DJ & Electronic
Music Production

Access to Higher Education

The Access to Higher Education DJ & Electronic Music Production course is designed to meet the needs of the contemporary creative industry and to lead into Higher Education.

 

DJ & Electronic Music Production

Access to Higher Education

The Access to Higher Education DJ & Electronic Music Production course is designed to meet the needs of the contemporary creative industry and to lead into Higher Education.

Build your foundations in music-making, production and DJing while developing the skills you need to take your passion to the next level. This one year Access to HE Diploma will help you strengthen your creative and technical skills, build your portfolio and prepare for progression to university.

This course is available at dBs Institute in Bristol, Manchester and Plymouth.

KEY INFORMATION:

Entry Requirements

No formal entry requirements.

Course Length

One Year – Full Time.

Qualification

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma

Build your foundations in music-making, production and DJing while developing the skills you need to take your passion to the next level. This one-year Access to HE Diploma will help you strengthen your creative and technical skills, build your portfolio and prepare for progression to university.

This course is available at dBs Institute in Bristol, Manchester and Plymouth.

key information:

Entry Requirements

No formal entry requirements.

Course Length

One Year – Full Time.

Qualification

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma

course overview

This DJ & Electronic Music Production course will introduce you to the fundamentals of music-making and production, where you will craft your sonic signature and create high-quality original work.


Through practice-based learning, you will develop your skills in:

  • Music composition
  • DJing
  • Studio recording and production
  • Sampling and synthesis
  • Digital Audio Workstations e.g. Ableton Live and Logic Pro
  • Music technology

Your creative development will be complemented by a suite of academic skills, as you expand your understanding of research, presentation, independent study and self-reflection.


This experience will provide you with the perfect platform to progress onto an undergraduate degree, where you can continue to specialise in electronic music production or explore more niche study areas in sound design or music technology.

This course is taught and delivered by Access Creative College on dBs Institute campuses.

Through practice-based learning, you will develop your skills in:

  • Music composition
  • DJing
  • Studio recording and production
  • Sampling and synthesis
  • Digital Audio Workstations, e.g. Ableton Live and Logic Pro
  • Music technology

 

Your creative development will be complemented by a suite of academic skills, as you expand your understanding of research, presentation, independent study and self-reflection.

Over the course of the year, you will hone your skills as a DJ and electronic music producer as you explore a wide range of creative techniques and approaches. You’ll become an experienced operator of key industry software, develop your personal and business skills, and culminate your studies with a final project.

The 15 units you study across the year will be grouped into four ‘study areas’ that are delivered throughout the year.

The course is taught over 37 weeks and you will study a total of 15 units, totalling 60 credits (programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes).

You’ll receive access to:

  • Apple iMacs, with up to date Logic Pro X music production/recording software.
  • MIDI controller keyboards.
  • Audio interfaces.
  • A range of industry standard microphones and recording interfaces.
  • Music Production Studio(s).
  • A national network of like minded Students and teachers studying your course in our campuses around the UK.
  • A guest speaker programme with access to industry practitioners

During your course, you will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), where you can:

  • View your course information.
  • Set and review targets to help you develop musically and academically.
  • Review notes from your 1-2-1 sessions with your course leader.
  • Access resources for your lessons, to help you understand and complete projects and assignments.
  • View your timetable and check your attendance.
  • Submit your work and receive your grades.

Modules

This study area will focus on teaching you the fundamentals of studio recording and music production.
You’ll familiarise yourself with recording tools and techniques, and explore more advanced topics like multitrack recording, mixing and mastering. You’ll learn key DJ skills, as well as Ableton Live and hardware DJ and performance tools. Complemented by studies in rehearsal techniques, MIDI syncing and audio routing, you’ll complete this strand with a live performance.

