COURSE SPECIFICATION

Transcription

1 Date of production of course specification: 26 June 2015 Date of review of course specification: N/A Date of course approval/validation: TBC COURSE SPECIFICATION This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course of study and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course module/unit can be found in the Course Handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by City and Islington College. KEY COURSE INFORMATION Name of course (as it will appear on student certificate): BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Music (Production) Final award (with credit rating): HND Diploma (minimum 240 credits) Possible interim awards with credit rating: HNC Diploma (minimum 120 credits) UCAS/JACS code (where applicable): W374 Institution Code: C65 Course to run from: January 2013 Awarding body: Centre in which course is based: Centre for Business Arts and Technology & Islington Music Workshop Course Manager: Martin Bottomley

2 Mode of study/attendance: Full-time day Expected duration of course: Two years (four semesters) (full-time) Entry requirements: Applicants should normally be aged 18 years and over and will need to have at have at least one of the following: A BTEC or other Level 3 qualification in Music Technology or a related area; A GCE Advanced level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C relevant industry experience or currently working within the Creative Industry. Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector. All candidates must demonstrate a minimum proficiency in written and spoken English. Applicants for whom English is a foreign language should either hold a recognised qualification in English. Applicants may be required to sit a pre-entry English test. Is the course linked with professional body accreditation/exemption (if so, please provide brief details)? The BTEC Higher Nationals in Music have been developed with career progression and recognition by professional bodies in mind. It is essential that learners gain the maximum benefit from their programme of study. Consequently we have added value to the qualification by securing recognition from JAMES, the industry organisation which represents education matters for the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS), the Music Producers Guild and the UK Screen Association. Are there any links to industry (if so, please provide brief details)? Course teaching staff has strong links with a number of businesses, companies and individuals within the industry. The HND has industry support from JAMES. Are there organised worked placements (if so, please provide brief details)? N/A What are the progression opportunities upon successful completion of the course? A key progression path for BTEC HNC and HND learners is to the second or third year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question. The BTEC HNC and HND in Music Production will have specialist pathways in Sound Engineering, Music Production, Sound Design for Computer Games and Moving Image. What career opportunities will there be after successfully completing the course? Career opportunities that the course leads to include various music production opportunities in recording studio, film postproduction and live sound careers. The HNC and HND is a wellrecognised and understood qualification by employers in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. 2

3 The following reference points were used in designing the course: The awards have been designed according to BTEC () guidance on course structure and content, and the course outcomes conform to criteria set out in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards where appropriate. They offer a strong, sector-related emphasis on practical skills development alongside the development of requisite knowledge and understanding. The qualifications provide a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in their sector and their national recognition by employers allows direct progression to employment. The BTEC HNC and HND in Music offer a progression route to the professional qualifications offered by Creative and Cultural Skills in Community Arts, Live Events and Promotion, Cultural Venue Operations, and the Music Business (Record Labels). Summary description COURSE OUTLINE BTEC Higher Nationals in Music have been developed to focus on: providing education and training for a range of careers in music and music production providing opportunities for musicians and producers to achieve nationally recognised level 4 and 5 vocationally specific qualifications providing opportunities for full-time learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in music and production or progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as a full-time degree in popular music or a related area developing the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners in the fields of music performance and music production providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of higher-level skills in a music performance or music production context providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life. This qualification meets the needs of the above rationale by: equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in employment in music and music production enabling progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in popular music or related area providing opportunities for specialist study relevant to individual vocations and contexts supporting individuals employed or entering employment in music and music production developing the individual s ability in music and production through effective use and combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enabling learners to make an immediate contribution to employment providing flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development in music and music production. 3

