Hone your songwriting, music performance and production skills in our one-year A2HE diploma; and gain everything you need to progress onto higher education.

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Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol / Manchester / Plymouth
Start Date
September 2026
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
1 Year
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£4,385

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Course Overview

Our Music Performance & Production diploma will teach you the cornerstones of composition, performance, studio recording and music production. Designed for creatives that want to be able to write and produce original music, you’ll engage in practice-based learning and build your skills in:

Live performance and collaboration
Ensemble work
Songwriting and composition
Studio recording and production
Music technology
Music theory
Critical listening

You will learn from industry-experienced educators in professional standard facilities. Your studies will be highly-practical, taking place in our recording studios and computer suites, where you’ll develop your skills using industry-standard equipment and software.

Your practical skill set will be complemented by communication, teamwork, academic writing, research and time management skills. You will be encouraged to reflect on your work throughout the course and introduced to a broad range of pathways to expand your creative aspirations.

Completing this course will provide you with the perfect platform to progress onto an undergraduate degree, where you can continue to specialise in music performance and production or explore niche areas such as music and sound for film & games or live sound.

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This course is delivered at dBs Institute. Taught and awarded by Access Creative College

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Falmouth University

Course Details

The diploma is taught over 37 weeks and you will study a total of 14 units, totalling 60 credits (programme structures and units can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes).

A dBs student playing electric guitar on a stage

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

Over the course of the year, you will refine your skills as a music performer and producer as you explore a wide range of creative techniques and approaches. You’ll deepen your understanding of key industry software, develop as a solo and collaborative practitioner, and culminate your studies with a final project.

The 14 units you study across the year will be grouped into four ‘study areas’ that are delivered throughout the year.

Module Details

Unit Overview

Recording

Listening Skills for Music Technology
MIDI and Audio Sequencing
Music Technology
Studio Recording

Composition

Songwriting
Composing Music
Music Theory in Practice

Performance

Performance Techniques
Working and Developing as a Musical Ensemble

Academic Development

Creative Presentation
Core HE Study Skills 1
Core HE Study Skills 2 - Presentation and Reflection
Final Project - Planning
Final Project - Practical

Year 2

Module Details

Year 3

Module Details

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How You'll Learn

This diploma is designed to be as practical as possible and all your submissions will be coursework-based. You will learn hands-on in recording studios and iMac suites, with access to hardware instruments and effects, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro 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 and seminars.

On average you should allow for between 35 - 40 hours per week for your studies, 9 hours of which will be delivered onsite and 1.5 hours independent study, and 5 hours flexible for extra support should you need it. The remaining time is allotted to self-study.

In addition, your learning will be supported by:

Lectures and practical workshops
Online self-directed 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 videos, reading and interactive activities

How to Apply

Applying for this course is easy! Simply click the "Apply" button below to submit your application directly through our website.
A member of our Admissions Team will then be in touch to discuss your suitability for the course, your interests and to arrange an interview.

Apply

Entry Requirements

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

UK & Home Fee Status Students

Tuition fees for 24-25 are TBC. Below are the course costs for 23-24 for reference.

Access to HE courses, 1 year, on campus

£4,835

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International Students

At this time, we are currently unable to accept international students on our on-campus Access to HE diploma courses.

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for the Advanced Learner Loan if:

‍You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

‍

Advanced Learner Loan

To help with the costs of your course you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. This is a loan provided by the UK Government through Student Finance England.

Head to the GOV.UK website to find out about Advanced Learner Loans and how to apply.

To apply for the Advanced Learner Loan you must be 19 or older on the first day of your course.

Eligibility for the Advanced Learner Loan is also determined by your nationality and residency status, please head to the eligibility page on the GOV.UK website for more information.

Please be aware that the Advanced Learner Loan will only cover your course fees, not your living costs.

‍

Repayment

How much you repay depends on your income. You will pay a percentage of your income over the threshold for your loan. The threshold and amount you repay is determined by when you take out your loan. For example:

If you receive an advanced learner loan for 2024/25 your yearly threshold will be £27,295. You will be required to repay 9% of your income over the threshold.

‍

Advanced Learner Loan ‘Write Off’

Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a Higher Education course. This means you do not have to repay it.

Year 3

Applications for undergraduate degrees are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply online through the UCAS website.

The equal consideration deadline for September 2025 entry applications is  29th January 2025.

Full how to apply guide

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Entry Requirements

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential.

As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.

We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities. If you do not hold the minimum entry requirements but can demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation you will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants who do not meet our typical offer guidelines may be invited to interview, where you will have the opportunity to discuss your experience and suitability for the course.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we accept a variety of English language tests and they are listed on Falmouth University's International Entry Requirements page.

If you don’t yet meet our undergraduate degree entry requirements, our Access to HE Diplomas offer a flexible and tailored route to prepare you for higher education.

Find out more about our Diploma courses

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. Therefore, tuition fees may rise in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Uk & Home Status Students

Tuition fees from September 2025 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2025-26.

BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus

£9,535

Channel Island & Isle of Man Students

Tuition fees from September 2023 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2023-24.

BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus

£9,535

International Students

At this time, we are currently unable to accept international students on our on-campus undergraduate degree programmes.

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for home fees if:

‍

You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

‍

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

Important: Students who are ordinarily resident in Wales should be aware that this course is not currently designated to receive statutory student funding support from the Welsh Government.