Units included in this study area:
  • Studio Recording
  • Studio Mixing
  • Studio Mastering
  • Music Technology

For this study area, you’ll be working ‘in-the-box’ building your proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro and Ableton Live, composition and editing tools, while developing your technique with audio sequencing, synthesis and MIDI. These lessons will culminate in the creation of a composition portfolio, synth patches and sample packs.

Units included in this study area:
  • MIDI & Audio Sequencing
  • Synthesis & Sampling

In this study area you will explore the world of musical theory, developing your compositional and DJ skills. As you build your understanding of chords, scales and modes, you can apply this to a live performance, as you develop your skills using turntables and controllers.

Units included in this study area:
  • Composing Music
  • Music Theory in Practice
  • DJ Skills

This final study area is all about developing your academic skills, preparing you for university and supporting the creation of your final project. With the support of your tutors, you’ll create a personal statement and UCAS application at the start of the academic year. You’ll turn your attention to essay planning and writing, grow your understanding of academic conventions, as well as developing presentation and independent study skills.

Units included in this study area:
  • Core HE Study Skills 1 – Research
  • Core HE Study Skills 2 -Presentation and Reflection
  • HE Study and Digital Skills
  • Introduction to Critical Thinking
  • Final Project Planning and Practical

course overview

This DJ & Electronic Music Production course will introduce you to the fundamentals of music-making and production, where you will craft your sonic signature and create high-quality original work.


Through practice-based learning, you will develop your skills in:

  • Music composition
  • DJing
  • Studio recording and production
  • Sampling and synthesis
  • Digital Audio Workstations e.g. Ableton Live and Logic Pro
  • Music technology

 

Your creative development will be complemented by a suite of academic skills, as you expand your understanding of research, presentation, independent study and self-reflection.


This experience will provide you with the perfect platform to progress onto an undergraduate degree, where you can continue to specialise in electronic music production or explore more niche study areas in sound design or music technology.


This course is taught and delivered by Access Creative College on dBs Institute campuses.

  • Industry Tools: Gain hands-on experience with professional DJ equipment, music production software, and audio sequencing techniques.
  • Sound Design & Production: Explore the fundamentals of synthesis, sampling, and advanced studio production techniques to create unique sounds and polished tracks.
  • Compose Tracks: Produce music across a variety of styles, rhythms, and genres, and hone your performance skills. 
  • Music Theory & Analysis: Build a strong foundation in music theory while enhancing your critical listening skills through the analysis of contemporary and classic tracks.
  • Pathway to University: Develop academic skills like research and critical thinking, keeping university-level study as an option for your future.
  • Career Guidance: Learn about the diverse pathways in the music industry, from live performance and production to sound design and marketing, and learn strategies for success. 
  • Employability: Develop key business, organisational, and collaborative skills through industry-focused projects and creative teamwork. 
  • Build Your Portfolio: Showcase your talent with a portfolio of original work, from remixes and compositions to fully mixed and mastered tracks. 

Over the course of the year, you will hone your skills as a DJ and electronic music producer as you explore a wide range of creative techniques and approaches. You’ll become an experienced operator of key industry software, develop your personal and business skills, and culminate your studies with a final project.

The 15 units you study across the year will be grouped into four ‘study areas’ that are delivered throughout the year.

The course is taught over 37 weeks and you will study a total of 15 units, totalling 60 credits (programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes).

You’ll receive access to:

  • Apple iMacs, with up to date Logic Pro X music production/recording software.
  • MIDI controller keyboards.
  • Audio interfaces.
  • A range of industry standard microphones and recording interfaces.
  • Music Production Studio(s).
  • A national network of like minded Students and teachers studying your course in our campuses around the UK.
  • A guest speaker programme with access to industry practitioners

During your course, you will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), where you can:

  • View your course information.
  • Set and review targets to help you develop musically and academically.
  • Review notes from your 1-2-1 sessions with your course leader.
  • Access resources for your lessons, to help you understand and complete projects and assignments.
  • View your timetable and check your attendance.
  • Submit your work and receive your grades.