4 What will I be expected to achieve? Learners studying for BTEC Higher Nationals in Music will be expected to develop the following skills during the programme of study: synthesis of a range of concepts, knowledge and skills relating to music and production application of complex theories to practical realistic work situations in the music and production sectors independence of approach to study and the generation of music and production evidence ability to engage with complex and/or unpredictable situations in music and production contexts ability to take responsibility to manage and direct their own, and others, activities insight and judgement in relation to the margins and consequences of error research and investigative skills responsiveness to change and ability to multi-task ability to innovate and work in a creative way. How will I learn? A team of highly experienced lecturers and practitioners, who together offer a diverse range of commercial and academic experience, will teach you. Most of the regular teachers are practicing musicians and music technologists themselves, and their core teaching is richly supplemented by that of specialist visiting tutors and a selection of guest speakers. The course will be delivered using a mix of formal theory lectures, blended/e-learning on-line, practical demonstrations and workshops, directed assignments in the studio or on location, independent study, group seminars & critiques, blended learning, individual and group tutorials. The course will comprise a minimum of 870 contact learning hours. Typically, 720 of these hours will be subject-specific content delivered by way of lectures, and the remainder will be made up of a combination of tutorials, blended learning, guided reading. There is additional time spent working on assessments either as private study or input into assignments. Each module specification will indicate the breakdown for that module. The programme has been designed so that each unit is studied across the whole year, with continuous assessment points (both formative and summative). This offers students an immersive learning experience and enables the work produced across the units to feed into the final summative assessment point. How will I be assessed? Assessment is continuous, by coursework and skills/knowledge tests. Assessment methods will include: essays, project reports, case studies, time-constrained assignments, individual and group presentations and projects, compilation of a digital portfolio and practical music technology computer work. The assessment of BTEC Higher National qualifications is criterion-referenced and centres are required to assess learners evidence against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. All units will be individually graded as pass, merit or distinction. To achieve a pass grade for the unit learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications. This gives transparency to the assessment process and provides for the establishment of national standards for each qualification. Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement and made using the merit and distinction grade descriptors. 4

5 Summary of grades In order to achieve a pass in a unit all learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria have been met In order to achieve a merit in a unit pass requirements achieved all merit grade descriptors achieved In order to achieve a distinction in a unit pass and merit requirements achieved a unit all distinction grade descriptors achieved The units in BTEC Higher National qualifications all have a standard format which is designed to provide guidance on the requirements of the qualification for learners, assessors and those responsible for monitoring national standards. What do I have to do to pass the course? You must achieve a minimum of 120 credits (of which at least 65 must be at level 4 and a maximum of 55 credits at level 5) to be awarded an BTEC Level 4 HNC. A minimum of 240 credits (of which 125 must be at level 5 and the full requirements of the HNC met) to be awarded an BTEC Level 5 HND. What grade/level of qualification can I get? Learners who achieve the minimum eligible credit value specified above will achieve the qualification at pass grade. Learners will be awarded a merit or distinction qualification grade by the aggregation of points gained through the successful achievement of individual modules. The graded section of both the HNC and the HND is based on the learner s best performance in modules at the level or above of the qualification to the value of 75 credits. The number of points available is dependent on the module grade achieved and the credit size of the unit Learners that achieve the HNC will receive a Level 4 qualification. Learners that achieve the HND will receive a Level 5 qualification. Course structure and requirements: COURSE CONTENT The course will comprise two stages, as described below. Each stage will involve you taking a series of mandatory core modules and specialist modules at Level 4 (HNC) and Level 5 (HND) totalling 120 credits (normally four per semester) which must be completed to attain the qualification. The Mandatory Core Modules will be based on introducing you to the following concepts: Contextual Referencing Learners explore historical and contemporary contexts of the subject that will include research techniques and study skills. Project Musicians are expected to demonstrate their performing abilities by designing, preparing and presenting a project. The Specialist Modules will be based on the following concepts: Performance Support These units give the opportunity for learners to develop their skills on the techniques required to support the performance of music. The areas may include live sound systems for small and large venues, studio maintenance, studio management, electronics and repair. 5

6 The Recording Studio In these units learners will be able to extend their personal dexterity within the recording studio. The areas may include audio recording, studio production techniques and electronic principles. Use of Musical Technology In these units learners are introduced to, or explore further, elements of technology which impact on music production. A deeper understanding of the scientific principles of sound will be used to underpin this exploration. Musicianship These units will allow learners to develop the musical aspects of their environment and extend their understanding. There will be opportunities to develop musical techniques and ideologies. Entrepreneurial Skills These units provide learners with the skills to cope and manage selfemployment in the music industry, focusing on enterprise, self-promotion, self-management and networking, and personal and professional development. Operational Contexts These units allow learners to explore the operational aspects of the industry including community work, marketing, promoting live events and legal aspects. Music Production Pathway Stage 1 HNC Creative Arts Research Skills Core 15 1 and Music in Context Core 30 1 and Aural Perception Specialist 7 1 and Studio Recording/Engineering Specialist 52 1 and Principle of Musical Sound Specialist 43 1 and Music Technology Specialist 36 1 and Music and Sound for Computer Specialist 50 1 and Games (imported) Sound Design (imported) Specialist 58 1 and To pass this stage, you will need to successfully complete all of the core modules and 6 specialist modules from the list above. Each successfully completed module will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction based on your performance in the assessments. A pass will be awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria for each module. Merit and distinction grades will be are awarded for higher-level achievement. Assessment criteria for each module are set out in the module specifications. 6

