DEGREE LEVEL COURSES

The Future Is Yours

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Course information:
UCAS Level 4

Overview

UD educates, empowers and creates life opportunities for young people inspired by the sounds, words and rhythms of Black music culture.

We are passionate about excellence, and the potential for excellence in every young person we encounter. While it can be difficult to progress with so many barriers in place, entry into music and the music industry shouldn’t be a privilege or reserved for the few. UD is an expert friend to the music industry, and to the music educators who have the best intentions for the young people we work with – we want you to unlock your potential.

At UD, we have the backs of the young people we serve.

Whether your future involves becoming a successful artist or a music producer, our Level 4 courses (the first year of a degree), awarded by the University of East London (UEL), will help you make your dreams a reality.

From creating and performing material, to the marketing and publishing of the work, this course provides development and understanding about the music industry, from the music industry. Thanks to UD’s extensive contact book and mentoring expertise, you’ll also have regular access to professionals working in record labels, social media, publishing and the live sector.

Eligibility

→ 112 new UCAS points

→ From A-level: must include pass in A2 in at least 2 subjects

→ From BTEC: Extended Diploma or Diploma

→ From International Baccalaureate: Diploma with 24 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level

About the course

Equivalent to the first year of a degree and having a bespoke design created by UD to meet our specific audience needs.

  • Industry supported Degree courses
  • Music industry input and delivery
  • Genre and culturally relevant
  • Delivered through live projects and industry briefs
  • Employability portfolio focussed
  • Additional studio and resource access packages at UD Talent House
  • Professional facilities
  • Flexible in their progression options

Email level4@udmusic.org for more information or to book a visit.

Check out our state-of-the-art studios HERE.

FAQ’s:

How many UCAS points do I need for the course? 
112 new UCAS points. From A-level: must include a pass in A2 in at least 2 subjects. From BTEC: Extended Diploma or Diploma. From International Baccalaureate: Diploma with 24 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level 

What is the application process, will I need to audition? 
You can apply via UCAS. Please email level4@udmusic.org for more information, to book a visit or find out more about forthcoming Open Days.

When are your Open Days and how do I attend?
Sign up via UDtickets.com. Our next Open Day is on January 20th 2025.

Why should I study my Level 4 Course at UD?
Our new bespoke Level 4 Courses were created specifically to address a gap in the education market for artists and producers making music of Black origin. UD have worked extensively to elevate Black music practitioners over the last 25 years. We specialise in delivering bespoke programmes that elevate music, skillsets, ambition and outcomes. Recogising a specialist approach was necessary to enhance future learning opportunities, UD teamed up with UEL, our accreditation partner, to deliver Level 4 Courses that put artistry and production at the forefront. Thanks to our history, experience and music industry contact book, we’re confident students will find a more individually tailored experience when studying at UD’s new state-of-the-art Talent House HQ. 

What DAWs will you be using on the course? 
At the heart of the Talent House is a 6-room record production and teaching facility, featuring studio-wide Dante Audio Over I/P Connectivity via Focusrite’s Rednet, for management of inter-studio audio playback, headphone mixes and recording management. Focusrite’s Rednet system is featured in Studios 1, 2 and 3 plus the live room, with expandability into the other two production rooms and teaching spaces for facility-wide content production. Our computers are equipped with the latest in audio software, with the Mac suite equipped with everything you need to edit a video, create special fx, mix a record or pursue other creative endeavours.  

I am interested in making music for games/films, what are my options? 
At the heart of the producer strand is the production of music. The projects are designed in a way to give you a wide range of skills that can be applied to a range of industry scenarios. If you choose to specialise in music for games and films, this can be accommodated into the projects and specific guidance provided in relation to the project and how you adapt the aims to suit your needs. 

Do you provide instrumental teaching of instruments? 
No. There is an element of keyboard facilitation to enable you to understand the basics of the keyboard for production purposes.  Vocalists will get vocal tuition in the form of masterclasses and workshops focussing on various techniques but there is no facility for instrumental lessons in the course at present. 

I am a singer/rapper, what are my options? 
If you are a singer or a rapper then you are an artist and our ‘Artist Pathway’ is ideally suited to you. You will learn elements of production on this pathway but it will focus on you as an artist. 

I am a producer/DJ, what are my options? 
If you are a producer/DJ then you are an artist and our ‘Producer Pathway’ is ideally suited to you. You will learn elements of production on this pathway that focus on you as a producer. 

I am not a singer/rapper or producer but I am interested in working in the music industry, how can this course help me? 
In the future, we plan to add a specific business strand to the degree that will focus on those looking to enter purely as business executives but current applications would need to have either a production or artist focus.  You may specialise on business within this but you need to be one of these in the first instance to apply to the course currently.