READY TO APPLY?

Applying to study with us takes less than two minutes, and we have interviewers ready and waiting to speak to you. Find out more about the application journey and apply now below.

LEARNER ACHIEVEMENT

90% of our learners achieve their full qualification.

93% of our learners have a positive destination.

92% of Access to HE learners go onto university.

learner achievement

Modules

This study area will focus on teaching you the fundamentals of studio recording and music production.
You’ll familiarise yourself with recording tools and techniques, and explore more advanced topics like multitrack recording, mixing and mastering. You’ll learn key DJ skills, as well as Ableton Live and hardware DJ and performance tools. Complemented by studies in rehearsal techniques, MIDI syncing and audio routing, you’ll complete this strand with a live performance.


Units included in this study area:

  • Studio Recording
  • Studio Mixing
  • Studio Mastering
  • Music Technology

For this study area, you’ll be working ‘in-the-box’ building your proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro and Ableton Live, composition and editing tools, while developing your technique with audio sequencing, synthesis and MIDI. These lessons will culminate in the creation of a composition portfolio, synth patches and sample packs.


Units included in this study area:

  • MIDI & Audio Sequencing
  • Synthesis & Sampling

In this study area you will explore the world of musical theory, developing your compositional and DJ skills. As you build your understanding of chords, scales and modes, you can apply this to a live performance, as you develop your skills using turntables and controllers.


Units included in this study area:

  • Composing Music
  • Music Theory in Practice
  • DJ Skills

This final study area is all about developing your academic skills, preparing you for university and supporting the creation of your final project. With the support of your tutors, you’ll create a personal statement and UCAS application at the start of the academic year. You’ll turn your attention to essay planning and writing, grow your understanding of academic conventions, as well as developing presentation and independent study skills.

Units included in this study area:

  • Core HE Study Skills 1 – Research
  • Core HE Study Skills 2 -Presentation and Reflection
  • HE Study and Digital Skills
  • Introduction to Critical Thinking
  • Final Project Planning and Practical

Apply now

CAREERS within music production

With all the transferable skills you’ll learn on this course, the world really is your oyster. 

You can head off to University, study a Level 4/5 course or go straight into the world of work.

CAREERS within music production

With all the transferable skills you’ll learn on this course, the world really is your oyster. 

You can head off to University, study a Level 4/5 course or go straight into the world of work.

additional information

  • We are an exclusively creative college, where 100% of our courses are in the creative sectors, creating a specialist, creative ecosystem. This is enhanced by teachers, support staff and managers with creative backgrounds and experience.
  • There are opportunities for collaboration across creative disciplines for example photo and video shoots for musicians, or writing music for video games.
  • We have developed in house careers and online learning programmes to support, enhance and harness students’ creative skills and abilities.
  • We cover a range of disciplines and outputs whilst still allowing students to determine and develop their own creative outputs.

You will get hands-on with hardware instruments and effects, develop your proficiency with DAWs and software-based instruments and tools, as well as practical skills through interactive workshops.


You will learn to evaluate and improve your work through group tutorials, 1-2-1 reviews and self-evaluation. Regular learning will come from lectures, seminars, practical sessions and independent study.

On average, you should allow for between 35 – 40 hours per week for your studies, 11.5 hours of which will be delivered onsite. The remaining time is allotted to self-study.
In addition, your learning will be supported by:

  • Lectures and practical workshops
  • Planned independent study
  • Group tutorials and 1-2-1 reviews
  • Access to studio facilities and bookable equipment
  • Use of library resources and study spaces
  • Access to supporting online resources including a self-directed programme featuring videos, reading and interactive activities

No formal entry requirements.

The course is taught over 37 weeks and you will study a total of 15 units, totalling 60 credits (programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes).

This course is internally assessed, with coursework delivered and evaluated by your teachers. Assignments include practical tasks such as performances, compositions, and audio recordings, alongside written reports and presentations. The year consists of 8 assignments, culminating in a Final Project, where you will create a professional portfolio showcasing your development and work for future progression.

