This two year Higher National Diploma course gives learners the opportunity to acquire a wide range of skills in Sound Engineering, Music Production and other aspects of the music industry such as running a music business, understanding the science of sound, legal and health issues. Taught by professionals working in the industry, this course will prepare learners for careers in the media, entertainment and music fields. Learners will work with performers and musicians in a purpose built industry standard professional recording studio. Editing, mixing and production take place in a state-of-the-art all iMac digital sound production facility. All workstations are equipped with software including Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Reason.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate (Minimum of H5 in two subjects at Leaving Certificate Higher Level)
Full Level 5 QQI Award in Sound Production or equivalent
Mature applicants are welcome
Course Modules (Year One)
- The Music Industry
- Marketing and Promotion for Musicians
- Professional Development
- Applied Sound Principles
- Recording Technology
- Creative Software Techniques
- Applied Music Theory
- Performance
Course Modules (Year Two)
- Creative Research Project
- Advanced Music Production
- Advanced Sound Production
- Advanced Composing using Technology
- Advanced Performance Skills
- Musicology
- Creative Portfolio
- Modules above are subject to change
- Course Modules (Year Two)
- Certification
- Edexcel/BTEC Award: Higher National Certificate in Music Production or Higher National Diploma in Music Production
Special Features
Second year students run a music enterprise managing their own label. They record original music and take charge of all aspects of the project, from recording and production, to running live events, design and marketing.
Progression Opportunities
While the HND course has a strong practical element, learners are also armed with the academic expertise and qualifications required to gain advanced entry into degree programmes both here in Ireland and in the UK. Learners who successfully complete the HND will usually require just one more year in a UK University to gain their degree
Progression Examples
BA in Creative Music Production (DL704)
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology
BA in Music Production (GC455)
Pulse College Dublin
One Year Top up Degrees
BSc in Creative Industries Popular Music Technology (PH10)
University of South Wales
Advanced Entry Links into 2nd or 3rd Year of Degree Programmes
BA in Creative Music Technologies (4F74)
University of South Wales
BSc in Music Technology (J931)
University of South Wales Trinity Saint David
Career Paths
Opportunities exist throughout the music industry and beyond: TV and radio, live sound, theatre, recording studios, music marketing and management.
- Course Type : QQI Level 6
- Duration : 2 years