Level 3 RSL Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry

A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Language or a Merit profile in a related Level 2 Diploma. Students should ideally also have GCSE Maths Grade 4 or higher. Students should also demonstrate a clear interest or previous experience in music production/ performance and be able to work independently and in a team.

On the Music Production pathway students will develop practical and theoretical skills focused on music production and sound engineering. Core elements are digital studio recording, live sound recording and live sound. On the Music Performance pathway, students will develop their rehearsal and performance practice as well as performing music for recording and performing as a session musician.

Students will study:
Working in the Music Industry
Collaborative Project
Music Sequencing
Studio Sound Mixing
Using a Keyboard with a DAW
Composing Music
Live Event Promotion
Digital Recording
Composing Music (Styles)
Composing for Media Destinations.

Students will have the opportunity to perform and support a number of live music events at local venues during this course.

Work is assessed through unit assignments including practical classwork, development of performance skills, written evaluations, discussions, and presentations.

RSL qualifications are university-recognised and can lead to students achieving 168 UCAS points. The majority of our students choose to continue their studies either with us on our HNC/HND in Music Production or at university. We have students who have progressed to study at LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts), Leeds College of Music, ICMP (Institute of Contemporary Music Performance), Salford University, Liverpool University, Chester University, Bristol University, University of Birmingham, Waterbear, Falmouth University, Staffordshire University, alongside many others. Many have forged their own careers in the industry; from running music event companies, working as sound engineers, and running live sound hire to working on post production on TV for the BBC and Channel 4, as well as HBO and Hollywood films.

Our exciting facilities are backed by expert teachers who are active in the music industry, using their industry knowledge and skills to inform their teaching and prepare students for the realities of working in the music business. Our students regularly have their music played by BBC Introducing, gain valuable work experience with local venues and live sound companies, have regular performance opportunities in local venues and have opportunities to work on the college fashion show, corporate events, external and in-house theatre productions and take part in workshops with industry professionals from the Musician’s Union, James Aitkin (from the band EMF), local live production companies including Pro Audio Services. This year the college has its own stage for Loopfest, a local multivenue music festival. Our students will be working at the festival as well as performing on stage at multiple venues around Shrewsbury.

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as A Levels via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.