Music Performance and Production - UAL Level 2 Diploma

The Level 2 course is a one year course and is designed for students to develop their confidence and skills in preparation for the Level 3 course. This year gives the students hands on experience in some of the practical and theoretical aspects of the music industry and also gives students the opportunity to improve in their instrument to ensure they are at Level 3 standard by the end of the course. It also gives students a chance to obtain their Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths as these are part of the entry requirements for Level 3.

Applicants are expected to have already undertaken tuition for their instrument or voice prior to applying for the course. Although we do not require gradings we will offer the most suitable level of course following interview. At this time we are a performance and production course and are not able to offer places to aspiring DJs or applicants that do not play an instrument/sing.

You will work in groups and individually to prepare music for performances and recording. The music you perform will be decided in agreement with the tutor and you will be encouraged to perform different genres, often through cover versions. Gigs take place each term in various college venues, while rehearsal and recording takes place in the music area of the Creative Studios building.

In addition to the performance aspects of the course, research projects are focused on developing your understanding of the context of various genres of music. This will prepare you for the challenges of making a living in the music industry. These projects are assessed through written assignments and presentations. We also encourage video evidence of rehearsals and evaluation.

CWA has some of the best equipped recording studios in the region and there are plenty of opportunities for you to get hands-on experience in our two recording studios. All of the rehearsal rooms and recording studios are equipped with a drum kit, guitar amplifiers and PA system. We also have piano, other electronic keyboards and various percussion instruments. You are encouraged to bring your own instruments wherever it is practical.

You will also have the chance to become familiar with music sequencing in our classroom, which features computers equipped with MIDI keyboards and Reaper sequencing software. Here you will also be encouraged to experiment with techniques for music composition.

Our highest profile success in recent years is the band Deaf Havana, whose original members Chris Pennells and Tom Ogden studied music at the college.

You will need:

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or higher, including English, maths and preferably music

Or

• A relevant Level 1 qualification at Merit or Distinction standard studied at CWA or another further education provider
• English and maths GCSEs at grade 3 or higher

It is recommended that you also have some theory and knowledge of practical exams, however, we will accept applications from all interested parties.

You will be invited to an informal interview to help ensure the course is right for you. An audition piece will need to be prepared prior to the interview ready to perform for the course director. This need be no longer than 2 minutes and can consist of either singing or playing an instrument. We have most instruments on site (drums, keyboard, guitars) however you may wish to bring your own for the interview. You will also undertake a short music theory quiz to assess your level.

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

01/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£900

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

• University of the Arts London (UAL) Diploma in Music (Level 2)

How is my course assessed?

The work on these courses is project/assignment based and assessment is continuous throughout. The work will be a mixture of theory and practical.

The units in the first two terms are assessed at Pass grade only. The final unit is awarded a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction.