The One Year Full-Time Higher Diploma (Cert HE in Popular Music Practice) is truly a unique
and amazing course. It is packed with the same concepts, techniques, theory, musicianship,
performance and technology as the One-Year Full-Time Diploma, with a higher level of
academic rigour and some great additional features. It is designed to give performers an all-
round higher level of musicianship, preparing students for the opportunities and challenges
of today’s music industry.
The One-Year Higher Diploma is fully validated by Thames Valley University and is a NQF level
4 award, offering progression onto other higher education courses, including our 2 Year Dip
HE and 3 Year Bachelor of Music Degree and our Master Performance Course.
Students are enrolled with both Tech Music Schools and Thames Valley University and have
full access to the University’s state of the art facilities. This includes: student services, use of
Learning Resource Centre, student union, accommodation, student advice and counselling.
On successful completion of the course students will gain two awards; Guitar-X Higher
Diploma and a Certificate of Higher Education in Popular Music Practice.
For EU students the course is funded. Students can apply for Student Loans to cover the
tuition costs and have access to bursaries (subject to status).
Course Structure
The One-Year Higher Diploma has two intakes: in October and April. The academic year is
divided into three ten week terms, each with a break in the middle and at the end.
Hours
On average 16 hrs of teaching per week, as well as practice time, master classes, jam nights
and students events.
Entry Requirements
All students are required to attend an assessment to ascertain their instrumental potential. A
remote audition is available for overseas students.
The academic requirement is 80 UCAS points (or equivalent) with GCSE English or (equivalent),
or a relevant 16-19 specialist diploma.
A candidate would be expected to be at a high performance level, equivalent to that of grade 8 in
performance, but not necessarily in all of the broad range of musicianship skills required to
attain the grade certificate. Elements such as music theory or reading may be lacking.
Mature students are at pathway leaders’ discretion. In exceptional cases the pathway leader may
offer a place to a very talented applicant based upon the audition and interview.
Cost
UK and EU students (home students)
Tuition Fees £3290
Course materials £300
Total £3590
Overseas Students
Tuition Fees £7000
Inclusive of course materials
FUNDING
Home students can apply through their Local Education Authority for Tuition Fee Loans, Higher
Education Maintenance Grants and Maintenance Loans.
International students should contact the admissions team on +44 (0) 208 749 3131 for details
about course fees.
The Next Step
Assessment
Through our streaming process we are able to accept students of different
levels onto these
courses. Before enrolling, we ask you to take an assessment with one
of our teachers. So
what
is the assessment? It’s not an audition. It’s not an
exam. But it is a great opportunity
for you to
work with a teacher to help determine where you're at, what
works and what
doesn't and to get
professional advice.
We give you a selection of specific exercises
covering:
• Technique
• Theory
• Aural
• Stylistic knowledge
• Musicality
• Reading
We ask you to play some of your favourite
material. We look at your potential, your
experience so
far and discuss your goals. We give you professional and
detailed feedback,
answer your
questions related to your music career and suggest a plan
of action for the
future. After your
assessment you can discuss all other issues with
a member of the
admissions team. We
strongly recommend that you take this opportunity
to tour our facilities
and get the feel of what it's like to study with us.
To book your assessment, or if you have
any questions, call the admissions team on
44 (0) 20 8749 3131, or email the admissions
team>>
Once you have been assessed and accepted
onto the course, you can enrol and secure
your place by sending the completed enrolment form found in the brochure
and include your
deposit.
International students who are not able
to come to the school in person can film their
assessment and send it to us on DVD or VHS. Contact the office for details.
One-Year Higher Diploma course detail (PDF)>> |
