Validated by The University of West London.
Validated in October 2024, our Dip HE Music & Sound programme offers 240 credits at Level 4 & 5 in music studied 100% online.Specialise in music performance, production or songwriting, progress to our BA Hons Top Up Music & Sound after two years.
Bespoke, weekly 1:1 tutor and mentoring sessions via video call supplement our superb virtual learning environment.
With no set timetable, and support sessions arranged for a time that suits you, this is an opportunity to study remotely on a fully accredited Diploma of Higher Education in music, from the comfort of your home, or the tour bus!
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Course
Specialise in music performance, production or songwriting which can be tailored to your interests.
Combine practical and academic study in many areas, whilst always specialising in your chosen area of performance, production or songwriting.
Our tutors are creative industry experts in their respective fields.
Develop the tangible skills needed in today's diverse music industry at an undergraduate level.
Accepting applications for September 2025
pathway specific modules
See below for some details on our Performance, Production and Songwriting Pathways available during your studies.
Performance Pathway Year 1 Modules
This module requires you to create a suitable recording environment (with consideration given to the resources available to you) and to create optimum sound recordings within this space. Where limitations apply, you are expected to show innovation and creativity to overcome obstacles. You will also ensure the recording space is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for performers, with consideration given to how the space would look if used for content on social media.
This is the first of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-1 focuses on the musical origins of blues & gospel music and its development into various pop & rock styles throughout the 1960-1990’s.
Performance Studies is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve on your chosen first study instrument throughout the year will enable you to fulfil your potential as a performer.
This module focuses on the way brands have impacted the music industry and how they can be used to increase awareness via a social media campaign. You will conduct a case study before running your own social media campaign based on your findings, presenting the results and evaluating your success.
This module involves putting film to music (as opposed to putting music to film). It is intended to provide a practical foundation and aims to provide you with the basic concepts and fundamental disciplines necessary in music video production.
You will be required to produce video content and demonstrate that you can combine creativity and applied technology, working either individually or as a member of a production team.
Performance Studies is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve on your chosen first study instrument throughout the year will enable you to fulfil your potential as a performer.
Performance Pathway Year 2 Modules
This module gives you the opportunity to conduct a deep dive into an area of study which interests you, and then record a podcast episode about it. You will pitch your concept to your mentor, then create a real-life application as if applying to a podcasting platform (Audible, Spotify etc.). You will also create 1-2 minutes of social media content by using parts of your podcast episode. You are expected to utilise and develop skills learned in Music Video Production and Social Media & Artist Branding, and are encouraged to expand on subjects learned at level 4.
This is the second of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-2 focuses on the musical origins of Soul & R’n’B music and its development into various hip hop and electronic music styles up until the late 1990’s.
Performance Studies is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve on your chosen first study instrument throughout the year will enable you to fulfil your potential as a performer.
This module provides you with an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills within an area of music business that relates to your anticipated career. You are required to produce a portfolio of research, evidence and financial forecasting for a sustainable enterprise.
The Level 5 Project is a great way to culminate two years of learning by putting a plan of action together to enable success in the music industry, and provides a natural route on to the BA (Hons) Music & Sound.
This module provides you with an opportunity to compose music and/or design sound to a medium which requires additional knowledge and skills outside of those traditionally practised by composers (e.g. interactive music implementation, composing to brief/conceptual art, techniques for looping music, understanding game development).
This is primarily a practical module, with the assignments being original compositions and/or sound design projects. However, it is crucial that students acquire an awareness and understanding of the general context of working as a composer within the video game industry, therefore, the module aims to develop work which acknowledges the implementation of compositions to video games via middleware.
Performance Studies is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve on your chosen first study instrument throughout the year will enable you to fulfil your potential as a performer.
Production Pathway Year 1 Modules
This module requires you to create a suitable recording environment (with consideration given to the resources available to you) and to create optimum sound recordings within this space. Where limitations apply, you are expected to show innovation and creativity to overcome obstacles. You will also ensure the recording space is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for performers, with consideration given to how the space would look if used for content on social media.
This is the first of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-1 focuses on the musical origins of blues & gospel music and its development into various pop & rock styles throughout the 1960-1990’s.
This module focuses on the way brands have impacted the music industry and how they can be used to increase awareness via a social media campaign. You will conduct a case study before running your own social media campaign based on your findings, presenting the results and evaluating your success.
