Music and Popular Music
- Music Performance, Theatre and Entertainment Management
- Music Industry Studies
- Games Development - Audio
- Audio Recording and a range of combined and related degrees.
Other information, advice, and guidance
We offer help, support and put you in contact with advisers who can help you:
- Decide which is the best course for you
- Find out about other courses you can move on to
- Explore possible financial support options
- Benefit from additional learning support
- Look at employment opportunities
Please enquire at your local centre or e-mail adulteducation.feedback@cornwall.gov.uk for further information.
Enquire now and find out how an Access to HE course can change your life!
