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HND Music Performance
HND Music Performance
Course Overview
Course Code
P01016
Start Date
28/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
2 years
Start time
09:00 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
St Margaret's Campus
Level
Level 5
The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music Performance at Leicester College is a contemporary, industry facing programme that explores the wide range of diverse disciplines that make up the modern music industry.
The programme offer access to modern recording studios, practice rooms, production suites and live music venues. We aim to keep up with developments in equipment and practices, recent grants have helped us upgrade the digital equipment and digital suites in the department and, with smaller group sizes you are guaranteed lots of hands on practical time to make the most of these resources.
Our lecturers are industry practitioners, working as composers, performers, producers, DJ’s and qualified trainers in the software we use.
Module A - Process and Practice:
Module A1: Concept and Development (85 Credits)
Module A2: Creative Project (35 Credits)
Working in the music industry requires a wide portfolio of diverse skills that need to be continually updated and analysed to enable students to be relevant and innovative. Understanding the complexities, professional practice and behaviours in the music industry is essential in developing one’s own technique and proficiency in a range of settings where performers and producers can seek employment.
An understanding of historic and current developments is also vital; technological innovation and social media play an essential role in any career in the music industry.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has placed an increased importance on understanding copyright and ethics and the role these play in the creation and promotion of any type of art. Audiences have been rapidly evolving since the pandemic, with a rise in online performances and the economic impact affecting revenue for the wider industry. These changes bring significant challenges, as well as opportunities, for practitioners.
These modules will help you understand the development processes, the technical skills and the music business industry to enable successful employment in the sector. Combining technique, research, development and deep understanding of the technologies involved, students will explore the knowledge, understanding and technical skills required to progress within the sector.
Module B - Professional Creative Practice:
Module B1: Personal Professional Development (40 Credits)
Module B2: Professional Project (80 Credits)
The music industry offers a wide variety of careers – ranging from creative to technical, artists and repertoire (A R), marketing, producing, managing, and both studio and live performances. There are many crossovers across these different career trajectories; knowledge of these different roles is required in order to undertake a specific role. Music producers will be required to interact with all sorts of clients to undertake work, fulfil briefs and grow within the industry.
Through this module, students will build on their creative, technical, and contextual knowledge and skills to begin applying them to more complex and professionally oriented outcomes. In the curriculum and assessment units in this module, students will explore both the creative and technical aspects of their own practice and their future career intentions, developing projects and professional skills and materials that will enable them to progress to employment or continued study.
Entry to this course requires a minimum of 32 UCAS points from a recognised Level 3 qualification in a related subject (i.e. two A2s at grade D, Extended Diploma PPP, or an Access to Higher Education course). You are expected to hold GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or equivalent.
You will also be required to attend an audition/interview to show that you are at a suitable level on your instrument: this is to support your careers choice and ensure that we place you on the right programme.
We welcome applicants who do not match our entry requirements but can demonstrate the ability to study this subject at university level and who can demonstrate the necessary musical ability.
- Annual Tuition fee: £6525
Depending on availability, there may be trips that you will need to pay for costing between £5 – £50. Although the College has a stock of instruments, we expect you to own an instrument and are also advised to purchase a pair of good quality headphones in the region of £30 – £50. Access to a suitable computer for running music production applications is also desirable.
On completion of this Higher National Diploma, you will have the choice of being able to join a Year 3 top-up to a honours degree in at numerous Universities around the UK including De Montfort University. Alternatively, you may choose to go directly into employment in the music or performing arts industry.
Applications to our full-time undergraduate courses must be made through UCAS using the course code ****, institution code L36. If you haven’t started a UCAS application yet, and only want to apply to Leicester College, you can apply directly to us using our direct application form via the College Website and we will process a UCAS application on your behalf. Due to the nature of this programme, you may also be asked to attend an interview to ensure this is the right course for you. Where necessary, other means of interview/audition (telephone/Teams) can be arranged.
Course Overview
Course Code
P01016
Start Date
28/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
2 years
Start time
09:00 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
St Margaret's Campus
Level
Level 5