Overview

Music Performance HNC (Full time)

The purpose of this qualification is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting musicians able to meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing music industry. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.

By studying at Bedford college, students will have the opportunity to learn in a dedicated HE workspace and utilise our recently updated state-of-the-art studio.

While studying with us, they will gain a wide range of music knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios.

Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace.

By the end of Level 4, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of Music Performance. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of music.

Ready to apply?

Important information

No. of contact hours

12 hours per week.

Expected self-study

You will be expected to study in your own time – hours to be confirmed by your tutor.

Regulatory body

Pearson

Course information

The standard college entry requirements for all HE courses are: A pass at a relevant level 3 qualification or 32-48 UCAS points.

Students should also hold English and maths at GCSE grade 4 or above (or level 2 functional skill).

Interview/Portfolio/Assessment

Students will be required to interview, and asked to audition in the case of performers, or submit a portfolio in the case of production and composition students.

  • Music theory, composition and genre exploration
  • Music business
  • Studio collaboration
  • Software skills
  • Reflective practice and portfolio building
  • Introduction to Live Sound

Skills gained:

Instrumental / vocal technique, stagecraft, live rehearsal, performance skills.

Assignment 100%: mix of written, presentation, performance and portfolio.

Music – Pearson – Level 4 Higher National Certificate.

Course progression:

  • Progression to L5 HND
  • Progression on to Level 6 Top Up degree at a range of institutions

Career progression:

Students may prefer to go straight into industry earning £18,000-£40,000+ in areas including:

  • Studio or live session musician
  • Composer for film, TV, games/apps, media
  • Songwriter
  • Solo artist
  • Sound designer/assistant sound designer
  • Sound Engineer
  • Music producer
  • Artist manager
  • Tour manager
  • Music promoter
  • Record label manager/owner
  • Event manager
  • Music education

MP02

Student Loans Company code

1019176

Costs/trips

Students to cover costs of trips. Purchase of own laptop is strongly encouraged.

Access to University students at Bedford College
Applying to more than one institution?

Apply through UCAS

If you would like to apply to more than one institution, then you can ‘Apply through UCAS‘ (coming soon).

Otherwise, click on ‘Apply Now‘ to apply directly to us.

Stuck on how to apply to UCAS? Find out more with the UCAS application guide.

Available Courses
Tresham College Kettering Campus
Starts: 14/09/2026
Type: HE
Length: 1 year
Day(s):
Time(s): 9:00am - 4:30pm
Apply now
Fees: £7,500.00 Fee notes: The fee indicated is for each year of the course.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.