Are there entry requirements?
Yes. We accept students with a wide range of educational experiences and a variety of recognised qualifications. Normal minimum entry requirements are:
- 1 'A' Level or see the following list as a general guide:
- AS level
- AVCE
- BTEC National Diploma/Certificate/Award
- Access Diplomas
- Scottish Highers
- Irish Leaving Certificates (Higher Level)
- International Baccalaureate
- OCR National Certificate/Diploma/Extended Diploma
- Equivalent overseas qualifications *
*It is possible to get a general comparison of your qualifications with UK qualifications from the National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the UK (NARIC) - http://www.naric.org.uk. NARIC have an advice line for simple queries from students - telephone +44 (0)871 330 7033. There is a charge if you require a written assessment of your international qualifications.
Mathematics Skills
Mathematics at GCSE Grade C or above is recommended but achievement of Key Skills Numeracy at Level 2 is an acceptable alternative.
English Language Skills
You must have competence in English language and Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification is recommended. For this programme Key Skills Communications at Level 2 is an acceptable alternative. English Equivalency Table
The British Council runs an International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) in many countries which students from overseas can use to check language proficiency. The minimum IELTS level accepted for this programme is 6.0.
Other recognised tests include: TOEFL paper based 550 (no less than 4 in written English test) or TOEFL internet based 80 (with no less than 17 in each component). The Cambridge Proficiency Certificate (C), the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (B).
Mature students (21 years or above) with lower qualifications will be considered based on APL. Applicants will be invited to a telephone interview and will need to supply a short portfolio of work (music project based), a written statement and a short written exercise.
Entry at Level 5
If you have achieved a Cert HE, HNC in higher education or a number of modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, we may be able to offer you the opportunity to enter directly into the second year of the program to complete the DIP HE. Numerous factors are considered when assessing your suitability for credit transfer and the following table is a general guide to the appropriate entry point:
- Cert HE
- HNC
- 120 Mdx Credits
- 60 ECTS Credits
Your suitability for credit transfer onto the Dip HE will be assessed on an individual basis and based on consideration of the following:
- Compatibility of the learning outcomes of your previous study with that of the Dip HE In Music Production and Business
- Academic reference and personal statement
- All applicants must also meet the standard entry criteria for Point Blank
How do I complete the 3rd year of my degree?
On successful completion of Dip HE in Music Production and Business at Point Blank Music School, Middlesex University will offer students entry onto the Middlesex University Programmes detailed below, subject to the availability of places:
1- BMus (Hons) Popular Music - http://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/dance_music_theatre_arts/popular_music_bmus.aspx
The entry point for students is at Level 5 or Level 6 (year 2 or year 3).
2- BA (Hons) Music and Arts Management - http://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/dance_music_theatre_arts/music_management_ba.aspx
The entry point for students is at Level 5 or Level 6 (year 2 or year 3).
3- BA (Hons) Professional Practice - http://www.mdx.ac.uk/bapp
The entry point for students is at Level 6. This option is taken online.
Students must achieve a pass in all modules. For students passing with a final grade of 11-16, any offer for entry onto the BMus (Hons) Popular Music programme, the BA (Hons) Music and Arts Management programme will, at the discretion of the relevant Programme Leader, be subject to successful interview and/or submission of a portfolio of work of appropriate quality. Students with a final grade 1-10 will be able to progress automatically.
What is the schedule for the Dip HE in Music Production and Business?
The course consists of three terms, each of which is twelve weeks in duration. Each term students take two classes simultaneously, meaning that the total duration of the course is 36 weeks.
What software do I need to take the Dip HE in Music Production and Business ?
- Web browser: We recommend using Firefox 3 - www.mozilla.com
- Macromedia Flash Player - www.adobe.com
- Apple QuickTime - www.apple.com/quicktime
- Logic Studio 9 (recommended) or Logic 8
- Native Instruments Kontakt 3 or 4 sampler
- Native Instruments Reaktor 5
- Ableton Live
- We recommend the Waves Grand Master Bundle and C1 Compressor - (not compulsory)
The Audio Mastering module is based on Logic and the Waves Grand Master bundle but students can also take this module using Logic's Plug-ins. Unfortunately, we cannot accept other plug-ins during the review exercises as we can’t have them all. However, we will provide links to a large number of free, useful plug-ins for students.
Mac Users Only (Logic 9)
- Mac with an Intel processor
- Mac OS X v10.5.7 or later
- 1GB of RAM (2GB or more highly recommended)
- QuickTime 7.6 or later
- USB port
- A MIDI Controller keyboard
Mac Users Only (Logic 8)
- Mac 1.25GHz or faster PowerPC G4 processor (PowerPC G5, Intel Core Duo, or Intel Xeon processor highly recommended)
- Mac OS X v10.4.9 or later
- 1 GB RAM (2GB recommended)
- QuickTime 7.2 or later
- USB port
- A MIDI Controller keyboard
Is the Dip HE in Music Production and Business approved / accredited?
Yes. This program is worth 240 credits at HE level 4/5 and is validated by Middlesex University (subject to validation, Spring 2012). There are 12 modules, each worth 20 credits.
Point Blank is an Apple Approved Training Centre for Education (AATCE).
Point Blank is an Authorized Native Instruments Training Centre.
Point Blank is a Certified Ableton Training Centre.
What support do I get on the Dip HE in Music Production and Business ?
Throughout your course you will be supported by your Course Advisor who will answer enquiries about your course experience and who will ensure sure you are happy with the service we offer. For your learning pathway you will be in constant contact with your dedicated module leader, a carefully selected and trained professional music producer/tutor. You will be able to contact him 24/7 via the student forum and raise any issues that you may encounter on your Dip HE in Music Production and Business. All of the tutors are highly experienced in making music with Logic and Native instruments software and/or have in depth knowledge of the music business, and will be able to offer valuable advice and guidance. You will also be able to participate in a weekly online masterclass where you can raise specific questions related to the module you are currently taking in the Dip HE in Music Production and Business. Students also have access to extensive online resources for academic and technical support in addition to the staff (academic and administrative) who will be able to support you throughout your course.
