Course Overview

These CertHE (Certificate of Higher Education) courses are specifically designed to support those wishing to explore their artistic identity, provide you with an extensive introduction to a range of contemporary music practices and contexts and guide you on your first steps towards success as a skilled creative artist and industry professional.

Whichever CertHE course you choose, you'll find a wealth of teaching experience, technical support and industry links that will allow you to progress your creative ambitions. As part of the Academy of Music & Theatre Arts, you'll learn from industry professionals and have access to our cutting-edge facilities and performance spaces.

Whether you are a vocalist, instrumentalist, songwriter, composer or producer, these programmes are aimed at those looking to eventually become entrepreneurial and creative music professionals with varied and enduring portfolio careers.

Once you have completed your CertHE, you'll have the option to progress onto the second year of the equivalent honours degree: Music BA(Hons), Popular Music BA(Hons) or Creative Music Technology BA(Hons).

You will:

Develop and nurture your specialist practice

Communicate via sound and music in collaboration with others

Gain key insights into the music industry and understand the requirements to succeed in a variety of roles

Explore sound and music practices as they evolve within ever-changing audio cultures

Examine the context and culture in which artists and musicians work to understand better and critically question the relationship between music, sound, noise and culture

Engage with various theoretical concepts to form critical theories and reflect on your practice

Acquire the fundamental set of skills and knowledge needed to work in the sound and music industries

Study modules tailored to your chosen subject

General Eligibility

We consider all applications on their merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to allow them to demonstrate this, along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Depending on the course, applicants can also show their portfolio or perform. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or the humanities.  
Course route Entry requirements
the year course 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points

Part Time Work Details

Twenty hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• If English is your first language, we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C) or equivalent.

  If English isn't your first language, you'll need to meet the same standard, equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in-country equivalencies and approve tests if you don't require a student visa.