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A student at a desk in a recording studio explores music production, utilising a keyboard alongside advanced technology.

Music Technology and Audio Production - HNC*

Summary

Dive into the dynamic world of music technology with our HNC Music Technology course at Blackpool & The Fylde College University Centre. Accredited by Pearson at Level 4, this programme offers a comprehensive exploration of the music industry's core facets and lays the foundations for your career in the music industry.

Throughout your journey, you'll delve into diverse subjects such as The Music Industry, where you'll explore the intricate workings of this ever-evolving field, from historical perspectives to current trends. Recording Technology equips you with hands-on experience in studio environments, developing the core techniques crucial for audio production in our state-of-the-art Audient equipped Recording Studio.

Live Sound opens doors to the exciting realm of live performances, developing your skills in sound engineering and management for concerts and events. In Marketing & Promotion, you'll learn core strategies to effectively showcase musical projects, from grassroots initiatives to global campaigns, fostering essential networking and promotional skills.

As you encounter Creative Software Techniques, you’ll learn cutting-edge technological skills, unlocking boundless creativity in music composition, production, and audio manipulation, allowing you to progress to the next level. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert guidance from industry professionals, our programme nurtures talent and fosters innovation.

Prepare for a dynamic career in music technology, join us at Blackpool School of Arts, Blackpool & The Fylde College University Centre.

This course is currently Subject to Validation. For more information please visit our Subject to Validation, Revalidation and Approval page.

  • Course code DA1HE001
  • UCAS code W390
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Monday to Wednesday
  • Time 09:45 - 15:30

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
University Centre
1 Year

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

  • £33,100 average annual salary in this sector
  • Access to state-of-the-art equipment and recording studios
  • 3,788 annual job openings in the North West

What Uni Reviews

Love it, best decision I've ever made. The course, tutors, and peers have all helped to make the experience enjoyable. I'm really enjoying the creative freedom on the course and how freely I am able to express my own ideas, but also enjoy taking inspiration from my peers. *****
- Anonymous
Excellent facilities and tutors. *****
- Leanne Booth
It felt like a place I could fit in and the people there were helpful in my experience at the university. ****
- David Cleasby

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Students may seek employment upon completion, the level four HNC experience provides a strong platform to secure industry based employment examples include:

  • Studio session musician £25,000
  • Live session musician £25,000
  • Sound design assistant £25,000
  • Music producer £20,500
  • Music promoter £17,000

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in music, which the students can build on, should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. Students can progress onto a specialist pathway at Level 5.

Key information

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

  • A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Music
  • A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades A* to C (or equivalent), and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as maths and English
  • Other related Level 3 qualifications
  • An Access to Higher Education Diploma in Music

Entry Requirements(Non-traditional entry route)

For non-traditional applicants, the following will also be considered on a case by case basis

  • Related work experience
  • An international equivalent of the above.
  • Recognised Prior Learning may also be considered in accordance with the awarding body’s regulations

Qualification obtained

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Music

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no direct additional costs for this programme other than the provision of stationery, photocopying and so forth. However, students may wish to purchase a laptop to allow them to do coursework more flexibly. It is possible to borrow a laptop or to get help with financing one if you are eligible for additional financial support.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

In addition to the expertise of the curriculum team, experts from industry will be used to present a lecture/seminar, a workshop or to contribute to assessment brief scenarios. Blackpool and the Fylde’s vibrant events and music scene provides great opportunities to schedule field trips which have direct relevance to the syllabus and which would add value to the learning experience.

Through these trips students could relate theory to practice, have an opportunity to experience organisations in action, and potentially open their minds to career routes.

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Applied Sound Principles DA4MD007 15 No
    Creative Software Techniques DA4MD012 15 No
    Live Sound Techniques DA4MD017 15 No
    Marketing and Promotion for Musicians DA4MD019 15 No
    Music Production Fundamentals DA4MD022 15 No
    Professional Development DA4MD026 15 No
    Recording Technology DA4MD027 15 No
    The Music Industry DA4MD029 15 No

Learning Support - at a glance

We offer a range of services to support you across all areas of student life, with specialist support available for students with disabilities.

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

How will I learn?

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Placement

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 480 0 0
Independent 720 0 0
Placement 0 0 0
Total 1200 0 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

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How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 100% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%