What are my progression options after I’ve completed the Level 4 Course? 
We recognise that not all people wish to commit to a full degree in 3 years. With this in mind, we have developed a flexible system that will meet your needs. 

At the end of this year (Cert HE) you can;
1. Progress to Degree completion with our validation partner, UEL.
2. Progress into industry with our support. Thanks to our extensive contact book, with confidece we can match you with bespoke opportunities to help further your career. Further career progression options include; session musician, recording artist, solo artist, producer, sound engineer, technician, teacher.
3. Progress or engage with other UD Programmes before you make the leap to industry. 
4. Accelerator Development Funding, supported by PRS Foundation and Island Records, get your career off the ground with guidance and financial support.  

CLICK HERE TO APPLY…

Read more about our Level 4 Courses…

Learn about education at UD

Meet L4 Graduates TobiMary, Orakana & Jedz and find out about their experiences studying with UD x UEL

Introducing Tony Nwachuku Course Leader, UEL

8 Things You Need To Know About Becoming an L4 Student

Still got questions? Email level4@udmusic.org

LOCATION
UD
Talent House
3 Sugar House Lane
London
E15 2QS
START DATE
September 2025
DURATION
1 Year
HOURS
Daytime
2 days per week
COURSE FEES
£9,535 per year
Student loans applicable
COURSE TYPE
Full time

COURSE TITLE
W317CertHE Music Performance and Production 
W318CertHE Music Technology and Production

INSTITUTION CODE: E28
CAMPUS NAME: UD (UD Music Foundation)
CAMPUS CODE: Z

DEGREE LEVEL COURSES

The Future Is Yours

Interested?

Register your interest in the form below.

industry inputs and briefs

On both the Artist Pathway and the Producer Pathway you will have regular updates from industry across all areas you need to understand and have an opportunity to question professionals who work across the industry. This will include partners from the following areas:

→ Label/ Publishing A&R

→ Professional Songwriter

→ Label Marketing/PR

→ Indie marketing/PR/branding co

→ Social Media/ Digital PR

→ Producer

→ Producer manager

→ Artist manager

→ Product manager (label)

→ Live Music Agent

Portfolios bring together all elements of your project work throughout each year. You will create an online interactive portfolio which you will continue to update and enhance throughout the course. You will finish with a professional portfolio to showcase your work.

The course splits into 2 pathways

1. Artist Pathway

As a singer, writer, performer, DJ, Musician you will work on your own material as part of a portfolio of work for entry to the industry. Alongside industry personnel you will focus on developing the skills and knowledge you need in today’s music industry

Modules you will study are:

→ Collaboration

→ Music technology

→ Production

→ Public Project

→ Mental Wealth

These will be achieved through projects such as;

A collaborative song writing/ composition project: You will work with peers to create material to real world industry briefs and receive industry feedback on your work.

Deconstruction of your brand: You will work out what makes you the artist you are and how this helps you understand the music you make. This will help you think about marketing your brand.

Self-production: You will learn to produce demos and recordings of your own to undertake repertoire development and gain feedback from industry professionals along the way.

2. PRODUCER Pathway

As a producer you will work on your own material as part of a portfolio of work for entry to the industry. Alongside industry personnel you will focus on developing the skills and knowledge you need in today’s music industry

Modules on both courses are the same but your results will be achieved through projects such as;

A collaborative production brief: You will work with peers to produce material to real world industry briefs and receive industry feedback on your work.

Deconstruction of your brand: You will work out what makes you the producer you are and how this helps you understand your place in the music industry.  This will help you think about marketing your brand.

Production:
You will learn production techniques in recording, engineering, mixing and mastering to help you develop your own material.  You will also work as a producer to create recordings for performers on the course to develop your techniques and professional skills.

Industry Input: On both the Artist Pathway and the Producer Pathway you will have regular updates from industry across all areas you need to understand and have an opportunity to question professionals who work across the industry.

FURTHER INFORMATION 
UCAS LEVEL 4 

Interview process

All suitably qualified applicants including those who expect to gain the necessary qualifications in June will be interviewed. The interview will be informal and group based where we will assess your musical ability and your ability to discuss your music with peers. It will take approximately 60 minutes. You will be asked to explain of describe previous musical and music technology experiences. Any relevant industry experience and based on grades, experience and proven ability including examples of previous work may be asked to complete a piece of research and written work. This will allow tutors to correctly asses ability and skills at levels 4 necessary for studying on the program.

How is the course assessed?
Coursework and continual portfolio assessment, practical portfolio assessment tasks and where possible—work based opportunities.

Where does it lead?
This course is specifically designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and experience they need to begin a career in the music industry, or alternatively to progress on to the final year of a relevant degree course.