Our bespoke professional development programme aims to empower you to take your next steps into your future career. We achieve this by providing you with a three phase programme of lessons, projects and experiences designed to give you as much exposure to industry as possible.

All campuses (18 years old from enrollment)

All campuses 19+

Free

£4,835*

*Free with Advanced Learner Loan from the UK Government

additional information

  • We are an exclusively creative college, where 100% of our courses are in the creative sectors, creating a specialist, creative ecosystem. This is enhanced by teachers, support staff and managers with creative backgrounds and experience.
  • There are opportunities for collaboration across creative disciplines for example photo and video shoots for musicians, or writing music for video games.
  • We have developed in house careers and online learning programmes to support, enhance and harness students’ creative skills and abilities.
  • We cover a range of disciplines and outputs whilst still allowing students to determine and develop their own creative outputs.

You will get hands-on with hardware instruments and effects, develop your proficiency with DAWs and software-based instruments and tools, as well as practical skills through interactive workshops.


You will learn to evaluate and improve your work through group tutorials, 1-2-1 reviews and self-evaluation. Regular learning will come from lectures, seminars, practical sessions and independent study.

On average, you should allow for between 35 – 40 hours per week for your studies, 11.5 hours of which will be delivered onsite. The remaining time is allotted to self-study.
In addition, your learning will be supported by:

  • Lectures and practical workshops
  • Planned independent study
  • Group tutorials and 1-2-1 reviews
  • Access to studio facilities and bookable equipment
  • Use of library resources and study spaces
  • Access to supporting online resources including a self-directed programme featuring videos, reading and interactive activities

No formal entry requirements.

The course is taught over 37 weeks, and you will study a total of 15 units, totalling 60 credits (programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes).

This course is internally assessed, with coursework delivered and evaluated by your teachers. Assignments include practical tasks such as performances, compositions, and audio recordings, alongside written reports and presentations. The year consists of 8 assignments, culminating in a Final Project, where you will create a professional portfolio showcasing your development and work for future progression.

Our bespoke professional development programme aims to empower you to take your next steps into your future career. We achieve this by providing you with a three phase programme of lessons, projects and experiences designed to give you as much exposure to industry as possible.

All campuses 19+

£4,835

student benefits

A range of student-friendly offers are available in partnership with WEX. These vary by store so check in with your local branch to see what support they can provide you as an ACC learner.

student benefits

A range of student-friendly offers are available in partnership with WEX. These vary by store so check in with your local branch to see what support they can provide you as an ACC learner.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

Your learning journey doesn’t just stop with this course! Take a look at next steps via courses at Access Creative College, Access Industry and dBs Institute!

BA Music & Sound for Film & TV

This course equips students with the skills required for careers in sound design and music composition for the entertainment industry, including film, TV, and digital media production.

BA Music Production & Sound Engineering

This course allows students to build on their skills in studio production, mixing, and mastering, preparing them for careers in music production and sound engineering.

BA Electronic Music Production

This course is designed for producers, DJs, and sonic artists who want to develop a distinctive creative voice, explore cutting-edge tools, and thrive in the electronic music scene.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

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what next?

Book an open day

The best way to find out what it's like to study at Access Creative College is to come and see us at an open day. We have open days throughout the year. Book your place below.

BOOK NOW

How to apply

Applying is quick and easy, and can be done in less than two minutes. Just click the button below and fill in a quick form and we'll do the rest. We have interviewers ready to speak to you.

APPLY NOW

what next?

Book an open day

The best way to find out what it's like to study at Access Creative College is to come and see us at an open day. We have open days throughout the year. Book your place below.

How to apply

Applying is quick and easy, and can be done in less than two minutes. Just click the button below and fill in a quick form and we'll do the rest. We have interviewers ready to speak to you.

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