Foundation Degree in Popular Music

Course Code:	AAA0151;	Day:	Weekdays
Attendance:	Higher Education	Time:	Daytime
Start date:	16th September 2013	Fee:	Year 1: £5,800.00 Year 2: TBC
Duration:	2 years	Campus:	Baltic Campus
Requirements:	An interview is required, an audition is required and equipment is needed.

Course overview

You will be studying on a highly esteemed course based around the professional working practices of the music industry. It is highly vocational, with a strong focus on practical and realistic learning activity, including public performances and studio practice.

Validated by the University of Northumbria, the Foundation Degree in Popular Music is timetabled to allow you to continue or begin work on a professional basis alongside your studies. The modules are designed to fully prepare you for employment in the music industry.

The QAA (Quality Assurance Agency), which inspects all higher education courses across the country, has judged this course to be commendable in all areas. This is the highest possible grading and reflects our excellent standards of teaching and the first class learning resources we have to offer.

The course consists of 12 modules:

In Year 1: Language of Popular Music; Popular Music in Context; Aural Perception; Score Preparation; Instrumental Skills; Music Technology

In Year 2: Writing Commissioned Music; Songwriting; Ensemble Skills; Teaching Music; Music Production; Recital

All modules are taught to the highest standards by experienced lecturers to help you get the most from your studies and to prepare you for higher education or to move straight in to industry. All lecturers are also working musicians with extensive industrial experience. Assessment for all modules is coursework-based, giving you plenty of opportunity to practice the skills you learn. The course features dedicated studio provision, incorporating both analogue and digital recording facilities. You have access to individual music technology workstations, and rehearsal facilities.

You will have the opportunity to apply to go on to the third and final year of the BA Hons in Contemporary Popular Music also validated by the University of Northumbria. The course is designed to prepare you for a career in music and many past students have gone on to enjoy a successful career in music. You will also gain many transferable skills which will afford you the same opportunities as any other degree in the graduate employment environment.

Mature candidates with relevant experience, but who lack the qualification requirements, are eligible. All students are auditioned at the formal course interview.

We welcome applications from wind players wishing to study contemporary and popular musics.

Applications for this course are through UCAS, reference number W342.

The place of study

Our fantastic Baltic Campus is equipped with some of the best education facilities in the UK. And with industry standard recording studios, rehearsal spaces and a custom built 200 capacity performance theatre, all our music courses are well catered for.

Our facilities are recognised as being among the best in the country. This is one of the reasons that we were chosen as a founder college of the National Skills Academy Creative and Cultural (NSACC), a national network of colleges, companies and venues around the country that aim to improve the skill level within the Creative Industries. We were the only college in the region to be chosen for the network which includes the Royal Albert Hall, The Sage Gateshead and companies behind some of the world's biggest music festivals.

Our status as a founder college means our students get exclusive opportunities such as:
Work experience behind the scenes at Leeds Festival
Workshop days and tours of venues such as the Royal Albert Hall
Performance opportunities at venues such as The Sage Gateshead

Entry requirements

How will I be assessed?

By continual observation of your practical work, projects, assignments, oral and written questions

How will I be taught?

The course is very practical, and is delivered by tutors with a wealth of experience.

Qualifications needed

160 UCAS points and GCSEs grade A*-C in English Language and maths.

A Level 3 vocational qualification in a relevant area, including: a BTEC National Diploma or Certificate, a Level 3 Extended Diploma, a Level 3 Diploma (with at least one Merit), an AVCE, or any equivalent qualification.

Mature students may be offered a place without these qualifications, depending on a successful interview/audition.