HNC/HND in Music Production

Overview

  • Adults, H.E. Students

Details

Start date: September 2026
Location: Islington Music Workshop
Attendance: Full-time
Duration: 1/2 years
Fee: £6,185

To apply for the HNC/HND in Computing, you will need to do so through UCAS.
Course code: HNMU
Institution code: W51

Apply via UCAS

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are work-related, or vocational, higher education qualifications. Designed to give you the skills to put your knowledge to effective use in a particular industry, they are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas, and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC and Level 5 HND in Music Production at City of Westminster College (Islington Music Workshop) is a career-focused higher education course designed to develop your technical, creative and professional skills in music production.

This full-time, two year course combines hands-on studio experience with industry-relevant theory, preparing you for progression to university or employment in the music, sound and creative industries.

You will study in a professional music environment at Islington Music Workshop, benefiting from industry-standard studios, equipment and teaching from experienced tutors with strong industry connections.

Course Content

The course provides a blend of practical and theoretical learning. You will develop key skills in music production, sound engineering and audio technology.

Areas of study include:

  • Music production techniques and studio recording
  • Sound engineering and mixing
  • Sound design for games and moving image
  • Live sound and audio technology
  • Creative project development
  • Industry practices and professional skills

You will complete specialist projects in areas such as sound engineering, music production or sound design, allowing you to tailor your learning to your career goals.

Assessment

Assessment is coursework-based and designed to reflect real industry practice.

  • Practical studio projects
  • Portfolio development
  • Coursework assignments
  • Creative and technical project work

There are no formal written exams. You will be assessed on your ability to apply skills and knowledge in practical and professional contexts.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, you can progress to further study or employment in the music and creative industries.

Progression opportunities include:

  • Entry into the second or third year of a related university degree
  • Top-up degrees in music production or audio engineering

Career opportunities include:

  • Music producer
  • Sound engineer
  • Studio technician
  • Live sound engineer
  • Film and post-production audio roles

The qualification is widely recognised by employers across the creative industries.

Awarding Body & Industry Links

This course is awarded by Pearson and developed in line with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

The qualification is recognised by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS), Music Producers’ Guild and UK Screen Alliance.

Teaching staff have strong links with industry, ensuring your learning reflects current professional practices and opportunities.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should be aged 18 or over and meet one of the following:

  • BTEC Level 3 qualification in Music Technology or a related subject
  • A Levels in a relevant subject
  • Relevant industry experience or employment in the creative sector

Learners over 21 with relevant experience and professional qualifications are encouraged to apply.

All applicants must demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Applicants whose first language is not English may need to provide a relevant English language qualification or complete an assessment.

Support

Higher Education Fees

Paying for your course

To cover tuition fees, loans are available from the government. You may also get support towards your living costs. The amount you can borrow depends on where you live and your household income. There is also extra support for those with special circumstances, for example, if you have children or adult dependants, a disability, long-term health condition, mental-health condition, or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. Please be aware that unless expressly stated, the cost of your course is for a single year only. 

How are these loans paid back?

You must pay back Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. You pay interest on these. 
You don’t have to pay back other student finance such as grants and bursaries.
Repayments are based on your income, not on what you have borrowed. 
You only start repaying the loan once you’ve left university or college and your income is over £25,725 a year.
  • Repayments are 9% of everything earned in excess of £25,725.  
  • If your income drops below this amount repayments stop.
  • Your repayments will be taken out of your salary at the same time as tax and National Insurance if you’re an employee.
  • If you’re self-employed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will work out how much you pay from your tax return. You pay at the same time as you pay your tax.
As a part-time student who earns over £25,725 a year you have to start paying back your loans after 4 years even if the course hasn’t finished. 
After 30 years, regardless of what you have already repaid the debt is wiped. If you never earn over £25,725 then you will never have to repay the loan.  
 
For the most up-to-date information visit www.gov.uk/student-finance or check out the Student Finance Calculator.


Higher Education Additional Information

There are a number of United Colleges Group policies which directly affect Higher Education students. Please see all related policies below. For further United Colleges Group policies, please see the link below in the footer of our website or click this link

Higher Education Terms and Conditions
HE Access and Participation Statement         
HE Student Protection Plan
Higher Education Student Support

Accommodation

The College does not have facilities to host students in-house. For guidance on finding accommodation please contact our Student Advisors.

Important Information

Please note that to ensure students get the best experience possible, our Higher Education courses will run subject to numbers. If we are unable to meet our minimum threshold, we will aim to direct you to a provider who has a similar offer.