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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Music Technology)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Music Technology)
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Course Outline
Course Outline
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma Music Technology is designed for aspiring music producers, sound engineers, and composers who want to develop the technical and creative skills needed for further study and careers in the music and audio industry. Whether you aim to work in music production, sound design, film scoring, or live sound engineering, this course provides the essential foundation to help you progress to higher education and beyond. Throughout the course, you will gain hands-on experience with Recording Software Skills, Audio and MIDI Sequencing, and Audio Recording Techniques, equipping you with the technical proficiency needed for professional studio work. You’ll also explore Creative Sampling, Effects and Processors, and Mixdown, learning how to shape, manipulate, and refine sound to industry standards. For those interested in music for media, the Music and Sound for Film unit introduces key concepts in composing and designing sound for visual projects, helping you develop skills for film, TV, and gaming industries. You’ll also study Recording Theory and the Fundamentals of Sound, gaining a deeper understanding of audio physics and studio techniques. Creativity is at the heart of this diploma, with units such as Compositional Skills for Music Producers and Ensemble Skills Using an Instrument, allowing you to refine your musical abilities and develop your own style. The Final Major Project (Music) provides an opportunity to showcase your technical and artistic growth in a professional-standard piece of work. To prepare you for further study, this course also includes Developing Critical Thinking, Academic Study Techniques, and Progressing to Higher Education, ensuring you build the analytical and academic skills required for university-level study. Upon completion, you will be ready to progress into degrees and careers in music production, sound engineering, audio post-production, composition, live sound, and related fields. Whether you dream of working in a studio, scoring films, or producing innovative soundscapes, this diploma provides the foundation to help you turn your passion into a profession.
Modules
Modules
To complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Music Technology), you’ll need to achieve:
- 45 graded credits at Level 3 in academic subject areas
- 15 ungraded credits at either Level 2 or Level 3, focusing on essential skills for success
Skills for Learning & Core Units
- Academic Study Techniques – Build essential study skills to prepare for university
- Progressing to Higher Education – Get guidance on taking the next step in your music career
Introductory Academic
- Recording Software Skills – Develop your ability to record, edit, and mix music using industry-standard software
Music Technology Specialisms
- Audio and MIDI Sequencing – Master digital music production techniques
- Audio Recording Techniques – Learn professional studio recording methods
- Creative Sampling – Experiment with sound manipulation and sampling
- MixDown – Develop skills in balancing and finalising audio tracks
- Effects and Processors – Understand how to enhance sound using effects
- Recording Theory – Gain a strong foundation in music recording principles
- Music and Sound for Film – Explore composing and sound design for visual media
- Compositional Skills for Music Producers – Learn composition techniques for modern music production
- Ensemble Skills Using an Instrument – Improve collaboration and performance skills
- The Fundamentals of Sound – Study the science behind sound and acoustics
- Final Major Project (Music) – Develop an independent music production project
This course is designed to help you develop your technical and creative skills, build confidence, and prepare for university or a career in the music industry. By the time you finish, you’ll have a strong portfolio and a clear direction for your next steps!
Click on any module title to learn more about that specific topic and discover how it can help you develop your skills. Whether you're interested in recording, composing, or sound design, there's plenty to explore!
Enrolment Requirements
Enrolment Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for students applying for the Cambridge Online Education Access to H.E. Diplomas. Tutors are nevertheless, required to ensure that learners admitted onto the Diploma possess the necessary skills and personal qualities to cope with the demands of the course. Students may choose optional modules that will incur additional costs over and above the course fee. It is possible to complete this qualification with minimal additional cost if online apps and technologies are utilised instead of conventional studio equipment - depends on the modules chosen by the student.
Assessments
Assessments
All Access to HE Diplomas require the achievement of 60 credits. 45 of the 60 credits must be graded at Level 3 (pass, merit or distinction). Such credits will arise from the Academic Subject Content Modules. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded and can be achieved at either Level 2 or Level 3. Students may only be registered against units with a maximum combined total credit value of 60. In terms of the length of time required for a learner to complete their diploma, for all Access to HE Diplomas the notional learning hours are 600. Notional learning hours comprise all learning that may be relevant to the achievement of the learning outcomes including directed and private study, practical and project work, assignments and assessment time. The assessment methods used for each unit of your course will be detailed in the Programme Handbook. Your tutor will provide you with formative feedback and provisional grades. Your grades will be then evaluated by the Examination Board. Final grades will be released to students after the External Moderation Visit.
