BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Birmingham – Longbridge Campus

CostCheck if you can do this free
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Contact South & City College Birmingham for more info.

About this course

BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Longbridge Campus, full-time during the day over two years. Fees may apply depending on your circumstances, though some learners may study for free. This is a Pearson Edexcel level 3 btec music qualification with a distinctive approach: you work for an in-house record label, COGNITO MUSIC, taking on a real role in the music industry as part of your training. You'll develop practical skills in music performance and music industry practice across both years of the programme. You need to pass both years to earn the full qualification.

Who this course is for

This Level 3 music production course, taught at our Longbridge campus, is suitable for recent school leavers and adults who are looking for a successful career in music production, studio engineering or live sound. You will become a part of a very exciting and new way to deliver music education � you will work for our record label COGNITO MUSIC. The course is very practical and you will have the opportunity to develop your music production techniques through sequencing and production in one of our Mac sequencing suites and professional recording studios.

Entry requirements

You will need: A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, two of which must be maths and English Language. BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Music Industry Skills (Merit or Distinction) together with a Grade 4 in maths and English. All applicants must have a good reference.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop performance skills on your chosen instrument or vocals.
  • You'll work within a music industry context through the in-house record label COGNITO MUSIC.
  • You'll build knowledge of how a record label operates across different roles.
  • You'll apply music industry skills in a practical, vocational setting.
  • You'll develop your understanding of music production and performance practice.
  • You'll build professional skills relevant to working in the music industry.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom-based and highly practical. You'll work within a vocational music industry context, taking on a focused role at the in-house record label COGNITO MUSIC. Assessment is ongoing across both years of the programme. You must pass both years to achieve the full Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Music.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Longbridge Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Music performer: working as a session or live musician.
  • Recording artist: creating and releasing original music.
  • Music producer: producing tracks in a studio environment.
  • Artist and repertoire (A&R) coordinator: scouting and developing talent for labels.
  • Music promoter: organising and marketing live events.
  • Studio assistant: supporting recording sessions and productions.
  • Music teacher or tutor: teaching instrument or music theory. What you could study next
  • Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Music: a larger qualification that broadens your study and strengthens your university application.
  • BA (Hons) in Music or Music Performance: a degree at a conservatoire or university, building on your BTEC foundation.
  • BA (Hons) in Music Production or Music Business: if your interest is in the industry and production side rather than performance.

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