The course is designed to give you a solid base for work in the music industry or progression to a higher education course. This is achieved through a balanced programme that includes the study of performance, composition, music technology, music history and music business. Instrumental lessons from teachers of the highest quality are included in the course. The developed skills are applied to the preparation and performance at gigs both in College and at local venues and workshops. The Popular Music Diploma is a course for learners who are committed to making a career in music and appreciate the need for both practical and academic skills to be successful in the music industry.

The emphasis is on practical skills, musicianship and academic work underpinned by classroom tuition and a range of extra­curricular events including workshops and gigs. In addition to your main programme, you will study English and maths. Depending on your grades on entry, you will study either Functional Skills or GCSEs English and maths (one per year).

You will complete the UAL Diploma in your first year and continue to the Extended Diploma in your second year.