Musicians - Artist Development
Our Higher Nationals in Music go beyond traditional classroom education by emphasising the practical nature of learning how to compose and perform music.
| Award Name | BTEC Higher National Diploma at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Pearson |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | BTEC Higher National Certificate at UK Level 4 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Pearson |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTEC Higher National Diploma at UK Level 5 | Pearson | ||
| BTEC Higher National Certificate at UK Level 4 | Pearson |
Duration
Two years, with an optional exit award after year one.
Entry Requirements
At least one of the following:
Leaving Certificate
Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)
QQI Level 5 major award in a related subject
Mature students of all background
Other equivalent qualification
In addition to the following:
Submitting a personal statement
Submitting a portfolio of your musical work
More details on each of these will be provided upon application.
Careers / Further progression
The Higher National Diploma’s more extensive coursework and advanced skillset make its graduates more competitive in the job market and better prepared for various creative media roles.
The Higher National Diploma is a recognised international qualification, delivered in over 50 countries worldwide. Graduates of our Higher National in Music can progress to various undergraduate degree courses upon successfully completing their studies.
Career Opportunities
Our Higher National Diploma in Music program opens up a world of exciting and diverse career paths for aspiring music professionals. With this qualification, you will be well-prepared to explore a multitude of roles in the music industry.
In addition to the diverse career options, our Higher National Diploma in Music program offers an industry-focused curriculum designed to meet the demands of today’s music landscape. The course emphasises practical learning, artist development, and collaboration, ensuring you are equipped to face the ever-evolving world of music.
Further information
Start Date: September 2024
MATURE STUDENTS SUPPORT
The college welcomes adults over 23 who wish to return to education and who wish to retrain in new skills and technologies. Our mature learners enjoy the following supports in addition to the overall supports provided to all students:
• Mature student meet and greet before the college year begins.
• A dedicated mature student room where mature students can meet and work with fellow mature students.
• Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the Mature Student room daily.
• A mature student officer available for guidance and support.
• Academic support tailored to ensuring the smooth transition to DCFE.
• Coffee Mornings in the mature student room.
• Guest speakers from past mature learners.
• Career guidance talks tailored to mature links.
• A dedicated induction process for mature entry.
• Workshops in exam study, time management, presentation skills, IT skills, referring and research techniques, etc.
• Basic computer skills workshops.
• Organised social events for mature learners.
• We look forward to welcoming our future mature learners to Dunboyne College.
For all courses in 2024/25, course fees are now a non-refundable €30 administration fee. The course fee must be paid to secure your place, you can pay this fee through our website. More information can be found here.
You can access your application details via the Dunboyne College website (click Login/Pay Fees in the menu at the top of the page) using your ID number and password.
No cash will be accepted at the office. Payments can be made online or by cheque (payable to Dunboyne College of Further Education), by bank draft or by postal order only.
SUSI Grant
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students for level 5 and level 6 courses in Dunboyne College of Further Education. For more information visit www.susi.ie
Application Procedure
1. Applications can be made online at www.dunboynecollege.ie. from November 2023 to September 2024.
2. After registering online, students will receive a text and email to notify them they have pre-registered and can log in to view and track their application.
Applications now open
Apply online www.dunboynecollege.ie
Once we receive your application we will email you requesting:
Photograph Reference Interviews
Recent academic results Personal Statement
Interview
All applicants will be interviewed. Some additional requirements may apply depending on your course choice.
When you receive an offer please confirm it by the deadline.
3. Applicants will be notifi ed by text and email of a request to upload further information for their application:
(i). Copy of most recent school report or examination results
(ii). Reference from teacher, employer or coach.
(iii). 100-word personal statement on
“Why this course is right for me,” which should outline reasons for choosing the course.
(iv) Photograph
4. Interviews will take place for all courses.
5. Successful applicants will then be able to complete the registration process.
6. Late applicants can apply online for vacant places at any time until the end of September 2024.
7. A grant can be applied for from www.susi.ie.
8. A separate process for applicants to the Early Learning and Care courses (formerly Childcare courses) applies. Other courses may have additional entry requirements including auditions etc, please refer to the entry requirements for the courses of your choice.
9. Applicants for the Apprenticeships in Hairdressing and Accounting Technician should note that there is a difference system for applying. Please refer to the information listed for these apprenticeships.
10. Applications will be processed in line with DCFE Admission Policy.
WHAT ARE THE HIGHER NATIONALS IN MUSIC?
Do you have a passion for music and songwriting? Do you want to elevate your skills and seize the numerous opportunities that Ireland’s thriving music industry has to offer? Dunboyne College is proud to offer our Higher Nationals in Music, an innovative and comprehensive programme designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to excel in the global music environment.
Our Higher Nationals in Music go beyond traditional classroom education by emphasising the practical nature of learning how to compose and perform music. You will benefit from one-on-one coaching and mentorship from experienced industry professionals, helping you refine your skills and talents. Through collaborative projects and real-world scenarios, you will gain invaluable experience and insights into the music industry, preparing you for a successful career as an artist or music professional.
Year One
Throughout the first year, you will delve into various aspects of the music industry, learning about its structure, history, and contemporary landscape. You will gain essential marketing and promotion skills, understanding how to effectively showcase your talents and projects. Our curriculum emphasises professional development, equipping you with the tools and knowledge required to excel in your music career.
As you progress through the first year, you will explore applied music theory, enhancing your understanding of the principles and techniques that underpin musical compositions. The performance and instrumental techniques modules will fine-tune your skills as a musician, allowing you to express yourself confidently on stage and in the studio.
The course also covers music production fundamentals, offering a solid grounding in the technical aspects of creating and recording music. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to hone your songwriting skills, developing your unique voice and style as a composer.
Year Two
The second-year curriculum focusses on further refining your skills as an artist, allowing you to develop advanced performance techniques and create a compelling creative portfolio. Delve into the art of musical direction and explore the practical applications of this crucial skill in the music industry. You will also master advanced composing techniques using technology and gain proficiency in live arrangement skills.
YEAR ONE MODULES
Applied Music Theory
Instrumental Techniques
Marketing and Promotion
Music Production Fundamentals
Performance
Professional Development
Songwriting
The Music Industry
YEAR TWO MODULES
Advanced Composition Techniques
Advanced Performance Skills
Creative Portfolio
Creative Research Project
Developing as an Artist
Live Arrangement Skills
Musical Direction in Practice
Please note that all the modules listed are subject to change due to availability and demand.
Certification:
BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Artist Development), with optional Higher National Certificate after year one.
Level: Level 6 Higher Certificate (HNC/D)
CERTIFICATION
Being a two-year course, we know how important flexibility is. This is why we offer our students the option of an exit award after successfully completing the first year. This can suit those who wish to take a break from study or progress onto a different course in DCFE or elsewhere.
Year One
– Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Music (Performance)
Year Two
– Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Artist Development)
Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, A86 FH01
Phone: (01) 8026577
Email: DunboyneCollege@LMETB.ie
www.dunboynecollege.ie