Music Technology

Music Technology Foundation Degree (FdA) Level 5 (part-time)

The Foundation Degree in Music Technology is designed to prepare you for employment in the music industry. It is a vocational course consisting of practical-based units of study, all of which relate directly to real industry practice. As well as the main qualification, you will also have an opportunity to gain globally-recognised certification in industry-standard music production software, and you will learn in an environment that encourages a focus on industry-related skills.

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Tom enrolled on to the Music Technology Extended Diploma course at Bedford College after finishing school. He was impressed by the college environment, which was very inclusive and, while supportive, mature and independent too. The Student Services team helped Tom to access a little extra help with his writing skills from the Additional Support team. “If I had asked for help at school”, recalls Tom, “I was usually missed because I wasn’t a particularly high performer but was not underperforming either. However, as soon as I went to see the Additional Support team they set me up with a support tutor who was a great help. We met every two weeks.”

During his time at College, Tom’s confidence grew so much that on completing his course he went on to the Music Technology Foundation Degree and then to top up his degree at the University of Bedfordshire where he finished with a first. “If you’d ask me when I started college if I thought I would finish with a first class degree, I’d have said definitely not!” laughs Tom. “The support given to me during my time here has helped so much. I loved it – honestly, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done”.

Looking to the future, Tom would now like to work as a sound engineer and film/TV music composer. Most recently, he has recorded audio for “The Man who Sewed the World”, a documentary screened at the Odeon cinema in Bletchley about the town’s revered fashion designer Freddie Burretti, who helped David Bowie rise into a worldwide phenomenon.

Tom - Music Technology Foundation Degree

Entry requirements

You will need:

32-48 UCAS points with 32 points from one A-Level qualification OR
32-48 UCAS points from Music Technology BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma OR
Equivalent Level 3 qualification e.g 90 Credit Diploma, A-Level

We welcome applications from mature students via a successful interview and a demonstration of vocational experience if you do not meet the criteria stated.

Entry is subject to a successful interview, either face to face or via Skype/telephone. Practical examples will need to be sent before the interview and this should be arranged with the interviewer. You will be required to produce a portfolio of work showing a broad range of experience in music technology (recording, sequencing, performing).

Course content

During the course you will cover topics including:

Year 1/2 (Level 4)

Recording and Mixing
Context and Listening
Music Software
Business of Music Technology

Year 3/4 (Level 5)

21st Century Production Techniques
Business of Music Production
Major Project
Music and Media

You will also be commissioned directly by our industry partners as part of the assignments you will undertake.

Assessment methods

Assessment will take the form of assessed practical work, written evaluations or presentations. Teaching methods include practical workshops, lectures, tutorials, seminars and group/individual support.

Further study and career options

You can progress on to a third year top-up course, delivered at the University of Bedfordshire, to achieve a BA Music Technology degree. This course will also give you the skills you need to start a career in the music industry; for example in creative music production, recording, entertainment and new media.

Additional information

There will be an additional cost for travel to events/trips. You will be informed of costs prior to the events/trips. You will also require a set of over-ear headphones and portable flash storage.

You will need to study a minimum of three hours per week, Mon-Fri. The days and times will depend upon the units you study. Additional study will be required outside College, and we also provide access to facilities outside normal timetable hours.

On this course, you will also be able to establish links with Media Junction which is run by the University of Bedfordshire and aims to enhance the student experience by creating opportunities for students to network with each other, across degree pathways in order to make films and create media content. The initiative is designed to allow students to better understand how freelance work and networking is a staple of the creative industries.

Pay by instalments

The College offers an instalment plan for Further Education and Higher Education courses to students where the total amount payable at the point of enrolment is £200 or more. Within the scheme there is an ability to pay up to 7 instalments, depending on the length of the courses and the final payment must be paid at least a month before the end of the course.