7 Stage 2 HND Critical Musical Listening Core 16 1 and Preparation, Process and Production Core 42 1 and in the Creative Arts Music Studio Production Specialist 35 1 and Music Business in the 21 st Century Specialist 27 1 and Sound Creation and Manipulation Specialist 49 1 and Project Evaluation Specialist 44 1 and Computer Music Composition and Specialist 12 1 and Production Composition in Context Specialist 11 1 and To pass this stage, you will need to successfully complete all of the above modules. Each successfully completed module will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction based on your performance in the assessments. A pass will be awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria for each module. Merit and distinction grades will be are awarded for higher-level achievement (see summary of grades above). Assessment criteria for each module are set out in the module specifications. Sound Recording Pathway Stage 1 HNC Creative Arts Research Skills Core 15 1 and Music in Context Core 30 1 and Aural Perception Specialist 7 1 and Studio Recording/Engineering Specialist 52 1 and Principle of Musical Sound Specialist 43 1 and Music Technology Specialist 36 1 and Music and Sound for Computer Specialist 50 1 and Games (imported) Sound Design (imported) Specialist 58 1 and To pass this stage, you will need to successfully complete all of the core modules and 6 specialist modules from the list above. Each successfully completed module will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction based on your performance in the assessments. A pass will be awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria for each module. Merit and distinction grades will be are awarded for higher-level achievement. Assessment criteria for each module are set out in the module specifications. 7

8 Stage 2 HND Critical Musical Listening Core 16 1 and Preparation, Process and Production Core 42 1 and in the Creative Arts Music Studio Production Specialist 35 1 and Music Business in the 21 st Century Specialist 27 1 and Sound Creation and Manipulation Specialist 49 1 and Project Evaluation Specialist 44 1 and Music, Health and the Law Specialist 37 1 and Applied Music Production Techniques Specialist 3 1 and To pass this stage, you will need to successfully complete all of the above modules. Each successfully completed module will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction based on your performance in the assessments. A pass will be awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria for each module. Merit and distinction grades will be are awarded for higher-level achievement (see summary of grades above). Assessment criteria for each module are set out in the module specifications. Sound Design for Film and Games Pathway Stage 1 HNC Creative Arts Research Skills Core 15 1 and Music in Context Core 30 1 and Aural Perception Specialist 7 1 and Studio Recording/Engineering Specialist 52 1 and Principle of Musical Sound Specialist 43 1 and Music Technology Specialist 36 1 and Music and Sound for Computer Specialist 50 1 and Games (imported) Sound Design (imported) Specialist 58 1 and To pass this stage, you will need to successfully complete all of the core modules and 6 specialist modules from the list above. Each successfully completed module will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction based on your performance in the assessments. A pass will be awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria for each module. Merit and distinction grades will be are awarded for higher-level achievement. Assessment criteria for each module are set out in the module specifications. 8

9 Stage 2 HND Critical Musical Listening Core 16 1 and Preparation, Process and Production Core 42 1 and in the Creative Arts Music Studio Production Specialist 35 1 and Music Business in the 21 st Century Specialist 27 1 and Sound Creation and Manipulation Specialist 49 1 and Project Evaluation Specialist 44 1 and Audio Post Production Specialist 6 1 and Composition in Context Specialist 11 1 and To pass this stage, you will need to successfully complete all of the above modules. Each successfully completed module will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction based on your performance in the assessments. A pass will be awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria for each module. Merit and distinction grades will be are awarded for higher-level achievement (see summary of grades above). Assessment criteria for each module are set out in the module specifications. 9