Level 4 Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise (Music)

Throughout the course, students will: Develop key enterprise skills, including branding, project management, copyright laws, fundraising, and social media marketing. Research and refine their creative ideas, gaining insight into market competitors and industry trends. Build a professional network and connect with industry experts. Learn specialist music production techniques and develop a practical portfolio showcasing their creative work. Collaborate with art and design students to explore interdisciplinary projects. Organise and participate in community events, gaining hands-on experience in performance and event management.

The units you will study are likely to include: Assessment is carried out across three key units: Unit 1 focuses on developing essential enterprise skills, exploring business models, and understanding the legal and financial aspects of the music industry. Unit 2 provides time and space for students to refine their ideas, conduct market research, build industry connections, and enhance their production skills. Unit 3 requires students to create and present a professional business plan, demonstrating their ability to launch a sustainable music-related venture.

The course is for students who wish to develop their skills to a higher standard, using the college's industry standard equipment and working with knowledgeable tutors. Students may wish to improve their skills or develop their business strategies.

2 Formative assignments, graded at either pass, referral or fail

1 final Summative unit, graded at either pass, merit, distinction or fail

We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.

Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

Business Models Understanding different ways to monetise music-related ventures.

Market Research & Industry Trends Analysing competitors and identifying opportunities.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration Working with art and design students to develop creative projects.

Music Industry Landscape Insight into professional roles, distribution channels, and industry structures.

Enterprise & Business Skills Branding, project management, business planning, fundraising, financial planning.

Marketing & Promotion Social media marketing, audience engagement, competitor analysis.

Legal & Copyright Knowledge Understanding copyright laws, contracts, and intellectual property.

Music Production & Creativity Specialist production techniques, portfolio development.

Networking & Industry Engagement Building professional connections and collaborating with peers.

Event Management Planning, organising, and participating in community performances and events.

Entrepreneurial Mindset Taking initiative, problem-solving, and adapting to industry changes.

Professionalism Engaging with industry experts, presenting ideas confidently.

Collaboration & Communication Working with diverse creative professionals and managing projects effectively.

Resilience & Self-Motivation Developing independence in project development and business planning.

You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.

Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college.

Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734066.

If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.

Students aged 19 or over will usually pay tuition fees. Our Enrolment Team will contact you, once you have applied, to discuss payment or student loan options.

This qualification is suitable for students who have an interest in starting up their own projects or company, become a freelancer or progress directly into employment. It also supports students wishing to progress into higher education courses or conservatoires.

You should hold a Level 3 qualification such as: A Levels or BTEC Level 3. You should also have gained a GCSE grade 4 in English.

We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.

These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.

Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements.

If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.