In this module, you will be required to create your own sample pack. When you create your own samples, you have complete control over the recording process, sound design, and manipulation. This level of control enables you to capture the exact sound or texture you envision for your music. You can experiment with different recording techniques, instruments, environments and processing methods to achieve your desired sonic characteristics.
This module involves putting film to music (as opposed to putting music to film). It is intended to provide a practical foundation and aims to provide you with the basic concepts and fundamental disciplines necessary in music video production.
You will be required to produce video content and demonstrate that you can combine creativity and applied technology, working either individually or as a member of a production team.
In this module, you are required to record and mix 3-5 minutes of music, with consideration given to reference tracks. Using reference tracks when planning a mix is highly beneficial for music producers; reference tracks provide an objective standard against which you can compare your mix. They serve as a sonic benchmark, allowing you to evaluate the overall balance, frequency response, dynamics, and spatial characteristics of your mix in relation to a professionally mixed and mastered track. This helps you identify areas where your mix might be lacking or areas where it excels.
Production Pathway Year 2 Modules
This module gives you the opportunity to conduct a deep dive into an area of study which interests you, and then record a podcast episode about it. You will pitch your concept to your mentor, then create a real-life application as if applying to a podcasting platform (Audible, Spotify etc.). You will also create 1-2 minutes of social media content by using parts of your podcast episode. You are expected to utilise and develop skills learned in Music Video Production and Social Media & Artist Branding, and are encouraged to expand on subjects learned at level 4.
This is the second of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-2 focuses on the musical origins of Soul & R’n’B music and its development into various hip hop and electronic music styles up until the late 1990’s.
This module continues on the natural journey of a music producer to create mixed recordings and master them for three specific media (e.g. Radio, Spotify, Vinyl), ensuring each mastered track is tailored to the chosen platform.
This module provides you with an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills within an area of music business that relates to your anticipated career. You are required to produce a portfolio of research, evidence and financial forecasting for a sustainable enterprise.
The Level 5 Project is a great way to culminate two years of learning by putting a plan of action together to enable success in the music industry, and provides a natural route on to the BA (Hons) Music & Sound.
This module provides you with an opportunity to compose music and/or design sound to a medium which requires additional knowledge and skills outside of those traditionally practised by composers (e.g. interactive music implementation, composing to brief/conceptual art, techniques for looping music, understanding game development).
This is primarily a practical module, with the assignments being original compositions and/or sound design projects. However, it is crucial that students acquire an awareness and understanding of the general context of working as a composer within the video game industry, therefore, the module aims to develop work which acknowledges the implementation of compositions to video games via middleware.
This module concludes the journey undertaken as a music producer so far. Having studied each stage of the production process, you must now utilise all these skills, as well as creatively contribute to a collection of musical recordings, acting as the project leader and overseeing all aspects of the journey from conception to completion.
Songwriting Pathway Year 1 Modules
This module requires you to create a suitable recording environment (with consideration given to the resources available to you) and to create optimum sound recordings within this space. Where limitations apply, you are expected to show innovation and creativity to overcome obstacles. You will also ensure the recording space is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for performers, with consideration given to how the space would look if used for content on social media.
This is the first of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-1 focuses on the musical origins of blues & gospel music and its development into various pop & rock styles throughout the 1960-1990’s.
This module focuses on the way brands have impacted the music industry and how they can be used to increase awareness via a social media campaign. You will conduct a case study before running your own social media campaign based on your findings, presenting the results and evaluating your success.
The Songwriting pathway is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve will enable you to fulfil your potential as a songwriter.
The songwriting modules on this course, Songwriting (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), will contain the same criteria each semester, allowing you to work to a bespoke pathway which you should plan and work out with your mentor. As you progress, you are expected to develop your skills to a higher standard each semester. Therefore, during the first two or three weeks of this programme, you should plan your songwriting journey within your mentoring sessions, setting ambitious but achievable goals that will lead you to your most desirable outcome by the time you complete the course.
This module involves putting film to music (as opposed to putting music to film). It is intended to provide a practical foundation and aims to provide you with the basic concepts and fundamental disciplines necessary in music video production.
You will be required to produce video content and demonstrate that you can combine creativity and applied technology, working either individually or as a member of a production team.
The Songwriting pathway is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve will enable you to fulfil your potential as a songwriter.
