Level 3 Creative Music Industry Course in Manchester. Classes run at Access Creative College Manchester, full-time during the day. Tuition is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply, though an Advanced Learner Loan may be available to help with costs. This creative music industry qualification runs over 72 weeks and covers composing, producing, and performing electronic music using professional hardware and software. You'll need four or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English.
Who this course is for
If you are a producer who wants to develop skills for university or professional work, then this is the course for you. You will gain in-depth skills in all areas of composing music using hardware and software with
the option to DJ your work at live events.
Ideal for school leavers aged 16+ looking to create and perform electronic digital music.
Perfect for producers into creating and recording any style from drum n bass, techno, dubstep and house to media, film, games and advert music.
Designed to allow options to perform/DJ your music using software and hardware controllers and collaborations with musicians.
Based around real-world projects with opportunities to record and release tracks, undertake remix projects, create music for media applications such as adverts and computer games, and create live sets.
Integrated into the industry. Through our partnership with Focusrite, you will have the opportunity to get over 500 worth of FREE plug-ins, including the Scarlett compressor, EQ and reverb, the classic Midnight and Red Suites with their iconic compressors and equalisers, and the Softube bundle with reverb, delay and distortion.
Designed to give you more than music in that you will also gain valuable job skills and life skills.
Linked to nationally-recognised music qualifications.
Graded Good by Ofsted in 2016.
Entry requirements
Four or more GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English (Language or Literature).
What you will learn
You'll compose and produce music using industry-standard hardware and software.
You'll develop skills across a range of electronic music styles, from drum and bass to film and media music.
You'll learn to DJ and perform your work at live events.
You'll record and arrange music for different contexts, including games, adverts, and film.
You'll build a working knowledge of the professional music industry.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Access Creative College Manchester, combining practical studio work with taught content. Assessment is through coursework, projects, and practical performance. You'll build a portfolio of produced work across the course, demonstrating your skills in composition, recording, and live performance.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Access Creative College Manchester will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Music producer: create and produce tracks for artists or sync
DJ: perform live at events and venues
Sound designer: create audio for games, film, or advertising
Music composer: write original music for media and TV
Recording studio assistant: support sessions in a professional studio
Audio technician: manage sound at live events or in broadcast
What you could study next
Level 4 or Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music Production or Music Technology: a natural next step if you want to specialise further before entering the industry.
Bachelor's degree in Music Production, Sound Design, or a related subject: many universities accept this Diploma as part of their entry requirements.
Professional certifications in specific software (such as Ableton or Pro Tools): useful for building a specialist technical profile.
