Access to Higher Education: Popular Music Level 3 Full-time (FMUS)

The Access to Higher Education (HE) in Popular Music course is designed to meet the needs of those who wish to pursue entrance onto a degree course in popular music or music production. In particular, the course is designed for students who may be approaching entrance to Higher Education from non-traditional routes without previously fulfilling their academic potential. The course has a practical and vocational ethos underpinned by a theoretical and academic foundation that will ensure a smoother route into the world of Higher Education.

The main aims of the programme are to:

•Develop the practical skills, techniques, intellectual understanding and musicianship required for study at undergraduate level

•Develop a broad range of skill-based experiences required for the study of popular music at undergraduate level

You will spend two days per week at the Church Street campus, which is part of Barnsley College’s Higher Education. You will have access to facilities including our well-equipped recording studios, practice rooms, studios and library. The course content has been designed to prepare you for progression onto the BA (Hons) Popular Music degree. If successful, you will have the option of taking a route in performance or production. Within the Access course you will develop skills in relation to academic study as well as the practical and creative skills needed to launch your professional journey.

As part of your course you will study the following units:

Ungraded:

•HE Study Skills (Level 3, 9 credits)

•Organisation and Evaluation of Study (Level 3, 6 credits)

Graded:

•E-Business (Level 3, 6 credits)

•Introduction to Composing Music (Level 3, 9 credits)

•Using Sequencing Technology in Composition (Level 3, 3 credits)

•Understanding and Using the Internet for Music Promotion (Level 3, 6 credits)

•Music in Context (Level 3, 6 credits)

•Performance Techniques (Level 3, 6 credits)

•Final Individual Project (Level 3, 9 credits)

Assessment is coursework-led so will be project-based throughout the year. Where possible, a variety of assessment methods will be used which includes both written and practical approaches to assignments.

•You will need to be 19 when the course commences in September

•Entry to the course is by interview. We take a strong interest in previous experience and would love to see or hear recent written work, recordings, performances and online materials

•Level 2 English is desirable •The ability to sing or play an instrument (this does not need to be a formal grade)

Progression onto the BA (Hons) Popular Music is available for students gaining a Merit or higher on their Access to HE programme.