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Music HNC/HND
Music HNC/HND

Music Higher National Certificate

Level 4
Gloucester

Course Overview

Full Time
Certificate
Shortlist and Apply

This is a Higher Education course focusing on both the practical use of recording equipment and sound and music theory. The course will help students with previous experience to develop their music creation, performance and/or recording skills for a variety of industries and help them to prepare for freelance employment and/or continuing education at higher levels.

A higher education course in music focusing on:

  • the practical use of recording equipment and recording theory within a fully resourced analogue and digital recording studio and post production suites
  • production and/or techniques within a range of musical styles and genres
  • Logic DAW skills
  • website/portfolio creation
  • the practice and theory of composition and sound production for film and television 
  • musicological research depending on a chosen area of focus
  • studio and live sound engineering techniques and practices

The college offers excellent facilities as well as specialist and passionate staff with industry experience. The course should help you to develop skills and knowledge for a variety of roles within the music and entertainment industries and help you prepare for employment, freelance work and/or continuing education at degree level. 

Gloucestershire College has a fantastic recording studio with a spacious live room and a range of industry standard equipment such as microphones from AKG, Neumann, Rode, Shure and many more to instruments, amplifiers and drum kits.

There is also a smaller mixing/tracking studio for creating demos and working on solo projects with a range of synthesisers which also has a live room connected so that you can record demo ideas or even craft your next hit!
We have four rehearsal rooms that are kitted out and available for small ensembles and bands.

Our Higher Education learning environment has 17 workstations fully equipped with M1 Mac Mini’s and up-to-date software such as Logic, Adobe CC as well as plugins from UAD, Spitfire Audio, Native Instruments and Xfer’s Serum.

Towards the end of the first year of study, learners can choose between a range of Pathways to specialise in for their second year.

This programme is designed to be a two year HND level 5 course which is the equivalent of the first two years of a degree programme. On completion of the first year (at HNC level 4) accreditation can be claimed. 

How you will be assessed:

The course is fast paced and professional and covers a range of units. This currently includes a mix of studio production, DAW production, studio recording, studio and live engineering, aural criticism, musicological research, interactive media, composition and post-production. Assessment is continuous through live assignment briefs containing practical, theoretical, research and evaluative elements. You will be expected to do at least 8 hours per week of study/practical work outside of lecture time. 

Sector details:

By 2020 the broader performing arts and music sector is predicted to grow by more than 40%. For the industry to meet this potential the availability of a highly skilled technical workforce is fundamental.

There are 102,220 people working in the music industry, of which 50,780 work in live performance 21,930 in production, retail and distribution of musical instrument/audio equipment 15,130 in retail and distribution of recordings 10,190 in recording 2,890 in composition of musical works and music publishing 1,300 in promotion, management and agency related activities.

Within the industry, starting salaries can range from £13,000 a year full-time equivalent; with experience, this can rise to between £20,000 and £40,000. Freelance earnings can be higher or lower, depending on reputation and how much work is available. Figures are intended as a guideline only.

If you need information about a loan for your fees and other related information try The Student Loan Company www.slc.co.uk/services/higher-education.aspx

Please be aware we do require you to apply via UCAS  https://www.ucas.com/apply .

The UCAS Institution Code for Gloucestershire College is G45.

The UCAS code for this course is 039J/040J. 

Please see Gloucestershire College’s Admissions Policy and Code of Practice available at http://www.gloscol.ac.uk/about-us-and-jobs-at-gc/partnerships-and-governance/governance/policies (subject to agreed amendments).  Gloucestershire College’s Admissions Policy and Code of Practice has been written based on guidance from external bodies that regulate consumer law, customer protection and education standards.  If you have any queries about either Gloucestershire College’s Admissions Policy or Code of Practice, please contact Gloucestershire College’s Admissions department via telephone 01242 532008 or applications@gloscol.ac.uk

Please note that modules could be subject to change but any such changes, to module delivery, would be in consultation with the students.

  • Course Entry Point: Year 1

    Typical Offers

    • 48 UCAS tariff points:

      • A Levels at grade DD
      • BTEC National at grade PPP
      • T Level at grade P (D or E)
      • Access to Higher Education at grade P45
      • Advanced Apprenticeship

    Course Entry Point: Year 2 (Direct Entry)

    Typical Offers

    • Higher National Certificate PASS (120 Credits) in a comparable and relevant subject

    GCSE Maths and English Requirements

    To study Higher Education at Gloucestershire College, normally applicants will be required to have GCSE English and Mathematics grade 4 (C) or above or have comparable/equivalent qualifications.

    English Language Requirements

    If English isn’t an applicant's first language they will be required to have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 across all components. The College also accepts a range of international English qualifications and English language tests that demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency.

    Gloucestershire College welcome any other/combinations of relevant qualifications that are comparable and/or equivalent to the typical course entry requirements.

    Applicants that do not have recognised qualifications may still meet course entry requirements through alternative methods of assessment at the College’s discretion.

    All queries regarding course entry criteria including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department through applications@gloscol.ac.uk.

  • The general progression route for our Music HNC/HND programme is:

    Top up year (Level 6) Degree

    Or

    Employment in industry

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What You Will Pay

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Working in the creative industries is challenging but exciting, and presents all kinds of job opportunities spanning fine arts, graphics, interior design, music, performing arts, photography, radio and television.

Gloucestershire College is part of an elite group of the best arts and media providers in the county. In fact, we’ve got a long history of producing successful students. We are proud of our industry connections with world-renowned and local artists, as well as employers who are actively involved with the College.

