Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 2 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | Four GCSEs Grade 2 or above. For the Performance pathway you will be invited to an interview, and you will need to send in a video of your performing/playing your instrument. If you are offered a place on the course, will invite you to an audition later in the year. For the Production pathway you will be invited to an interview, and you will also need to bring a piece of music you have composed, or a review of an artist of your choosing. If you are offered a place on the course, we will invite to a practical production workshop later in the year. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Work experience opportunities |
Is it for me?
This course offers two pathways - production and performance. It's ideal for anyone who plays an instrument or produces music or has previously not had the opportunity to formally study these subjects but has an underlying desire to explore them in detail. The course also provides a strong basis for developing confidence and core musical skills to progress on to one of our Level 3 courses.
There are numerous opportunities to compose music for projects, perform in the local community and attend a variety of music events throughout the year.
Our ex-student's tour the world as musicians, sound engineers, event managers, composers for games, film and TV as well as artists in their own right.
What you'll learn
Performance pathway
Your primary focus will be on developing your instrumental skills to be able to perform as a soloist and within a band. In addition, you will develop your composition skills using Logic Pro X, enhance your listening skills, understanding of music theory and events management and explore the wider music industry.
Production pathway
Your primary focus will be on developing the fundamentals of music production, learning how to compose and mix your own tracks to a high standard within Logix Pro X (skills are transferrable across multiple DAW systems). You will learn about core production techniques in addition to developing your ability to analyse music, music theory, and your understanding of the wider music industry.
Any student who does not hold a GCSE at grade 9 to 4 or equivalent qualifications in maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.
Industry insight into UAL Music Performance and Production
Tutors' insights into UAL Music Performance and Production
Students' insights into UAL Music Performance and Production
Equipment required for the course
You will be required to purchase high quality closed headphones, ear protection (for performance pathway only), a USB 3.0 memory stick/hard drive and stationery.
In addition, any musicians should have a fully working instrument, with case and access to replacement consumables such as strings and sticks.
Performance pathway students will be expected to bring their own instrument in and ensure this is fully maintained (amps, drums, keyboards and mics will be provided).
Work experience placements
You will be required to undertake a range of work experience while completing the course. This will generally take place 'in house' through projects, gigs, events and collaborations with other departments.
Assessment
There are no exams. Throughout the course, you will be assessed in a variety of ways. There will be practical work including compositions, live performances and presentations with the main focus on developing a portfolio of work using Google Classroom.
These assessments are formative, whereby you must pass them, but they don't contribute to your final grade, but instead help prepare you for your final project which is graded.
Your final project may be anything from writing an EP, to a live performance or a compositional portfolio in any style - it's an opportunity for you to play to your strengths and prepare you fully for Level 3.
Further study
- Electronic Music Production Level 3 Extended Diploma
- Music Performance and Songwriting Level 3 Extended Diploma
- Studio Music Production and Live Events Level 3 Extended Diploma
Example careers
- Musician
- Sound Engineer
- Events Manager
- Composer
- Producer
- Beat Maker
- Recording Artist
- Artist
- Mastering Engineer
- Foley Artist
- Technician
- Music Editor
- Mixing Engineer
- DJ
Days & times
Starting September 2025