Course overview
The Level 3 programme is designed to help you extend your understanding of music performance and production developing your practical skills and theoretical knowledge as a musician or a production specialist. You will explore a range of techniques to enable you to complete projects across the year, both onsite and at external venues.
Learners have the opportunity to perform onboard the ferry to Holland, participate in the annual Community Pantomime as part of the pit band; promote, rig, operate and perform at gigs working for commissions with external clients. If you are passionate about working in the Arts, then this is the programme for you!
Topics
The programme is 'learner responsive' which means we build projects around the learners who have chosen this programme of study. Typically projects include performance and production, composition, specialist study and a final project where you take the lead.
You will be given guidance over the development of projects, which help you to develop independence. You will also participate in annual events, stage major music productions and have the opportunity to see professional performances at external venues and experience a different culture on a trip to Holland!
Job opportunities after this course
• Choreographer
• Cruise Ship Entertainer
• Dancer
• Education and Coaching
• Director
• Events Manager
• Musician / Singer
• Producer
• Sound Technician
... and so much more!
Further study options after this course
Students achieving a Merit at Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production, can progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production. Progression following the Extended Diploma is onto a BA (Hons) programme in Music Performance or Music Production, into employment as a Performer or Production specialist, either working for an employer or as a freelance artist.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.
For the latest qualifications and grades required by course type/level, please follow this link to check the most up-to-date entry criteria for direct entry and internal progression at the college.
How is this course assessed?
There are 7 formative units delivered in 4 projects. These are graded as Pass / Fail and each unit must be passed to progress to the final project. The work you complete for the final project is graded as 'Pass' / Merit / Distinction'. The course is assessed internally by an Assessor, before being Internally and Externally Verified to check the marking is consistent. Assessment includes live performance, written submissions, viva voce (interview to camera), photographic evidence, sound track or digital music upload, with learners producing digital portfolios.
When does the course start?
September 2025
Length of course
The Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production is a one year programme, with the Extended Diploma in year two; you will study across four days each week.
This full time study programme course may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.
Fees & Funding
Please read our Course Fees & Funding page.How to apply
To apply online for this course, please click on the 'Apply' button at the top/bottom of this page.
Alternatively, if you need assistance with your application or you would like to apply over the phone or using a paper-based application form, please call Student Services on 0191 743 0149.
If you're not quite ready to apply for this course and would like some more information or to speak to a member of staff then please click on the 'Enquire' button at the top/bottom of this page.