UCAS Codes

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‍Ready to make your application? You can apply online, via Falmouth University by clicking the button below.
‍

Apply now

Have a question?

To find out more about this course, get application advice and find out what funding is available, get in touch with our Admissions Team using our online form.

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Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants with varied qualifications, but typically you'll need an undergraduate degree in a related discipline. Our typical applicants hold an undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above, or equivalent experience.

We'll also welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications.

If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

Uk & Home Status Students

Tuition fees from September 2025 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2025-26.

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

Channel Island & Isle of Man Students

Tuition fees from September 2025 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2025-26.

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

International Students

At this time, we are currently able to accept international students on our online postgraduate degree programmes only.

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for Home fees if:

You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

Alumni Discount for dBs Institute graduates
‍
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all dBs Institute undergraduate alumni.
‍
Continue your studies with up to 25% discount for postgraduate courses, even if you’re switching campus or subject specialism.

Year 3

Why Choose dBs

Why Choose dBs & ACC

Here at dBs Institute, we pride ourselves on creating a learning environment that reflects the industry that you want to work in. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure that you are working on professional-grade equipment; our course leaders have years of industry experience to draw from and we foster a community of students and staff that inspires and encourages collaboration.
Throughout your studies and beyond, we will also provide you with career support and guidance to reach your future goals.

Facilities

Equipped with industry-standard facilities, as well as ground-breaking new technologies, our campuses have been meticulously designed to mirror the industry; giving you the ultimate environment to hone your skills, collaborate with creative professionals and learn from experts in the field.

Facilities

Manchester

A student performing vocals in the Neve live room

Bristol

Inside one of our Production Suites

Learn more about our facilities

Why Choose an Online Degree at dBs

Our online Master's degrees offer a high-quality, immersive, and community-driven learning experience, led by industry experts who are passionate about their craft. With 24/7 access to course materials and resources, you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Plus, our hands-on projects will equip you with practical skills necessary for a successful career in the music industry.

Flexible study

Enjoy the freedom to fit your learning around you. For online students, course content – other than one-to-one sessions – will be available to access whenever suits you.

dBs Online tutor kris burton sits in front of our API desk at dBs

Learn from the pros

You will learn from tutors whose expertise extends across production, composition, sound design, sound engineering, label management, marketing and promotion.

You’ll also have access to our extensive guest lecture programme, giving you the chance to meet leading industry professionals – ranging from respected producers and performers to specialist technical staff from world-class audio companies.

Industry Connections

As a student of this course, you will be encouraged to apply for placements and opportunities with dBs Pro, our in-house creative audio company.

This will allow you to further your experience and apply the skills you have been honing, as well as showcase your skills to clients and develop your creative own links in the industry.

What our students say

Who better to tell you about our course than students already doing the course? In this video, some of our latest cohort talk about their experience of the dBs online masters degrees.

What our
students say

Learn what makes dBs Institute so special from the people who matter most - our students!

Tutors

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Community Stories

Opportunities

Engaging with our industry

In our 20+ year history, we’ve built a strong network of contacts across the creative industries, that include AMS Neve, Solid State Logic, Avid and many more.

Find out more

Career support

We strive to equip our students with the skills and opportunities to secure roles across the creative industries, and this goal underpins the student experience at dBs Institute.

Find out more

dBs Pro

dBs Pro is a creative audio company with a difference - it’s dedicated to providing our students with real-world experience alongside their studies.

Find out more

Your Future Prospects

Having built experience in games development, you will possess a broad skill set that opens many potential career opportunities.

Here are just some of the pathways that you can embark on as a result of studying this course:

DJ / Producer

Vibe generators and masters of mood, DJ / Producers mix and create music to deliver unforgettable dance-floor experiences.

Find out more

Sound Designer

Creative problem-solvers and playful thinkers, Sound Designers use audio to bring projects to life.

Find out more

Studio Producer / Engineer

Commanders of the control room, Studio Engineers help transform musical moments into timeless masterpieces by facilitating the production of music and sound.

Find out more

More career options

Your Future Prospects

Two dBs students stand next to a flying speak stack in a festival

A string session been recored in a music hall

a female dBs tutor takes a lecture in our Dolby atmos room

A dBs student adjusting there synth sound

Learn more about our career services

Register your interest

Let's get started

Thinking about an undergraduate degree at dBs? Want to know more about our courses? We're excited to help you explore your options.

Simply fill out the form below and our dedicated admissions team will be in touch with all the information you need.

If you're ready to apply, you can also apply directly through UCAS.com

Please note that if you are an international student or require a visa to study in the UK you are only eligible to study our online courses.

Register your interest

If you’d like to find out more about our postgraduate courses, please fill in the form below. Once submitted, a member of our admissions team will be in touch to discuss our postgraduate course offerings and the next steps of the application process.

Please note, if you currently live outside of the UK and require a Tier 4 VISA to study in the United Kingdom, we are unable to accept your application for our on campus full-time or part-time postgraduate degree programmes. If this is the case, please apply for one of our online postgraduate courses instead.

Apply for our Access to HE Diploma

Let's get started

If you’re 19+ and aiming for higher education, our diplomas provide the essential qualifications and skills you need to progress confidently onto university courses. Whether it’s a career shift, skill enhancement, or pursuing a long-held passion, our

Access to HE Diplomas open doors.

To apply for our diplomas, please complete the application form below. Once we have received your information, our admissions team will contact you to arrange an interview.