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Level 5 HND in Music in Northampton

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 5
DeliveryClassroom based
Start21 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Level 5 HND in Music in Northampton. Classes run at Northampton College, full-time during the day over one year. A student loan may cover the fees if you're eligible. If you're 19 or over without a loan, fees may apply, and a payment plan by direct debit can be arranged. This level 5 hnd in music course develops advanced, industry-standard skills across music production, studio sound, and live sound. It follows on from an HNC in Music Technology and prepares you for work in the production side of the music industry.

Who this course is for

This course is for anybody who wants to gain employment in the production side of the music industry or who wants to progress onto further study at level 6 in a related subject. The course provides advanced theoretical and practical skills, knowledge and experience across all the key areas of music production. This one-year programme follows on directly from our HNC in Music Technology. It will enable you to develop advanced, industry-standard skills in music production, studio and live sound-engineering techniques, mixing & mastering, composition techniques and sound design for interactive media. All students will produce their own professionally mixed and mastered EP or album as a part of this course. In addition to these practical elements you will also complete a research-based dissertation on a topic of your own choice. Teaching staff all have considerable music industry experience and can guide students, depending on whether they wish to pursue a career as a composer, producer or sound engineer, or further their studies with a top-up degree programme. Students study 8 units at level 5 (HND) and will be expected to attend all classes. HND music students have exclusive twilight and evening access to the department?s rehearsal booths, venue, recording-studios and computer music suites in order to complete practical work outside of lesson time. Students will also be expected to complete individual research and written work outside of timetabled class times, writing reports or essays to accompany practical work. Special course features: Teaching staff all have extensive music industry experience The music dept. has extensive industry-standard facilities including 3 recordings studios, 3 computer music suites, 6 rehearsal booths and a live venue with full PA system HND courses are, on average 3,000 cheaper per year than degree courses

Entry requirements

Successful completion of a HNC in Music Technology or related subject or completion of 120 credits at Level 4 in a related subject.

Students will also need to achieve a grade 4 or above in English and Maths at GCSE level. Applicants aged 21 or older who do not have the entry requirements may be eligible for acceptance based on an interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop advanced music production techniques to an industry-standard level.
  • You'll build skills in studio sound engineering and live sound operation.
  • You'll apply theoretical knowledge across the key areas of music production.
  • You'll gain practical experience working with professional production tools and workflows.
  • You'll deepen your understanding of the music industry and its production processes.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom with a mix of practical sessions and theoretical work. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC framework uses assignment-based assessment rather than written exams. You'll complete projects and coursework that reflect real music production scenarios, building a portfolio of work across the year.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Music producer: create and oversee recordings in professional studios
  • Studio sound engineer: record, mix, and master audio for artists and labels
  • Live sound engineer: manage front-of-house or monitor sound at events
  • Music technology technician: support production teams in studios or venues
  • Audio post-production editor: edit and mix sound for film, TV, or podcasts
  • Recording studio assistant: support day-to-day studio operations and sessions

What you could study next

  • Level 6 BA (Hons) in Music Technology or a related subject: the natural next step after this HND, moving into degree-level study and opening doors to senior production roles.
  • Level 6 BA (Hons) in Music Production or Audio Engineering: specialist degree routes that build directly on the skills you develop in this hnd in music qualification.
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