Through these links, we are able to provide invaluable work experience through live project briefs and exciting joint events. Trips are embedded throughout our creative courses to inspire you and broaden your experience. In recent years, our students have travelled to Amsterdam, Cannes, London, Milan, New York and Paris with their course.

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Student Stories

Sam Sek

I did one year of sixth form, but I wanted to focus on Art and felt like I'd rather use that skill to my best and focus on things I find more interesting. I prefer how visual it is. There’s a lot of thinking but it’s freer and you can do what you want really. We learn new skills and I like that we have multiple briefs – you don’t get burnt out and bored on one brief. I like how different the briefs are. You can pick one theme and really focus on that. I can put all my personal interests into the brief, so I got to design a poster for a tattoo shop in the style that I’m quite interested in.

Sam Sek

ART AND DESIGN, LEVEL 3

Cheltenham Campus
Ysabelle Leal

I’ve always liked fashion and I knew that college would help me more than sixth form. I need to be more practical, and I knew the college course would help me a lot more than sixth form – and it did! At college you meet a lot of different people, and they inspire me in different ways. It helps me grow by seeing how other people’s minds work. That wouldn't have happened if I’d stayed in my school!

Ysabelle Leal

FASHION, LEVEL 3

Cheltenham Campus
Brianny Witts

I applied to GC to explore my creativity with the resources that they provide for their arts students. I came to an Open Evening and was very interested and excited so applied straight away. The lecturers are very good at getting the most of me. There are so many materials to choose from and print facilities. I want to be a fashion designer and my second year briefs have allowed me to tailor my work to this goal. If you’re looking to explore your talents in a friendly, well-equipped facility, apply to GC.

Brianny Witts

ART AND DESIGN, LEVEL 3

Gloucester Campus
Kamran Delestan

Going to college was more affordable than going to university, which really appealed to me as I didn’t want lots of debt but would be just as qualified as a university student. I chose the course as I want to be a sound engineer. I could learn more about music generally in the HNC and then specialise this year in my HND, by choosing certain modules to complete. After this course I want to do my top-up year at University of West London and specialise in live sound engineering. The college has already helped me start the application process.

Kamran Delestan

MUSIC, HNC/HND

Gloucester Campus
Crystal Francis

I started studying my A Levels but didn’t enjoy it, so decided to study fashion at GC instead. I feel much more motivated on this course as it’s something I really enjoy and I get a lot of direction from lecturers. On the course we are given a brief but have lots of freedom to do our own thing, and I really enjoy elements such as trend forecasting and marketing. I would say as long as you’re applying to something you really want to do; you’ll get what you need from studying at GC."

Crystal Francis

Extended Diploma Level 3 – Fashion

Cheltenham Campus
Tom Zheng

I did work experience at GC and really liked the vibe, the people and learned a lot. I enjoyed Level 3 Music and wanted to learn more so decided to progress onto the HND. The resources and lectures have been great. I liked the practical activities the most: playing, performing and creating compositions. My dream is to be a live performer and GC has helped me achieve that by educating me on the music business and I’m currently in negotiation with a record label.

Tom Zheng

MUSIC, HND

Gloucester Campus
Laura Ignacio

The best skill I learned at GC was the way of experimenting with everything – I learned to say yes. College really taught me that I can make anything and explore different pathways; it taught me to be adaptable and that I can learn any skill. If I don’t know skills or techniques I have the tools here to learn them really fast. I could learn about set design, and I could learn about sculpting at the same time, and I can learn about painting at the same time, and learn every single one of those skills very well.

Laura Ignacio

ART AND DESIGN - LEVEL 3

Cheltenham Campus
Vin Blick

I was in bands throughout school and did live sound engineering at local festivals and pubs with friends. I chose my course because I’m hoping to be a live sound engineer – and I’d definitely recommend college if you want to go into production or performance. I’ve formed great relationships with my lecturers and you get so much knowledge and understanding of the industry. I’ve learnt so many new skills, and got a great understanding of how to set up sound equipment, using the spaces and the equipment you have to make the best sound.

Vin Blick

MUSIC PRODUCTION, LEVEL 3

Gloucester Campus

Facilities

Art Rooms

Art Rooms

Our art rooms are spacious areas for students to explore their creativity and express themselves. Across our campus, they have large windows overlooking our campuses or the countryside while allowing natural light through. You’ll find tools and materials such as paints, brushes, canvases, sculpting clay, and other supplies with display areas for showcasing completed works of art.

Drama Room Theatre

Drama Room Theatre

We have several fully equipped theatres with industry-standard facilities, including full lighting rigs, sound systems, projection facilities, and space for an audience of up to 300 people. They allow students space to practice and perform all year round for both technical and performance-based performing arts students.

Recording and Music Studios

Recording and Music Studios

We have several fully equipped theatres with industry-standard facilities, including full lighting rigs, sound systems, projection facilities, and space for an audience of up to 300 people. They allow students space to practice and perform all year round for both technical and performance-based performing arts students.

Dance Studios

Dance Studios

Our dance studio at Gloucester Campus is designed for rehearsals and performances. Here you’ll find a sprung floor to absorb the shock and friction of movement, a full-length wall of mirrors, a ballet beam, and a sound system for music.

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Next Steps

Find out more

Check the progress of your application and find out everything you need to know about the application and enrolment process at GC.

Open Events & Campus Tours

Join us for our next event and check us out for yourself. We hold Open Evenings several times a year where you can explore our campuses, meet the teaching teams and explore life at GC.

Application FAQs

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