Qualification
Qualification
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma (Music Technology) at level 3 awarded by the Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group.
Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications. Cambridge Online Education is a fully accredited education provider for this qualification
Careers
Careers
After completing the Access to Higher Education Diploma Music Technology, you can then continue your education or seek employment in the following fields:
- Music producer
- Music therapist
- Musician
- Private music teacher
- Secondary school music teacher
- Sound designer
- Sound engineer
- Sound technician,
- broadcasting/film/video
- Special effects technician
- Arts administrator
- Broadcast engineer
- Choreographer
- Community arts worker
- Event manager
- Marketing executive
- Private tutor
- Radio broadcast assistant
- Radio producer
- Talent agent
- Theatre stage manager
FAQ Music Technology
Careers
What career opportunities are available with a Music Technology qualification?
A Music Technology qualification can lead to careers in sound engineering, music production, live event production, broadcasting, game audio design, and more. You could work as a sound designer, recording engineer, music producer, or even start your own studio or freelance business in the industry.
Tutoring
Who will be my tutor?
At Access Courses Online, we have a team of tutors who are experts in music technology and currently active in the industry. You will be guided by professionals who are experienced in areas such as music production, sound engineering, and audio design, ensuring you gain real-world insights as you progress through your course.
Will I get some 1:1 support?
Yes! We provide personalized support to help you navigate your music technology career. You will have access to 1:1 specialist support through online video calls and messenger chats. Our tutors will work with you to meet your individual educational needs, guiding you on both your course content and future career options in the music technology field.
Experience
Do I need to be ‘good’ at music technology?
Your previous experience with music technology may have been limited to basic knowledge or perhaps just hands-on interest. This course is designed to be different – rather than overwhelming you with technical jargon or complex theories, we focus on the essential foundation knowledge you'll need for the next step in your learning journey. Teaching complex music technology concepts is our specialty, and we’ll meet you where you are, helping you develop your skills at your own pace. By the end of the course, you'll not only understand key principles but also have gained hands-on experience that will prepare you for further studies or a career in music technology.
I’m anxious about sitting exams, will I have to sit exams either face-to-face or online?
This course is entirely online, and we’re happy to tell you that there are no exams. Instead, your understanding of the subject will be assessed through assignments with clear criteria and grading descriptors. You’ll submit your work for grading, which will be evaluated as ‘pass,’ ‘merit,’ or ‘distinction.’ Our goal is to help you learn at your own pace, without the pressure of exams.
I’m nervous about presenting or talking to the group online, will I be forced to do this?
We understand that speaking or presenting online can be intimidating. If you're interested in developing this skill for future university or career opportunities, we can offer smaller group sessions or one-on-one support to help you build your confidence. Alternatively, we can offer other ways to present your work, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported throughout your learning experience. You’ll always have the option to choose a format that works best for you.
University
Will I have support applying for university?
Absolutely, we will hold your hand every step of the way, you can talk to us about course choices, we’ll help proofread your personal statement, provide references. As promised, we will get you to university.
I haven’t decided which exact route I’d like to take within the profession, does it matter?
No, not at all, we’ll introduce you to a number of different professionals within the health services so you can hear about their journey, experience and careers.
Lessons
What are the assignments like?
Our music technology assignments are designed to build skills that are both practical and valuable for your future studies or career. You’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks, such as producing audio projects, mixing and mastering tracks, creating music production portfolios, and writing reflective essays on the technical aspects of your work. We also encourage you to use creative tools like audio software and editing platforms, and we’ll guide you in how to use industry-standard tools to make the learning process easier and more effective. You’ll be able to apply what you learn in real-world contexts, preparing you for success in the field.
Do I have to attend live lessons and switch my camera on?
No, attending live lessons isn’t a requirement. We understand that many of our students have busy schedules, so we offer session recordings that you can watch at your convenience. If you have any questions or need further support, you can always arrange a time to meet with your tutor for personalized guidance. As for your camera, feel free to keep it off if you prefer. We’ve cultivated a supportive and collaborative online community, where every approach is respected. Do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that’s joining live sessions or engaging with the content in your own way.
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