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Level 4 HNC in Music in Wakefield – Wakefield College

Cost£7,400.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Level 4 HNC in Music in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, full-time during the day over one year. This level 4 hnc in music course is built around applied learning, developing the knowledge and skills employers in the music industry look for. You'll study the breadth and depth of the music industry alongside practical production work, preparing you to operate as a self-reflecting professional in a fast-changing sector. Entry requires a minimum of 160 UCAS tariff points from A Levels or a Level 3 Diploma in a related subject, and all applicants complete an interview.

Who this course is for

The HNC in Music Performance is designed for musicians, vocalists, songwriters and creative performers who want to develop the artistic, technical and professional skills required for a successful career in the music industry.

The HNC provides a clear progression route into the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music Performance. Following successful completion of the HND, students can progress onto the BA (Hons) Creative Industries Top-Up Degree at Wakefield College, enabling them to achieve a full honours degree while continuing their studies locally.

Throughout the course, you will develop instrumental and vocal performance techniques, improving your musicianship, technical control, performance confidence, stagecraft and versatility as a performer. You will learn how to rehearse effectively, perform both independently and collaboratively, and adapt your skills across a variety of musical genres and live performance contexts. Students will explore audience engagement, rehearsal methodologies, performance preparation and professional performance practice while building the confidence required to perform to industry standards.

The programme combines performance, songwriting, music production, marketing and professional development and contextual studies, preparing you for progression into employment, freelance creative practice or higher-level study within the music and creative industries.

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally have one of the following:

· 64 UCAS Tariff Points

· Access to Higher Education Diploma

· BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music, Performing Arts or a related subject

· An equivalent Level 3 qualification

Applicants with relevant experience and non-standard qualifications may be considered following interview and audition.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop professional skills and knowledge relevant to the music industry.
  • You'll study music production techniques and applied practice.
  • You'll explore the breadth and depth of the music industry, including its commercial and creative dimensions.
  • You'll build the ability to reflect critically on your own work and adapt to industry demands.
  • You'll gain experience working at a level that meets employer expectations in music and production roles.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and applied project work. Assessment is through assignments, practical projects, and portfolio evidence rather than traditional exams. This reflects the Pearson Edexcel BTEC approach, where you demonstrate skills and knowledge through real tasks linked to industry practice. You'll also complete an interview as part of the application process before the course begins.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wakefield College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Music producer: creating and recording tracks in studio environments.
  • Sound engineer: managing audio for live events or recordings.
  • Music promoter: organising and marketing gigs and events.
  • Artist manager: supporting musicians with career development.
  • Music content creator: producing audio and video content for digital platforms.
  • Studio assistant: supporting production sessions in professional studios.

What you could study next

  • Level 5 HND in Music (Pearson Edexcel): the natural next step after this HNC, taking your studies to a higher level and opening routes into degree top-up programmes.
  • BA (Hons) in Music or Music Production: many universities accept an HNC or HND for entry into the second or third year of a degree, shortening the time to graduation.
  • Specialist short courses in music technology, music business, or sound design can complement your qualification with focused industry skills.
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