The songwriting modules on this course, Songwriting (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), will contain the same criteria each semester, allowing you to work to a bespoke pathway which you should plan and work out with your mentor. As you progress, you are expected to develop your skills to a higher standard each semester. Therefore, during the first two or three weeks of this programme, you should plan your songwriting journey within your mentoring sessions, setting ambitious but achievable goals that will lead you to your most desirable outcome by the time you complete the course.
Songwriting Pathway Year 2 Modules
This module gives you the opportunity to conduct a deep dive into an area of study which interests you, and then record a podcast episode about it. You will pitch your concept to your mentor, then create a real-life application as if applying to a podcasting platform (Audible, Spotify etc.). You will also create 1-2 minutes of social media content by using parts of your podcast episode. You are expected to utilise and develop skills learned in Music Video Production and Social Media & Artist Branding, and are encouraged to expand on subjects learned at level 4.
This is the second of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-2 focuses on the musical origins of Soul & R’n’B music and its development into various hip hop and electronic music styles up until the late 1990’s.
The Songwriting pathway is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve will enable you to fulfil your potential as a songwriter.
The songwriting modules on this course, Songwriting (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), will contain the same criteria each semester, allowing you to work to a bespoke pathway which you should plan and work out with your mentor. As you progress, you are expected to develop your skills to a higher standard each semester. Therefore, during the first two or three weeks of this programme, you should plan your songwriting journey within your mentoring sessions, setting ambitious but achievable goals that will lead you to your most desirable outcome by the time you complete the course.
This module provides you with an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills within an area of music business that relates to your anticipated career. You are required to produce a portfolio of research, evidence and financial forecasting for a sustainable enterprise.
The Level 5 Project is a great way to culminate two years of learning by putting a plan of action together to enable success in the music industry, and provides a natural route on to the BA (Hons) Music & Sound.
This module provides you with an opportunity to compose music and/or design sound to a medium which requires additional knowledge and skills outside of those traditionally practised by composers (e.g. interactive music implementation, composing to brief/conceptual art, techniques for looping music, understanding game development).
This is primarily a practical module, with the assignments being original compositions and/or sound design projects. However, it is crucial that students acquire an awareness and understanding of the general context of working as a composer within the video game industry, therefore, the module aims to develop work which acknowledges the implementation of compositions to video games via middleware.
The Songwriting pathway is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve will enable you to fulfil your potential as a songwriter.
The songwriting modules on this course, Songwriting (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), will contain the same criteria each semester, allowing you to work to a bespoke pathway which you should plan and work out with your mentor. As you progress, you are expected to develop your skills to a higher standard each semester. Therefore, during the first two or three weeks of this programme, you should plan your songwriting journey within your mentoring sessions, setting ambitious but achievable goals that will lead you to your most desirable outcome by the time you complete the course.
What happens next?
Studying the Diploma of Higher Education is the springboard to our BA Hons Top Up Music & Sound. The top up is a one year level 6 course that will give you a full BA Hons, those that complete the DipHE will automatically be made an offer on the top up, should they apply. The DipHE is a level 4 and 5 qualification in its own right, and you could use your experience and new skills to begin working as an independent multi-faceted music practitioner, both during and after the course. You could also use this qualification to apply for level 6 top up or any other undergraduate programmes at any institution.
Fees and Funding
Course fees:£8495 per annum for UK students (2 year course)
English applicants: Subject to eligibility you can apply for a student loan to cover fees.
Please visit www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance for more information on student finance.
£8495 per annum for EU / Overseas students (2 year course)
EU / Overseas applicants: You will be expected to pay your fees independently by setting up a payment plan with the University of West London.
FAQs
The course is a two year commitment, level 4 & level 5. There are two 12 week semesters per year.
No. This course is only being offered as a full-time option.
Being able to play an instrument to a good standard, or being able to produce music and content competently with a DAW.
Prior music qualifications are not necessarily required, but we will ask for a demonstration of your experience by asking you to submit links to your work.
Level 3 qualifications are desirable, but all applications are treated individually and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and experience levels for this course.
If you have any questions regarding entry we welcome you to contact a member of our team.
We love hearing from prospective students, it gives us an opportunity for us to know more about you and better yet, for you to learn what we have to offer and how we can assist.
You are welcome to contact us via email at [email protected] or call us on 03301 749696.
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