CertHE Music Production & Sound Engineering
Learn how to create cutting edge music
Learn how to create cutting edge music
This course is the equivalent to one full year of an HE degree course.
This programme is developed and taught by industry professionals who’ve worked with the likes of Pharrell Williams, The Chemical Brothers, Swedish House Mafia and many more. If you’d like to begin a career as a music producer, recording engineer, film/TV composer, or sound designer then this course is a perfect introduction to the skills you will need to succeed.
You will delve deep inside the world of production and engineering by studying elements including an introduction to production using your chosen DAW (Logic Pro or Ableton Live), recording and editing audio and midi, music composition and how to structure a song, sound design and synthesis, mixing, sampling and many more. You’ll also study the music industry and acquire an insiders’ knowledge of how it works, and what works when managing and marketing your music. At Point Blank, we make it our priority to connect our students to the music industry to give you a head-start in your career.
We are proud to be ahead of the curve in delivering a fantastic student experience whether on campus or online and are happy to include all the exclusive features for students listed here.
Course spaces are limited to ensure every student receives ample 1-2-1 time with their tutors.
| Duration | 1 Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Available start dates | 2023 | 2024 |
|
|
|
| UCAS code | WW58 | |
| Download Undergraduate Prospectus | ||
| Have questions? Check the FAQ's for quick answers. | ||
As part of your course you will get access to a range of Online Learning features to help you in your studies. We've enhanced our exclusive 1-2-1 sessions in order to provide you with individual time to speak to your lecturers and share your projects. You’ll get advice on your 1-2-1 tutorial exercises, course materials, recap key techniques, gain industry tips, and be able to ask any questions you want. You'll also benefit from our purpose-built Virtual Learning Environment, which allows you to connect with the wider Point Blank community, and study at the time and place that suits you.
On our higher education/degree programmes you will be taught through a variety of masterclasses and regular 1-2-1 Tutorials with your lecturer and support sessions. When not attending these sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently. Independent learning is about taking control of your work and deciding what you need to know and deciding how you are going to study.
During this time you can take advantage of:
A degree course consists of academic levels consisting of 120 credits. Each module is worth 20 credits and students are expected to study 10 hours per week per module (lectures, 1-2-1s and independent learning).
Assessment is how we gauge your success on a course. You will be expected to take part in the following types of assessment during this course:
1. Exercises – these are designed to give you feedback on your performance and to help you improve as you study at Point Blank.
2. Assignments - these are designed to measure what you have achieved during a module and therefore the grade you will be awarded.
To make it possible for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to the best of their abilities, students will be asked to produce work in varying formats depending on your course including compositions, creative projects, written work, reports, performances, presentations, 1-2-1 discussions, recordings and timed music industry-based briefs.
Mark runs Big Smoke Studios and is a recording engineer, mix engineer, musician, producer and lecturer with over 20 years of professional experience and industry practice.
Championed by Ellen Degeneres once she signed to Atlantic Records in the USA, Ellie has had a 5-year sponsorship with Quicksilver, as well as achieving many top-10 Beatport Trance releases.
Julian has scored global hit records as one half of Stretch & Vern and Reflekt & has written for Kylie Minogue, Little Boots & Dirty Vegas as a Sony/ATV-signed writer.
Producer/Engineer/Sound Designer with over 30 years of experience. Worked with Dave Stewart at The Church. Credits include Gary Barlow, Gene, Warm Jets, Placebo, Boy George, D’Influence amongst many others.
I have been really impressed with everyone I have come into contact with at Point Blank. The mix of self-study and live instruction is very well done and find that I am armed with enough new tools in each class to enjoy my new work each week. My tutor's enthusiasm and knowledge and ability to communicate with students has been outstanding. It is a big thing to "pay" for an online course, but you have delivered value far more than my expectations! I look forward to doing more courses with Point Blank in the future. - John, online student
First and foremost, we are looking for people who can demonstrate a) their passion for music and b) an ability to successfully complete a Higher Education programme.
Where conditional offers are made, typical offers will be set from:
If you don't have formal qualifications, don't worry, applicants without formal qualifications may still be considered on the strength of relevant prior learning and experience.
We will initially assess your personal statement which should detail any previous study or relevant experience in music. Then the Admissions Team will look at the merits of each application by taking the following evidence into consideration: predicted or previously attained grades, examples of work and relevant work experience. Applicants who do not meet the typical entry requirements may also be asked to attend an interview.
Click here for more information on our entry requirements, international qualifications and how to apply.
Aluna Francis is half of AlunaGeorge. She studied production at PB before taking off to chart success with 'You Know You Like It' & No.1 hit 'White Noise' with Disclosure. Check out her awesome video.
Everyone knows Leona from X Factor. Before she won it, Leona wowed her fellow students on our Singing Course. "Her talent was obvious" said her instructor, "and her success thoroughly deserved."
With 1,500,000 Facebook followers, Sri-Lankan born Arjun is a South Asian pop superstar. His single ‘I’ll Be Waiting” charted at #1 on iTunes India and spent 30 weeks on the BBC Asian Download Chart.
Spoony is a legend in UK dance music having brought garage to the masses in 2000 as part of the Dreem Team. He's since gone on to become a staple on Five Live but proved he's always learning by enrolling at PB!
| Fees |
|---|
| £6,000 per year |
| £2,000 per term |
| See details during the enrolment process. |
Being an undergraduate student involves two main expenses: tuition fees and living costs. Students can either choose to pay for their course privately, or alternatively, all of our higher education programmes are eligible for Student Finance loans. Eligible students may be able to apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the total tuition fee (please note that Student Finance maintenance funding is not normally available for distance learning courses). For students wishing to pay privately, we have a number of payment plans available, including annual and termly instalments. Click here for more information on fees and funding options available.
Point Blank students in this program enjoy a range of free software and exclusive discounts including but not limited to: